Get There Early

photo credit: rioncm     All too many times players are late for their tee time.   Rushing to the tee to make your start time is not a good way to start your round.   Rushing, no matter what the reason, is a good way to throw your tempo off.

Tour Players get to the course very early, they purposely try to remain in a relaxed mode.   Notice how they take their time between practice shots.   They want to keep their pace relaxed.

Get to the course at least an hour before your tee time.   Take your time on the range and on the practice green.   Allow at least fifteen minutes, after your practice is finished, to unwind a little before you start your round.   Be early  and enjoy  your day.

Make Proper Preparations

photo credit: teamstickergiant     Each new season brings the  hope of improvement to every golfer.   For better results and lower scores  in the new season, try the following:   Analyze Your Game >  With pad and pencil write down your weaknesses during last years season.    Was it common to hook,  slice,  hit thin or fat shots?    Were your tee shots accurate etc.?   Know the Course > most  golfers have a “home course.”   Make sure you know the yardages  to and from hazards on every golf hole.   Get in Shape > Swing with a weighted driver, do sit-ups, push-ups and  stretching exercises for several weeks before you take your first swing.   This holds especially true for senior golfers.    Muscle injuries  can keep you off the course for weeks at a time.

Controlled Violence

photo credit: Fevi in Cayman     Have you ever heard someone say, “relax, you're just too tense today,” or, “you've got to swing easier so relax?”   Generally, the more you try to relax the more tense you become, so what's the magic formula?   It's very simple: just be at ease.

“If you feel at ease, you are relaxed – but ready,” so said Harvey Penick, world famous golf instructor.   Jackie Burke Jr., who played on the PGA Tour in the 1950's and 1960's, said, ” the secret is the feeling of controlled violence.”  

Nothing contributes to good shot-making more than maintaining a relaxed golf swing.    Get yourself into the habit of  warming up thoroughly before a round and use a deep breathing exercise on every hole.

Pre-Round Stretching

photo credit: optimal tweezers     One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to start your round of golf without preparing your body for the strenuous movements of the golf swing.   If done properly, the golf swing encompasses all of the major muscle groups, therefore, it is critically important that you warm-up prior to a round.

The  concern with implementing a good stretching routine should  revolve around  the duplication of the golf swing.    While holding a club, spread your arms apart and hold them directly out in front of you.   Now, turn  from 12 o'clock to  3 o'clock, back to 12 and then to 9 o'clock.   Now do the same exercise with the club held high over your head.    Do the same exercise with the club held  behind your back.   These simple exercises will help you avoid injuries.

Fitness Web-site

photo credit: Marco Gomes     If you are looking for ways to keep your golf game at it's peak, check out www.fitness-to-play-golf.com/.   The site  encompasses just about every type of equipment which is involved in strengthening key muscle groups  used in the golf swing.

The categories include the following:   Balance and Stabilization, Grip & Shoulder, Strength, Flexibility, Core Strength, Muscle Strength, Yoga and Golf Training Aids.

Under every category you will find featured products that enhance specific muscle groups.   Under the Core Strength category you will find products such as Stability Balls, Rollers, Gym Balls and Torso Trainers.   Using any one of these training tools will help strengthen your core muscle flexibility and strength.

For orders or questions, log on to their web-site (above) or call toll free at 1 800 260-2280.