GOLF TIP
by Debbie Vangellow"A Well-Rounded Program-
Can Help You Achieve Your Goals"
Health and fitness are part of a balanced golf program that can help you achieve the goals you set for yourself. A well-rounded program also includes instruction, club fitting and the mental aspect of the game. The best players at the highest levels have this balance much like athletes in other sports.
As you tune-up your game for spring, here are some helpful tips:
HEALTH and Fitness
Physical conditioning and training are prerequisites for any sport if you expect a high level of performance. Golf certainly is no exception. A multi-faceted game plan including knowledge of warm up and coo down, aerobic conditioning, flexibility training, resistance training, nutrition and fluid replacement can give you the ability to hit the ball farther with more control, reduce your risk of golf-related injuries, increase your concentration levels and decrease effects of fatigue. Improvements in this area have helped golfers of all levels, including many Tour players.
INSTRUCTION
Work with a qualified instructor who you feel comfortable with to assist in your development as a player and monitor your progress. Fundamentals such as grip, stance, posture, ball and hand position, aim and alignment should be stressed with your swing development matching your individuality and uniqueness.
CLUB FITTING
You need "tools" that reward a balanced swing. A golf club evaluation and fitting should be done by a qualified teacher outdoors so ball flight dynamics of distance, direction and trajectory can be observed. Club fitting variables that should be checked include lie angle, shaft flex, loft on woods, shaft length, grip size and set makeup. Checking your tools can give you the confidence you need for more consistency, to cure a chronic hook or slice, help balance your swing, produce more distance and achieve greater control. Remember that many times adjustments can be make in your current equipment. Club fitting does not necessarily mean buying new clubs.
PEAK PERFORMANCE
Your objective should be to get to know yourself better by identifying your strengths and weaknesses and setting goals that can help strengthen your thought process on the golf course. A solid mental game includes the ability to concentrate and focus, controlling your thoughts, ability to manage tension, confidence and mental preparation/imagery.
Resources are: The Complete Guide to Physical Conditioning for Golfers by David G. Keir and GOLFERCISE: The Golf Fitness Manual by Timothy D. Conwell; PGA of America (561) 624-8400, LPGA (904) 274-6200, Little Red Book by Harvey Penick with Bud Shrake; Henry Griffitts (800) 445-4653, Titleist (800) 324-3350, Ping (800) 474-6434, Square Two (800) 526-2250; GOLFPSYCH – The Foundation of Your Mental Game by Dr. Deborah Graham (800) 322-5044, Golf is Not A Game of Perfect by Dr. Bob Rotella and Smart Golf by Dr. DeDe Owens and Dr. Dan Kirschenbaum.