So how does being “fit for golf” translate to improving your game? The full swing is an unnatural movement done at a very high rate of speed. The stress the body goes through is unique to the swing and understanding how those stresses affect the musculoskeletal system is important in defining a golf fitness program. Just as every player is unique, so too should be a golf fitness program. Program design should begin with a physical assessment. The assessment will help determine areas of weakness, specifically areas of concern regarding balance, mobility, stability and flexibility. Optimally, a player will be strong but will also have enough flexibility and stability to repeatedly perform the rigors of a golf swing without pain or injury.
Once areas of weakness are determined, a program is designed to address those concerns. For example, when a player has a weak low back and isn’t able to stabilize his pelvis while rotating his torso (x-factor stretch); it is indicative of either poor posture and/or a weak core (abdominals, back, glutes). These types of weakness will manifest themselves in golf swing faults such as “Early Extension” or “Coming Over-the-Top.” Simply put, the golfer cannot maintain his dynamic golf posture due to physical restrictions. The result of this is a higher handicap and a greater risk of injury to the player. The exercises prescribed in this particular scenario will include strengthening the core muscles as well as having the player learn to stabilize his hips dynamically. This may include crunches, some type of torso rotation, strengthening of the glute max (large butt muscles) and the glute medius (lateral butt muscles which help stabilize the hips) among many other exercises.
Fitness for golf involves understanding the biomechanics of the swing and, when swing faults are present, having the knowledge of the human body to understand how to prepare the body to efficiently make the swing. An efficient swing will create less load on the body and will, in most cases, help a player lower his score. This might involve a team approach, the golf coach and the physical trainer. The golf coach/instructor can identify the swing faults and relay the information to the trainer, and then the trainer can screen the player for physical limitations. This is the ideal scenario; the instructor working with the physical trainer who also has access to Sports Medicine specialists such as orthopedic doctors and chiropractors.
The bottom line is that being fit for golf can greatly enhance a player’s game by making him a more efficient and better player and also by reducing or eliminating pain during and after a match or practice. An added bonus to all this is feeling better all around by being a healthier individual. Now that’s a resolution we can all commit to.
What are the Benefits of Golf Training?
Golf fitness training focuses on core exercises, balance and flexibility. Pilates or Yoga may also be included.
Core strength and stability
Increased flexibility
Hip strength and stability
Improved balance
Better focus
Decreased risk of injury
Increased back strength
Increased lean body mass
Improved endurance
Wesley Chun (Los Angeles CA) is certified as a Level 3 Golf Fitness Instructor with the Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) and have trained with Dr. Greg Rose and Dave Phillips co-founders of TPI. Contact Wesley: 818.723.7798
Thank you to Beth Begelman for her helpful insight
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