Keeping your golf game sharp though the off-season
It has been an amazing summer; however, all good things do eventually come to an end. Fall is here, but we certainly still have a few solid weeks of golf weather left ahead of us.
The end of the season always leaves people wanting more; would it not be great to have a full indoor golf dome at our disposal for the winter?
Many of my clients comment about the lack of indoor hitting facilities in our city. It is important to remember that a few golf simulators do exist around town and I know the Family Leisure Centre also utilizes their indoor field house as a range on occasion as well.
Options do exist – no, not as big and elaborate as a full indoor range – but they do exist if you search for them. Hitting balls casually throughout the winter is a great way to maintain your rhythm and feel. This certainly is a great addition to any off-season improvement program.
Far too often though, players swing the club in the offseason, yet continue to neglect the other game improvement areas they ignored all season long. One of these areas is general strength, flexibility and overall athleticism.
It comes down to priority for many people and these areas get neglected during the season simply because there is plenty of golf to be played. Nobody wants to be inside the gym when the sun is shining and the first tee is available. So, if not a winter priority, then when?
The off-season is the ideal time to start improving your overall conditioning. You do not need to turn yourself into a body builder; simply moving yourself toward a wellrounded active lifestyle is a great starting point.
Walk more often, swim sometimes, skate or ski on occasion, grab some friends and play some volleyball, badminton, floor hockey or basketball…simply make a point of getting your heart and lungs pumping.
It will not take long for habits to form and you will likely find an interest in progressing toward more sportspecific training. As a sideeffect, you will also notice your physical literacy toolbox expanding. Things like agility, hand-eye coordination, reaction time, balance and just overall dexterity will improve as well.
Do yourself and your game a favour ... Find a few unrelated recreational activities to explore this winter and prioritize them in your calendar by booking them in now. Round things out with some casual indoor swing work to maintain your rhythm and you will hit the ground running when the snow clears next spring.
Trevor Moore is a PGA of Canada professional and a TPI Certified Golf Fitness Instructor with the Titleist Performance Institute. Based in Medicine Hat, he runs the Advantage Golf Academy at Cottonwood Coulee Golf Course and coaches the Medicine Hat College Rattlers golf teams. For comments or questions, you can contact him via his website www.trevormoore.ca or follow him on Twitter @trevormooreinc.