Fitness And Golf

Fitness is such an important aspect to enjoying the game of golf over the long term.  But so many golfers don’t pay attention to their overall fitness any more than the rest of us do.  But while golf is not a physical game football or basketball, being in shape can help your game so much.

Let’s start by talking about stretching.  Stretching is something that people just don’t do enough of anyway.  As we age, we tend to lose flexibility as part of the process. So stretching is important in general.  For golfers, flexibility is important to the golf swing. Getting that good shoulder turn in the back swing can make a big difference in your ball striking and your distance.

One of the things that I notice many times in a round of golf is how I will get a little tired around the 13th or 14th hole. Being in good overall shape can help with this.  Usually what will happen if I am a little tired is I lose my focus and then my shots start to go all over the place.  And I don’t have to be really exhausted, just a little fatigue can cause me to lose that sharp focus.  The worse you are out of overall shape, the greater likelihood that you will have a second half swoon like this.

One of the things that many amateur golfers don’t totally understand is the importance of the legs to the golf swing.  But good balance and leg strength go hand in hand.  A good exercise regimen that focuses on the legs or even walking on a regular basis can help maintain good leg strength. And walking during your rounds of golf instead of riding a cart can help to keep you and your legs in shape.

Now some people question whether golfers should lift weights.  My experience is that weight training, done consistently and correctly is great for overall health.  I’m not talking about body building, heavy lifting, maximum bench press and all that sort of thing.  I’m talking about an overall conditioning program that includes light to medium weight for upper and lower body.  With a good stretching program this will not bulk you up or make you stiff and inflexible.  Which means it won’t hurt your golf game.

Take a look around the PGA tour these days and you’ll see more and more of the pros working out including using weights to get in shape and stay in shape.

Now one last aspect of golf and fitness is one that many of us don’t want to hear.  But the longer we exercise and stay in shape, the longer we can enjoy the game of golf.  Unfortunately in our society today, too many people age early, not because of health problems.  But because they don’t take care of their body with consistent exercise that really works them hard and keeps them healthy.  But if you want to enjoy golf for many years to come, much less enjoy life more, get into a regular exercise routine today.