Phil Herder joins Dr. Luke Benoit as his primary fitness expert, bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table. Phil’s journey began with high school golf at Rochester Mayo, which eventually led him to pursue a career in Exercise & Sport Science at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.

During his undergraduate years in Health & Human Performance, Phil wore many hats, serving as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor for the university’s Campus Recreation. He didn’t stop there; he also successfully completed minors in Coaching and Sports Management, showcasing his dedication to a well-rounded education.

His thirst for knowledge extended further as he pursued a Master’s degree in Strength & Conditioning at Wisconsin-River Falls. His thesis, “Analysis of Golf Strength and Conditioning Programs: Are Coaches Using Golf-Specific Practices?” exemplifies his commitment to advancing his field.

In terms of certifications, Phil is a certified TPI Golf Fitness Professional, NSCA Strength & Conditioning Specialist, and ACSM Exercise Physiologist. He’s renowned for his focus on tailoring fitness regimens to individual athletes of all ages and skill levels, emphasizing sport-specific performance enhancement.

Within the RypGolf team, Phil plays a multifaceted role. He guides fitness clients, conducts cutting-edge research studies, and oversees various day-to-day operations at RYP Academy. Notably, he is a published co-author alongside Luke, with their work in the International Journal of Golf Science, where they quantified the relationship between golf skill level and golf shot “feel” estimation.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Phil is also the dedicated girls’ golf head coach at Stillwater Area High School. In his leisure time, he channels his passion for golf into creating innovative exercises and exploring mind-body connection activities, such as yoga and meditation.