It’s that time of year darkness casts its evil shadow on the fairways and greens so soon for that afternoon 9 we grow accustom during the long glorious days of summer. No, it’s the SHORT season, the time when days are fewer for golf!
So, what do you do now that the “serious” golf season is behind us? Like many, you are probably spending more time and less time on the golf course! Okay, there are some of you diehard golfers who aren’t bothered by a little cooler weather, but most of us will play less during the short season, regardless of our passion for the game. It’s tough to enjoy a round when the weather doesn’t always cooperate. And something about those drab dormant brown that tends to allow our minds to wander and wish for a speedy return of spring when the course begin to green, unless your course overseeds fairways!
It’s during this time when it’s easy to let your golf game slide. It’s easier not to play, not to practice, and not to work toward optimizing or simply maintaining your game. For many, the physical and mental aspect of the game slip away more rapidly.
But as you know, golf is a game of dedication. And, allowing yourself to lose focus in the short season makes it that much harder to get started next golf season. So the question is… do you really want to spend the first month or two in spring re-acclimating yourself resulting in less time playing great golf?
Why not turn this “off-season” into an “on-season”? It could make a big difference at the beginning of golf season. A golf strength and conditioning program is a great way to keep in shape. Go to the driving range at least every couple of weeks. Play as often as time and weather permit. Remember it won’t be the short season forever!
Here are a few simple ways to remain fit…
A weighted golf club (you can easily convert an old club or buy one at a local golf or sporting goods store) is a great way to exercise. By swinging a weighted club at least three times a week for 10-15 minutes you can increase strength in all the vital golf muscles. Don’t over do it, three times a week is plenty! Another benefit of a weighted club… it will help stretch your muscles increasing you flexibility. Which is another key component of a short season conditioning plan.
There are a number of exercises you can do to help increase flexibility. You can use a golf club placed on your shoulders to do a series of trunk rotations and side bends. You can do alternate toe touches to stretch your lower back muscles. Bent arm stretches, this is where you place one arm across your body and pull it towards you with the other arm, will help keep your upper body flexible. There are hundreds of web sites that offer golf specific stretching exercises that can help you create a plan to stay flexible.
Finally, basic sit-ups are the best way to keep your core strong. A strong core is key to a solid golf swing! Work your core and you will be that much further ahead come spring.
Most golfers aren’t thinking about golf during the winter months, but as soon as the weather starts to warm and the days grow longer, they immediately realize they need to get back in shape.
Don’t wait, use the short season to keep in shape and stay focused!
If you have more questions about playing in the wind or want to schedule a lesson please feel free to contact Philip Herterick, Class A Teaching Professional - 770.331.1775.
