Golfers routinely deal with injuries. Some injuries are due to playing, while others just interfere with enjoying a day on course. As such I decided to enlist a golf expert to provide some advice on how to maximize your golf game while avoiding or overcoming injuries.
Golf…
One of the oldest games around with one simple concept: Try to hit a ball into a hole by swinging a club, and try to do it in the least amount of attempts possible. Anyone who has actually played golf before, or even tried to hit a golf ball, knows that the actual process of achieving this is far more complicated. Golf is well known for the strategic measures and mental awareness needed to execute a desired shot. But, what golf has not been well known for until recently is the physical aspect of the game and how taking care of your “golf body” can translate to your golf game. 
If you look at the best pro players today they all have some type of strength training program. An established training program involving strength and power development is a staple for elite golfers of the world. However, elite golfers are not the only ones who can benefit from a golf strength program- every golfer can.
Do you enjoy the game of golf?
Do you wish you had more distance? More consistency?
Maybe you wish you could play without pain?
If you answered YES to any of these questions you are ready for a golf specific exercise program. Working with an experienced professional of the Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) can be invaluable. A key tenant of the TPI is they “…do not believe in one way to swing a club, but rather an infinite number of swing styles…” and this approach allows these professionals to help the recreational golfer unleash a new, more efficient golf swing.
Increasing shot distance, improving the consistency from shot to shot, and managing aches and pains through our round can all be related to swing mechanics and physical limitations we have. Incorporating an exercise program focusing on coordination, muscular strength and power output, can help improve club head speed and ball carry. These training principles are not revolutionary ideas, but the practical application to the recreational golfer has only recently begun.
A TPI certified professional begins the process of evaluating a golfer by breaking down and assessing an individual’s movement as it relates to the golf swing. Recognizing your problems on the course (i.e. lack of distance, lack of ball control, increased back pain, etc..) and then identifying movement characteristics is part of addressing and correcting them. These concepts are not new, but only in recent times have personal trainers and strength coaches started to apply this to the golfer, and more recreational players are benefiting from it. Having a golf training program has benefits beyond the course. It can also increase your overall quality of life which sounds like a win-win.
For a lot of golfers dedicated to their game and craft it can be frustrating to be stuck in a rut with your performance, and in some cases discouraging to continue to play the game. With the expanding availability for golfers to work with qualified health professionals on their “golf-wellness” many players are increasing their potential for success on and off the course. So before your next round, investigate a way you can improve your golf game through exercise and start your golf transformation.
For more information on improving your golf game via a TPI certified pro contact Josh Kahl at josh@reachformore.fit