Is stretching important before playing golf?

Every golf swing requires movement in the upper and lower body. Therefore, it is important to warm up and stretch the major muscle groups involved in the golf swing.

• Stretching is most effective when muscles are warm. You can elevate body temperature by taking a brisk walk or performing a few minutes of easy practice swings.
• All stretches should be performed without bouncing and be held for a minimum of 15 seconds to receive maximum benefit.
• Remember to breathe during the stretch.
• PGA First Swing offers some great tips on stretching out.

How can proper nutrition and diet impact my golf game?

Like a finely tuned car, the human body can look great, have all the parts in place and be ready to go at top performance. But if it is lacking fuel – or has the wrong kind of fuel – you could be in for a rough ride. Playing your best golf requires you to be in reasonable, if not excellent, condition. That includes playing at the proper weight.

• If you are overweight and find yourself tiring and hitting poor shots in the closing holes of a round, losing the extra weight might have tremendous benefits for your golf game.
• While there is no shortage of often-conflicting diets and diet books, we recommend a common sense approach to reasonable weight loss. If you are severely overweight, it’s a good idea to consult with your physician.
• When playing golf, remember to keep yourself hydrated, especially if you play in hot, humid conditions. Stick with fruit juices, sports drinks or water, since they contain no artificial sweeteners or ingredients.

Will strength training make a difference in my golf game?

It is vitally important to make a critical assessment of your physical condition before you begin any weight training program. Consulting with a physician before starting a workout routine is recommended, so that your program is properly aligned with both your general health and your body’s needs.

• If you’ve been relatively sedentary for a number of years, start slowly to avoid possible serious injuries.
• While it is important to increase the intensity of your workouts, you should do this in a steady, incremental manner, focusing on the large muscle groups, such as legs, arms and most importantly, the lower back.

Tony Lake,

Head Golf Professional at Stratton Mountain Country Club

802.297.4119
tlake@intrawest.com