Sport specific performance training is important to golfers because it means that the training you are getting applies specifically to your sport. The exercises, nutrition and drills that you do directly correlate to your golf game. If you want to be a great golfer, you need to train like a great golfer.
Sport specific performance training for golfers is also important if you are just a recreational golfer. If you want to be in good shape and get the most from your time on the course, being "golf fit" will help.
Performance training will help you get started/warmed up more quickly on the course, reduce and prevent muscle injury and strains, maintain consistent scores on the front and back nine, become more comfortable and confident in your swing and much more.
Do you feel like you have a smooth, natural-flowing swing? Do you feel like you fail to get a complete, full backswing or follow-through on your swings often? Do you have hitches in your swing? If you answer yes to any of these questions, it could be due to a lack of strength or range of motion. This is something that golf performance training can help you with. There are certain exercises tailored specifically to the muscles used in golf and this will help you greatly over time.
Do you feel like you run out of steam before you finish your round of golf? Do you get too tired to walk the course instead of taking a cart? Do you perform strong on the front nine but peter out on the back? This could be due to lack of endurance or cardio fitness and again, golf performance training can help you improve this.
Physical or mental fatigue can cause you to get more easily frustrated as your playtime goes on. You may have more trouble choosing your shot or club selection. You may have less patience or feel like you are just rushing to finish the round as you get towards the end. If this happens often when you play golf, it could be due to physical and mental fatigue and golf performance training can help you with this as well.
There are basics that apply to every golfer but the ideal golf performance training program will be tailored specifically to you, your experience level and your current physical fitness level. A golf coach or fitness coach can help you create a plan that is ideal to your needs. If you cannot arrange that at this time, there are many great books, videos and training materials available to help you create your own personal performance training plan for golf.
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Lisa is a recreational golfer, wife of an amateur golfer and mother to four young golfers. She follows the PGA and LPGA as well as local golf scenes.
