The fact that spring is approaching means that the duffers out there are starting to think about getting out on the course away from work and family for a few hours in sunshine and warmth. If walking manicured fairways, with a few friends for a couple of hours isn’t relaxing to you I can’t imagine what you do for work. So for most of us we start to consider getting ready.
There are probably as many different golf videos, online sites, golf books and so on available on how to get in shape as there are diets for women. A casual Google search turns up hundreds. But the fact is that a bit of work will definitely help improve your score.
Why is fitness so big a deal?
Of the things that make up a golf swing there are several components intrinsic and consistent to every golfer. More important than golf equipment, choice of golf ball, and as important as golf instruction lessons are (in my opinion) strength, range of motion, and technique. All three are required to strike a consistent, solid shot.
First off if the body is weak and inflexible you will not be able to achieve optimal swing mechanics. Such things as a full shoulder turn, with minimal hip rotation are critical to get that Daly/Happy Gilmore drive that we all want so badly. No piece of golf equipment will make up for a weak golf swing, and shoulders that don’t turn.
Dropping a few pounds makes walking those 7,000 some odd yards (real golfers walk the course) far more easy. The best golf ball on the market won’t roll that far. In addition it adds to the energy you have for the back nine that most average, and overweight, golfers tend to have their blow-up holes on.
The golf swing itself is affected by how fit you are. The lower back usually takes the brunt of the stress and strain of a swing. Then hips, knees, shoulders and even wrists. The better off you are the better your swing and obviously the results of that swing.
So what should you do?
Well that depends on you. Going to the gym is never a bad thought. Talking to your doctor to determine what might be specifically good for you to do, or not do, isn’t a bad place to go either.
Shedding a couple (roughly 10) pounds if you are overweight can be a huge help. Stretching so that you can touch your toes is a great idea for flexibility. Bend over, keeping your knees straight, touch your toes, hold for 15 seconds. Do not bounce or have a slight bend in the knees. It’s also a great goal for those with more than a few vanity pounds to achieve.
Working your grip, which you can do indoors on those days the snow won’t stop falling, is definitely a benefit to your game.
Getting your stamina up will not only improve your ability to go thru 18 holes, but could improve your night-life as well.
Will working on all these things turn you into Sergio Garcia, Tiger Woods or even Kirk Triplett? Nope. Not by themselves.
But being just a bit more fit than the average guy in your foursome could mean dropping a few strokes, winning more rounds, and even a few dollars from your skins game (if you indulge in that). The bragging rights for all of that are immeasurable when it comes to the 19th hole. Especially if you are buying the drinks from winning the skins.
So as the days get longer, the sun shines brighter and warmer, and your desire to get out of the house and on the green increases, consider and work on getting a bit more fit. Your handicap counts on it.
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