Tiger or Stadler the Waddler? Decisions, Decisions…

When you see John Daly waddling his way to the green you probably think, “Holy cow! A cow that can swing!” Out of shape golfers that win tournaments have spawned this myth that you don’t have to be in shape to play golf well. While it’s true there are exceptions to the rule, that is all they are: exceptions. The key to being a better player is to be fit, as with any sport. Read on and see what sort of things you can do to get in your lean, mean, tear-up-the-green shape!

Golf fitness is essential to better scores so before you go out and purchase practice aids, a golf net, a golf putting green, new clubs or putters, make sure you pay attention to your golf conditioning. You must focus on 3 main things - Mainly your strength, stamina and flexibility. Golf fitness is not swinging a heavy club. It has become very common and readily available in major golf tournaments as it has become a rapidly growing field, and rightfully so. Golf Fitness is all the rave, especially on the PGA Tour. And with the games No. 1 player, Tiger Woods, a golf fitness nut, it has reached never before seen popularity.

Products to Sink Your Teeth Into: There are tons of books and products one can use to improve his fitness. I can recommend two that I use regularly: Roger Frederick’s Stretching and Flexibility on DVD is excellent at improving one’s technique, and the Golf Gym is another excellent tool to improve overall fitness. If you don’t believe me on the Gym, then just ask Pat Perez, winner of the Bob Hope Tour. He claims the Gym made him fit, and helped him win as well! These two and many other products are linked in our fitness section, so head over there for descriptions, reviews, and good deals!

Flexibility and strength training: As I have mentioned, flexibility is the key to golf fitness and usually the first thing that goes in a golfer. Lack of flexibility will cause a decreased turn, loss of power, and eventually loss of strokes. A golfer should have proper flexibility to allow just enough turn in the backswing in a mechanically optimal position, and even more flexibility is the follow through to increase acceleration through the impact position. Flexibility will improve range of motion and reduce injuries while strengthening key muscles to allow them to perform with more power and avoid early fatigue. Flexibility and strength work together to develop a more consistent and reliable swing by promoting a more efficient, stable, balanced and coordinated swing. PGA TOUR Professionals have doubled their strength, tripled their flexibility and have seen up to 20 yards in added distance off the tee.

Avoid the Injuries: Not only do regular strength-building and flexibility exercises help your score, they can keep you in the game longer by improving your stamina as well as reducing your chance at an injury. Most golf injuries result from poor control or poor fitness, both of which can be improved by exercising and training yourself properly. This will reduce the likelihood of sitting out with a hurt shoulder or elbow. That’s Golf Guru Guy’s worst nightmare!

Golf fitness is something every golfer should think about. It is an essential component to any golfer’s program and is vital to success at the highest level in golf. Golf fitness is more than just exercising at the gym. Golf Fitness is the next piece that impacts the power and longevity of your golf swing.