Many of the top touring professionals know that winning on the tour today takes much more than a great game of golf. It means understanding every aspect of their physical and mental being and what factors influence their performance.
Before any golfer — pro or otherwise — picks up a club, they look at the capability of their body versus the requirements of the swing.
What exactly does this mean?
Most of us are aware that golf requires rotation at the hip joints, shoulder joints and spine. So, what if a golfer has a very tight low back or any restrictions in their shoulders? Well, the obvious answer is that any loss of range of motion creates swing flaws in addition to injuries.
This is a fact based on human performance and movement. It’s also necessary to create a fluid and natural golf swing. Not only does golf require good rotation at each joint, but it must be efficient and explosive.
Several years ago I had the opportunity to visit a human-performance center where some of the more famous tour players train. I was able to explore the same tests they take as part of their initial assessment period. Remember since we are all built differently and have different strengths and weaknesses, we all test differently.
The results of these tests help guide, direct and prioritize any training program moving forward. How successful is this approach to golf conditioning? I watched it place a green jacket on a well-deserving young player just a couple of years ago.
Take the following tests to sample how well you would do under the same criteria.
(A) Your lower back lifted and you could no longer feel any pressure on your hand.
(B) Your lower back lifted and you could feel some pressure on your hand.
(C) You were able to keep the same pressure on your hand throughout the movement.
If you answered (C), congratulations! You are well on your way to developing the core strength you need for better golf. If you answered (A) or (B), start with some basic exercises on engaging the core region of your body.
May 4, 2005
Susan Hill is a fitness trainer, CHEK golf biomechanic and sports nutrition specialist. For on-line golf specific exercises and stretches, visit www.fitnessforgolf.com.
Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management.