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Have you seen the television commercial with the two
golfers who are talking to one another about using the new
"plutonium" clubs? These days, golfers are willing to try
anything to hit the ball an additional few yards. Obviously,
this TV ad is a spoof, but, if you are willing to try any
new gimmick that comes down the pike, it's time you took a
long look in the mirror.
Each year, I have the opportunity to lecture about golf
fitness to thousands of players, from the best in the world,
to beginners who still swing and miss the ball. The very
first thing I try to express, regardless of the player's
ability or experience, is that the human body is the machine
that swings your club.
Take a look at yourself. Are you the best athlete at your
club? Are you the most physically fit? Since we know that
all golfers are honest, your answer to these questions is
probably "No." One more question - do you have to have the
newest driver, fairway woods, lob wedges and graphite irons
with titanium inserts? Chances are good that your answer to
this one is a big "YES."
If technology is improving to the point of considering
radioactive options for clubs, why aren't golfers' handicaps
rapidly declining? If oversized woods were such great
innovations, why has the Big Bertha grown from great big to
the biggest big - in just a few years? The answer: amateur
golfers want to emulate tour players. You want to play the
golf clubs and golf courses that the pros play.
Let's be honest. If your golf clubs are the greatest and
your handicap is still the same, now is the time to shape up
your game. Nearly every professional golfer on tour has
included fitness into his or her practice routine. Players
realize that careers are short if you're hurt. Practicing,
playing, and traveling for a living is very tough stuff.
Tour players who work out at PGA National Resort,
exercise three to four times per week. Stretching every day
is a must. Most professional golfers stretch two and three
times per day. Every player has his or her very own exercise
program, designed specifically for his or her swing and body
type. The most important key to improving your golf fitness
is "training to gain, not to maintain."
So, instead of attempting to elevate your golf with every
new gadget available, get back to basics and "shape up your
game."
The following LPGA, Nike, PGA and Senior PGA Tour players
shape up their bodies with a regular fitness routine. You
too, can improve your level of fitness. The benefits are
limitless. You will feel better, and at least be able to do
something as well as your favorite pro!
Until next month, keep pumpin'.
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Laurie Rinker-Graham
is so fit, she has continued to play competitively
during her pregnancy. Here she stretches prior to
working out.
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Nike Tour player, Greg Peterson, a veteran of
competitive golf worldwide, lifts weights in and
out of season. Incline lunges with weights will
stretch and strengthen the lower body.
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Lee Jantzen, a top
money winner on the PGA Tour, does the stairmaster
for thirty minutes four times per week. Flexibility
in the upper torso is the reason he hits the golf
ball long and straight.
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Local Senior PGA Tour favorite, Jim Albus, has
overcome several injuries during the past two
seasons. He attributes a quick recovery to being
strong and in great physical condition.
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