Poe: How to prepare for golf season from the comfort of your home
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Guest Commentary by Mike Poe, Quintero Golf Club
The brutal summer heat is finally simmering down, which means that golf lovers near and far will flock to Arizona’s award-winning golf courses for an unbeatable day on the greens.
Like with any sport, time away from the fairways can have players feeling a bit rusty when they start swinging again.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just want to try out a new hobby for the first time, the following exercises will motivate you to get outside and start putting!
Balance
Start by grabbing your golf club and assuming setup position. Next, lift one foot slightly in the air behind you, standing on the other. Make slow swings back and through for 10 seconds and then switch legs.
Strength
The simple, classic squat can be achieved anywhere. Place your feet shoulder width apart, extend your arms, and squat down as far as you can for 10 seconds. Gradually work up to 30 seconds per squat. This will improve core strength when it’s time to get back on the course.
Another classic workout that can be done to improve strength is the push-up. When performed correctly, push-ups can be extremely beneficial for your strength and golf swing.
To set up correctly for a push up, place your hands beneath your shoulders and your feet shoulder-width apart. Then squeeze your core and go to the top of a plank.
Flexibility
Lie on one side with the bottom leg straight and the top leg bent with inside of knee on ground. Rotate your trunk back attempting to put the top shoulder blade on the ground. Hold two seconds, return to start position, and repeat for 10 reps. Switch sides.
Another excellent exercise to improve your rotation in the back swing and the flexibility of your trail shoulder is the full body turn. You should feel a big stretch around the ribcage, mid-back, and shoulders during this exercise.
Technique
We like to call this the “impact drill,” and it’s something we use with players all the time.
The goal is to hit the balls while your stance is always in the position of contact.
Assume your golf posture.
Rotate hips 45 degrees toward the target.
Keep right heel up or trailing foot heel up.
Tilt club shaft towards target.
Repeat half swings from this position.
About the author
With more than 20 years of experience in the golf industry, Mike Poe is the general manager at Quintero Golf Club in Peoria.
