Barrow Neurological Foundation hosted an inaugural golf tournament, raising $1 million to establish the new Sports Biomechanics Spine Lab at Barrow Neurological Institute. The Barrow Open, presented by PXG with special support from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, took place at the iconic TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course on Wednesday, February 26, 2025. In addition to a competitive round of golf, highlights included a golf and wellness clinic provided by PXG, a “sneak peek” into the new Barrow Sports Biomechanics Spine Lab from Barrow clinicians, a Hole-In-One contest sponsored by Porsche Salt Lake City on the signature 16th Hole, and an awards reception featuring a live auction.
“It was an incredible honor to chair The Barrow Open Committee and lead efforts to raise funds for the new Barrow Sports Biomechanics Spine Lab. Seeing all the players, donors, and sponsors come together to support this cause was truly inspiring,” said Laurie Carson, Barrow Open Committee Chair and Foundation Board Trustee.
The Barrow Sports Biomechanics Spine Lab will be the first of its kind in Arizona, with an initial focus on studying the biometrics of the modern golf swing. Approximately 55 percent of professional golfers and 35 percent of amateur golfers experience sport-related back injuries. However, there is little evidence-based research on how to best treat their injuries and when it will be safe to return to play. Led by neurosurgeon Randall Porter, MD, and physiatrist and interventional spine specialist Scott Kreiner, MD, the Barrow Sports Biomechanics Spine Lab will enable Barrow clinicians to conduct research and develop innovative treatment and science-backed guidelines to help golfers with back pain or injury safely return to their game.
“As a neurosurgeon, almost all my golf patients have the same question after surgery or therapy for their back pain: When can I get back to my game? The Barrow Sports Biomechanics Spine Lab intends to answer that question by studying the biomechanics of the modern golf swing, conducting pre- and post-injury research, and collecting data on golfers before and after spine surgery,” said Dr. Porter. “I am grateful to everyone who supported The Barrow Open for making this possible, especially PXG and The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation as our presenting partner, and Bruce and Sara Ward for their early Core Fore commitment.”
Research in the Barrow Sports Biomechanics Spine Lab will emphasize collaborating with golfers at all levels, using state-of-the-art analytic equipment to evaluate whether the biomechanics of their swing contribute to back pain.
“Innovation in golf isn’t just about the clubs we create; it’s about empowering every golfer to achieve their best performance,” said Bob Parsons, Founder of PXG and The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “At PXG, we are deeply committed to supporting initiatives like the Barrow Sports Biomechanics Spine Lab, where science and sport unite to ensure that every golfer can return to the course stronger than ever.”