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In my generation, the thinking was that if you went to the gym, it wasn't going to help your golf. The gym meant getting bigger and stronger. I don't know about you, but sore muscles never did anything for my game. Fast forward 25 years and fitness has become a big deal in golf. The best players in the world are more athletic and fit than at any other time in the history of the game. The great players focus on getting stronger, but they also work at increasing flexibility and improving their cardiovascular health. The recipe for building the perfect workout plan is difficult. You have to take into account anatomy, physiology, the way players metabolize their food and their overall health. The preparation of a personal workout plan is best left to a professional who can take all of those things into account when working with a student. If you're a tall, thin player, becoming sturdier should be the focus. If you're rounder around the middle, flexibility is what you should work on. But no matter what course a player takes to improve strength and flexibility, cardiovascular training should not be neglected. Tour professionals walk during their rounds, which can amount to six or seven miles a day - six days a week. On top of that, they typically do additional work on a treadmill or in a swimming pool. Exercise also helps people think clearer and improves concentration. That's crucial for golfers who play at the highest level. Even though you don't have to concentrate for an entire five-hour round, you do have to continually turn the switch on and off. That can be mentally - and physically - demanding. In professional golf, most tournaments come down to the last four or five holes. Golfers who play those holes well typically move up the leaderboard. Those who play them poorly see their paychecks shrink before their eyes. You may not be playing for that type of money, but think about all the times you let a good round get away because you ran out of energy before the 18th hole. The best thing you can do is develop a plan that will improve your overall strength, flexibility and stamina. At the least, do some cardiovascular work three or four times a week. It doesn't have to be strenuous. Walk around your neighborhood or do 10 minutes on the treadmill. Gradually build up your stamina and establish a defined routine. At the finish line, you'll think clearer and be stronger. n Jamie Mulligan is the chief operations officer at Virginia Country Club and the SCPGA golf professional of the year. |
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