Warm up for success on the Golf Course
How you warm up before a round can set the foundation for your golf day
Here is a scenario I see all the time…A golfer is running late for his tee time. He rushes through the golf shop and hurries to the range to squeeze in a few swings. Figures, he is going to hit a driver first so might as well take 5 or 6 swings with the “big stick” quickly. Jumps in the cart and floors it to the first tee figuring it is “better than nothing”.
I will tell you that this golfer is likely going to have an off day.
I get it that traffic happens, phones ring, and work calls. I have rushed to plenty a first tee in my day and it definitely can affect your whole round.
Also, I often see golfers go to the practice range before a round to hit balls and pull out the driver first. I guess it seems easier to hit because it is on a tee. I am not sure actually but this I know…good golfers start with a wedge and work their way up the bag and take their time. They also include some short game and putting to establish touch and a feel for the speed of the greens.
There are Two Main Benefits to Warming Up Properly
- To Loosen Up
You want to slowly loosen up your muscles and to do this you want to take smaller swings with shorter clubs first. This is especially important if you have a tight back, hips or shoulders (or all three). Tight muscles just don’t move very well.
2. To Build Your Tempo
I always say “tempo trumps mechanics”. You want to establish some rhythm and tempo with your small swings. It is much easier to do this with a chip or pitch. Then you build up making longer swings keeping that good rhythm. You have a much better chance of creating consistency and solid contact if you can maintain a consistent tempo all round.
In fact, the last round of the Masters, Tiger Woods woke up at 3:45 a.m. before his early tee time. “The early wake-up should give Tiger about four and a half hours to prepare for the final round. In that limited time, he’ll need to pack in a quality range session, spend time on the putting green, and likely work with a trainer to get his body warmed up.” (Golf.com)
So you are not Tiger and you are not playing in the Masters…but I think the point here is how seriously good players take the time before a round.
Avoid rushing to the golf course and establish a pre-round warm up routine and give yourself the best chance for success.
Watch the video below for details.
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Until next time, put on your shoes and go practice!
Kathy
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