Is getting better at golf on your list of personal goals for the upcoming year? If so, you’re in good company. It’s estimated that 8% of the population in the U.S., some 25 million people, play golf. Unlike other sports, it’s also extremely popular around the world, with courses in 85% of countries. No matter where you go on vacation these days, chances are good you’ll be able to work in a golf game or two. And at home, there’s bound to be a course within miles of your house.
One of the very few downsides of golf is the fact that it’s weather permitting. Even if you know what to practice, unless you live somewhere that the sun shines year round, you’re probably benched for months at a time, waiting for the course to dry out. It can be frustrating, because by the time you’re able to play again, you’re rusty and have to start over in some respects.
Fortunately, there are some things you can do in the off season to keep the momentum going and even make improvements in your mechanics.
Here’s what to practice
You already know that regular exercise will do your body good. As it pertains to your golf game, however, focusing on fitness in the off season helps keep up your endurance and prevent muscle soreness when you do return to playing eighteen holes. When it comes to your golf skills, there are a surprising number of ways to keep moving forward when the weather sends you indoors.
First of all, to enhance your long game, commit to 100 golf swings a day (no ball necessary). You can do this in your garage or living room, or even better, someplace where you can see yourself in a mirror. You don’t need to be an expert to critique and improve your form. And speaking of form, working on overall flexibility will help with your swing. Stretching is something you can easily fit into your daily routine and requires no special facility or equipment. Finally, work on your short game; purchase an inexpensive indoor putting green or chipping net and set them up at home or in your office for practice breaks.
PGA Tour in 2020?
These are all tips on how to become a better golfer even when you can’t be on the green. When you do get back to the course, consider signing up for a few private golf lessons with one of our resident pros at Calabasas Country Club (CCC). One-on-one sessions with an instructor studying and correcting your mechanics can make a huge difference in your technique.
If you’re interested in upping your golf game in 2019, keep working in the offseason, and look into getting expert advice from a CCC pro. We can help you get to the next level.
