As winter sets in, it’s depression mode for many golfers around the country. I know, as I’ve been there, but now live in beautiful Scottsdale Arizona, so now can enjoy year around golf.
Winter Golfer Who Needs To Get Indoors And Train
Now I don’t know if you have an interest in doing what the golfer on your right is doing, but what I want to discuss is what you can do when you’re not playing golf, and believe me there’s a lot you can do.
If you finished your golf season with no improvement, this is your time to “get with it”, and make it better for next season.
What’s that phrase? “If you keep doing what you’re doing, you’ll keep getting what you get”.
This is the time of year to take advantage of all that extra time (and money) you’re not putting towards playing golf. There couldn’t be a better time to start your golf training program.
I like to think of devising a program that’s specific to your goals in golf. Whether you’re a senior golfer just wanting more distance, a professional golfer needing that extra edge, or maybe a junior golfer needing to build up a strong foundation to compete at a higher level, and get that college scholarship.
So what is a “winter golf training program”?
It’s a combination of things depending on the weaknesses in your current swing and golf game.
Improving Golf-Specific Strength And Flexibility
This is a biggy, especially for the senior golfer. If you’re in this demographic, I’ll bet you’ve seen a big decline in your power and distance; and, you’ve got more aches and pains. Am I right?
This is due to a rapid loss of strength and flexibility, which robs you of distance, and does not protect your body from the stress the golf swing puts on your joints, tendons, ligaments, and muscles.
The ONLY way to slow this decline down, as well as improve your distance is by strengthening (and stretching) your golf muscles. I’ve said this for years, unfortunately only a few golfers “get it” and start it up. Golf is like any other sport, where the athlete works on their body specific to their sport to perform at a higher level. Same goes with golfers.
Fix Your Swing Faults
Swing faults are hard to fix while you’re in the season playing more than you practice, which makes the winter the most optimal time to work on your faults with golf training aids specific to the mechanical issue in your swing.
Research says it take approximately 2000 repetitions of a movement for you to “own it” and be able to take it to the course. Again, what better time than winter to get a swing aid specific to your fault, and work it until you’ve fixed it, so when the season starts you are hitting the ball better than ever.
Work On Your Mind
They say golf is 90% mental, so why not pick up a good mental golf book and get into it now, so you’re mentally tough next golf season? When you think about it, golf really is a “mind thing”. A lack of confidence will kill your game. How about stepping up to a 3 foot putt, and just know you’re not going to make it? That’s MENTAL! I know, as I’ve been that guy.
Recommended Winter Golf Training Products
Golf Swing Tubing Trainer – If you’re short on time, use this trainer in less than 2 minutes a day in the comfort of your home or office, to see a dramatic increase in your power and distance.
Power Golf Training System – If it’s strength and flexibility you want to improve, this would be a good starting point.
Golf Stretching DVD – If it’s just flexibility you want, then plug in the DVD and you’re on your way.
Golf Swing Tempo Trainer – tempo is critical to maximizing power and consistency, and this is one training aid that’ll give it to you. Great tool to swing daily during the winter months.
Golf Wrist Lag Aid – if you struggled with distance and lacked solid ball striking, you need more lag, and to stop flipping the club at impact. This is a good one for that.
Cure Reverse Pivot Aid – this is a very common swing fault. Not making a proper backswing and putting yourself into a tipped over position at the top, making your downswing nearly impossible. This aid will instantly give you the feel of a proper pivot, and a powerful downswing.
This is just a few of the winter golf training aids and programs you should consider if you want to improve your game for next season.
Hit’em Long & Straight,
Mike Pedersen
