FITNESS FOR GOLF

As Published in the:
Treasure Coast Business Journal
October 2002

Golf Conditioning:

Golf is becoming more popular every year. It is a sport that crosses all age groups from preadolescence, well into retirement. The rules of the game are the same regardless of age, sex, or skill level.

The sport has not been considered to be a serious fitness/conditioning sport. When we look back over the last five decades, the names of the game synonymous with fitness and conditioning, include Gary Player and the late Sam Snead.

In the seventies, Tom Kite was enhancing his golf future through golf specific conditioning. During the eighties and nineties, three great players exuded superb conditioning: Nick Faldo, Greg Norman, and Berhard Langer. More recently, the media has chronicled the conditioning regimen of Tiger Woods, David Duval, Bob Estes, Annika Sorestam and others.

If hitting practice balls determined our success, Vijay Singh would be winning every tournament.

While golf has not been considered strenuous, it does require the blending of muscular strength, coordination, balance, stamina and timing. To swing a golf club over 100 mph, and hit a ball over 200 yards straight, requires golf specific conditioning.

Imagine a sport that requires the average participant to move their hips at a precise time and to rotate those hips at a rate of 8 - 9 mph, while their arms are moving at a rate of speed 2 1/2 to 3 times faster than their hips are rotating, while holding on to an implement ranging in length from 34 to 45+ inches and weighing between 11 1/2 to 15 ounces, moving at a speed of 55 to 105+ mph. Peace of cake!

Why then can't more golfers do it more consistently and more successfully?

The answer does not appear to be a lack of "how - to" information. A host of touring professionals and instructors have inundated us with books, tapes, infomercials and articles discussing a variety of approaches to improving swing techniques. We are even encouraged to consult a sport psychologist. All of the above can help.

Success in making a powerful, consistent and rhythmical golf swing lies in conditioning specific muscle groups. For the golfer's body to assume positive biomechanical positions, it is necessary to condition various parts of the body to function properly in sequence. Golfers can utilize golf specific drills and exercises to increase strength, flexibility and muscular endurance. It helps balance in golfers with weak leg muscles and allows them to stay in position during the swing. It can strengthen abdominal muscles and lats to support the upper body on plane.

The golfer's technique reflects their individual physical instincts and mental perceptions. As a result of the technique, strength emphasis will vary. The hands, forearms, trunk rotators, back, abdomen, legs and 
ankles should be the most important areas of emphasis. Strength without flexibility is of little use. Most men require more flexibility and most women need more strength. The golf swing is 85 - 90% rotary. 
Drills and exercises emphasizing the rotary movements of the trunk are extremely important.

The golf swing is a sequential firing of muscles that generate power through the large muscles of the lower body, and transfer it through the trunk, to the upper extremities in a synchronized pattern. Understanding the conditioning role of specific muscles groups in the golf swing can help high and low handicappers develop proper swing mechanics, optimize performance and minimize injury. 

Golf specific exercises and drills are essential to developing amore consistent, powerful and healthy golf game.