by Susan Hill
Are you ready to take your golf game to a new level? Golf fitness
and a whole body approach to your golf game may be the answer.
Many of you have spent hours on the driving range sharpening your
golf skills. You’ve invested a small fortune in new equipment,
golf lessons, and accessories, yet you haven’t seen a decrease
in your
handicap in years. You’re not alone. Fifteen years
ago the average handicap for women was 29. For men, it was 16.2.
However, you may be surprised to learn it is the same number today.
What accounts for this lack of improvement and what can we do about
it?
The real answer lies in the basic understanding that what you
are seeking cannot be purchased in a pro shop, from a local golf
retailer or on-line store. The answer may be closer than you think
because it lies within your current physical capabilities. The
most overlooked component of improvement in golf is neglecting
to factor in your physical conditioning.
There are four main physical requirements a golfer needs to graduate
to a greater, more consistent level of play. Which of these physical
characteristics do you possess and which of these areas need improvement?
Balance. This is an area often overlooked by golfers of all abilities.
Balance plays a critical role in stabilizing the core musculature
as well as adding the element of control through muscle coordination.
Balance plays a pivotal role in your ability to execute weight
transfer and hip rotation without jeopardizing a stable address
position. Those individuals with exceptional balance will have
more efficient reaction times and therefore movement speed.
Flexibility. Allowing your muscles to extend through their full
range of motion is widely considered one of the most important
aspects of a successful golf swing. Muscles which are inflexible
can have a significant impact on all aspects of your game. The
same is true for muscle imbalances. Never neglect a pre-round warm
up. It will prepare your muscles for the work to come and ward
off immediate dangers to tight muscles.
Strength. When muscle force or strength is applied to the ball,
power is created and distance is increased. Increasing your striking
force to the ball will likely yield a desirable result for any
level of player. Strength in key muscle groups will offer protection
from injury. Strong lower back muscles will support your position
at address. Strength in your midsection will provide you with the
stability you need to make the most effective separation of the
hips from the shoulders in producing the power you seek. A strong
body creates a powerful swing, a strong mind, and a fit body.
Endurance. Golf has always been thought of as a sport based on
skill, requiring minimal fitness. While the cardiovascular requirements
for golf are not extensive, they are critical in maintaining adequate
levels of energy and maximal levels of concentration. In the absence
of a sound cardiovascular routine, physical fatigue can easily
lead to mental fatigue. Mental fatigue then gives way to skill
deterioration.
Use your body as your most prized possession and your greatest
resource as you build a foundation for better golf. Factor in your
current physical conditioning by using a whole body approach and
you will see a lifetime of benefits in increased performance, longevity
in your favorite sport, and a physically fit body worthy of recognition.
Susan Hill is a CHEK Golf Biomechanic and President of FitnessforGolf.com,
a private, member’s only, online golf fitness website
dedicated to the improvement of golfers worldwide. For more
information on her golf products and services, visit http://www.fitnessforgolf.com.
