4 Essential Elements of Golf Fitness

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 golf fitness training, visit http://www.fitnessforgolf.com

Latest News


Los Angeles Times

In His Absence, Woods Has New Challengers Teeing Off
New York Times, United States - 1 hour ago
By LARRY DORMAN KAPALUA, Hawaii — For the last decade, professional golf’s opening day has come here on the island of Maui, a mountainous tropical setting ...
Kim, Villegas lead charge for PGA Tour's young stars USA Today
Golf-Singh to miss next four Tour events due to knee surgery Reuters.uk
PGA Tour Commissioner Finchem to appear on Golf Channel tonight Examiner.com
Television Week - Channel News Asia
all 439 news articles

Slippery Brick

How Can a GPS Help Your Golf Game? Ask Garmin
PC Magazine - 13 hours ago
The only thing caddies have to do is carry the bag. by Craig Ellison LAS VEGAS—If you want to slice a few strokes off of your golf game, Garmin's new ...
New Garmin GPS unit helps your golf game Slippery Brick
Garmin® Goes Golfing with Approach™ G5, New Touchscreen GPS Device ... WELT ONLINE
all 43 news articles

Disc golf referendum might face legal question
MSNBC - 11 hours ago
CHICO -- A referendum seeking to keep disc golf courses in upper Bidwell Park faces a legal issue that could potentially allow the Chico City Council to ...
City Council Changes Mind About Disc Golf Newstalk1290 KPAY
City Council Votes To Restore Disc Golf In Upper Bidwell Park KHSL
Council takes on disc golf again Enterprise-Record
KHSL - Enterprise-Record
all 9 news articles

Xerox Golf Classic Won’t Run This Year
13WHAM-TV, NY - 7 hours ago
(Rochester, NY) – Xerox has decided to drop its sponsorship of the PGA this year, and move those marketing dollars into other areas. ...
Xerox Classic golf tournament goes on hiatus Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
Xerox Classic goes on hiatus for lack of sponsor The Associated Press
all 94 news articles

Area golf calendar
Dallas Morning News, TX - 38 minutes ago
To submit tournaments for the area golf calendar, send the information to texasgolf@dallasnews.com or via facsimile machine to 214-651-0580. ...

Times Online

Palmer, 79, is still the King
San Jose Mercury News,  USA - 1 hour ago
By Eric Pinkela Even at 79, more than 20 years removed from his last victory on any tour, nobody can justly claim that the game of golf has passed Arnold ...
The Long Shot Conde Nast Portfolio
Rough Putting: Five Things To Watch In 2009 FanHouse
Tiger may defend Match Play title in Tucson Tucson Citizen
About - News & Issues - GolfDigest.com
all 26 news articles

Telegraph.co.uk

Golf-Recovering Seve targets return as Royal Trophy captain
Reuters.uk, UK - 16 hours ago
BANGKOK, Jan 7 (Reuters) - Seve Ballesteros is planning to return to golf next year as captain of Europe's Royal Trophy team after starting rehabilitation ...
Olazabal: European skipper SkySports
Olazabal wary of Asian threat in golf showpiece Golfonline
Europe urged to win for Seve The Times
European Tour - guardian.co.uk
all 227 news articles

Troubled Collins Hill Golf Club open, but with ‘skeleton crew’
Atlanta Journal Constitution,  USA - 6 hours ago
By PATRICK FOX The Collins Hill Golf Club is still open, but things are no better than they were last month when the governing board asked the county to ...

Arizona Republic

16th Hole to be "Stadium Golf Hole"
KTAR.com, AZ - 51 minutes ago
This year the hole will have a different look, as it will become the sport's first "stadium golf hole". There are now an additional 3000 general admission ...
FBR officials watch closely to see if recession affects golf fans YourWestValley.com
The 16th Hole At TPC Scottsdale To Be Fully Enclosed For FBR Open SportsBusiness Daily (subscription)
PGA Tour Schedule eTaiwan News
Today's Golfer - AZ Central.com
all 15 news articles

Man found dead in Grover Beach near Pismo State Beach golf course ...
San Luis Obispo Tribune, CA - 44 minutes ago
Bickford’s body was found just after 5 am Wednesday near the golf coursen entrance at the end of Grand Avenue near the beach, according to the Sheriff’s ...
Body Found Near Golf Course KEYT
Body discovered on the Pismo Beach State Golf Course KSBY
Dead body found near Pismo Beach State Golf Course San Luis Obispo Tribune
all 4 news articles

Resources