Are You In Golf Shape?

The two feet of snow that dropped in the last few weeks is a harsh reminder that golf season is still a few months away. This doesn’t mean that you should forget about golf until spring arrives. Actually, the winter months are a great time to improve your golf swing. This month’s golf tip is going to focus on the importance of strengthening and stretching your golf muscles. When your golf muscles are strong and loose, your golf swing will produce long and straight golf shots. Also, you will be less fatigued at the end of your round, which will help you shoot lower scores.

Most golfers are familiar with professional golfers Gary Player, Tiger Woods and Annika Sorenstam. Combined they won 303 professional tournaments and 33 major championships. Gary Player is already in the World Golf Hall of Fame and you can bet that Tiger & Annika will be inducted as soon as they retire. My question to you is: What do these three players have in common? Most would say that they are gifted individuals blessed with more talent than the average person. I certainly would agree that they are special athletes, but talent alone isn’t enough to win 300 tournaments. The one thing they all have in common is they make sure their bodies are in peak physical condition. They put in equal hours on the golf course and in the gym. They prepare their bodies so they can perform at a high level against the best competition in the world. More often than not, they beat their competition and consistently finished in the top ten.

I would love to tell you that I am an expert on how to get your body in golf shape. I know the importance of golf fitness, but would never consider myself an expert. However, I can refer you to the book/work out routine I use during the winter. I highly recommend you purchase the book Get Yourself in Golf Shape: Year Round Drills To Build A Strong Flexible Swing By Cindy Reid. Cindy is the Director of Instruction at TPC Sawgrass and has also been featured on The Golf Channel’s Academy Live. The book is very easy to read and there are pictures that demonstrate how to perform the exercises. Cindy also outlines an 11 day fitness program that will stretch and strengthen you golf muscles. I have finished my first 11 days and can feel a big difference in my flexibility. I can’t wait to hit my first ball this spring! If your goal is to lower your handicap this year, then make sure you add a fitness program to your practice schedule. You will not only play better golf, but more importantly, you will feel GREAT! Thank you for reading this month’s golf tip. If you have any questions or want to talk about improving your game you can reach me at rickaltham@pga.com or 207-839-3490.