After a long winter, what is the best way to get ready for the Golf season?
I have seen many golfers hurt themselves early in the year by not properly preparing themselves for their early practice sessions. Even if you have been working out all winter and think you are in great shape, your first bucket of balls will make you sore. The golf swing uses different muscles than what is used during a typical workout.
Every year I see “that” guy who goes to the driving range for the first time and buys two ex-large baskets of balls. He is going to start out hard and fast and of course he hits nothing but his driver. This next day this guy has a hard time getting out of bed and just can’t believe that hitting golf balls would make him feel sore.
A good strategy is to start out slowly with a small bucket and only hit short irons to start. Work your way up to longer clubs and more balls over a period of practice sessions. MOST IMPORTANTLY, stretch before you practice or play. There are several good stretches you can do using the golf club. These stretches can even be done on the 1st Tee before you play.
First, holding the club in front of you with both hands, reach up above your head to start loosening up the shoulders and arms. Reach and little higher and then stretch your arms behind your head to loosen up your shoulders. With the club still in front of you, bend over to touch your toes. Feel the stretch in the back of your legs. While in this position, lift your butt to the sky, which will increase the stretch. Now take the club and put it behind your back and slip it under your elbows.
With the club behind your back, set your body in your address position. Turn into your backswing while pointing the club towards the ball. This helps with the proper shoulder rotation as well as helps maintain your spine angle. Now, follow through again pointing the club towards the ball.
Remembering to stretch before practicing or playing will help prevent injury and keep you healthier for the golf season.