Why is Golf Flexibility So Important?

Some people think of golf as a game played by old men because they are too tired to play a real sport.  Nothing could be farther from the truth.  Golf is a very physically demanding sport and as such, requires adequate fitness and flexibility if it is to be played correctly.  Golf flexibility is the term used to indicate whether or not the right muscles in a person’s body are properly conditioned to play golf.  Golf flexibility will affect every aspect of your game.

Benefits of Golf Flexibility

Golf flexibility has many benefits.  Flexibility is vital if a player wishes to improve his or her game.  One of the benefits of flexibility is the fact that it increases your range of motion.  Increased range of motion can translate into a faster and more fluid golf swing.  It will also affect your power and increase the explosiveness with which you approach the golf ball.  Golf flexibility will also help to increase the blood flow throughout your body.  Improved blood flow can lead to more consistency in your coordination, and we all know how important coordination is to our swing. 

During game play, golfers are most concerned with the above benefits of golf flexibility.  Who doesn’t want to improve their game?  However, after the round is over and the golf clubs have been put away golfers notice their favorite benefit of all.  Proper golf flexibility leads to fewer injuries and less pain after playing.

Golf Flexibility Tips

Stretching for golf is a little different than the typical stretching that you might be accustomed to.  Traditionally, when we talk about stretching we think of striking a pose and holding it.  In a golf flexibility exercise, however, a dynamic stretch would be much more beneficial.  A dynamic stretch is simply a stretch that is a continual fluid motion. 

An excellent dynamic stretch that you can do is simply a slowed down version of your golf swing.  Grip your golf club the same way that you would if you were actually playing the game.  Slowly raise the club up into a full back swing.  Then swing the club at an imaginary golf ball being sure to completely follow through with your swing.  Obviously, this exercise will stretch all of the most important muscle groups related to your swing.  As your muscles begin to warm up, you can increase the speed of your swinging motion as you see fit. 

You can incorporate stretching into your pre-game warm up.  Take about 10-15 minutes to adequately warm up and stretch your muscles.  Take extra care during this time to properly stretch the muscles that experience the most twisting and rotation as these muscles are the most prone to injury. 

As you can see good golf flexibility is paramount if you wish to improve your game.  If you develop your fitness and flexibility level you will see shots begin to drop off of your game.  You will be very happy that you took the time to develop your golf flexibility.