Flexibility Exercises For Golf

The golf swing is all about mechanics and flexibility. Many non-golfers do not understand how athletic the game of golf really is, and much of this has to do with the fact that many of the golfers seen on television look out of shape. They do not resemble the chiseled physiques that are exhibited by other pro-athletes.

The truth is: golf requires an incredible amount of precision, and much of the purely athletic aspects of the golf swing are performed on a very small scale because one’s feet are stationary. Decent golfers are very flexible, and they are constantly looking for ways to improve on this. Increased flexibility not only makes the process of swinging a golf club feel more natural, it will also help many of the common injuries associated with the game.

Joint flexibility enhances stability, distance, and control

There is not just one body part that needs to be flexible when one is trying to improve their golf game. Through careful analysis of the mechanics of the golf swing, it becomes clear that flexibility is required in several different areas. The ankles are first to consider, as increasing flexibility and strength in this joint is critical in maintaining and improving a golfer’s stability.

Most new to the game of golf suffer from a lack of stability, and extra motion can be detrimental to the overall swing. Hip mobility is another area that is important to concentrate on, as improving flexibility in this joint will aid in increasing club-speed. As the club moves faster, more power is generated, and improving one’s hip-flexibility will greatly increase distance.

It is important to focus on the hips if a golfer is not hitting the ball as far as they would like. Wrist flexibility is important in not only generating extra power, it will also enhance the finesse and control critical in developing an effective short-game.

The back and shoulders pick up the slack

One of the biggest complaints of beginner and infrequent golfers regards back and shoulder pain. This is because these parts of the body take most of the physical abuse encountered during the golf swing.

A lucid back is imperative if one is going to fully enjoy the game of golf because the further that a golfer can turn, the longer they will be able to hit the ball. The shoulders are the same way, and by improving flexibility in this part of the body, a golfer will develop an effortless swing with less discomfort after impact.

Choose flexibility exercises that are right for you

There are literally thousands of exercises available to golfers that will increase their flexibility. It is important to find the right one’s for a particular person’s unique swing attributes. In an effort to save time, it is always a good idea to consult with a golf instructor or swing coach when developing a regiment geared towards improving one’s flexibility.

If this is not an option, experiment with a few techniques aimed at each body part where increased flexibility is desired. Below is a list of exercises and stretches that target the areas where flexibility will lower one’s golf score.

Ankle: plant feet firmly in the ground and slowly move the body in a circular motion while keeping feet stationary.

Hip: Slowly and carefully rotate the hips to the right and left while remaining in a fixed position.

Back and Shoulders: This popular stretching exercise involves a golf club. Take the club and firmly place it in the middle of the back, securing it with both elbows. Slowly make a turn. It should be possible to feel the neck and shoulders stretching.

Wrists: This simple stretch can be done anywhere. Take a bar (a golf club can be used) and grab it with both hands. Then, with one’s palms facing upward, slowly cock the wrists up and down.

The stretches listed above are very rudimentary, but they will get the blood flowing around the important joints and the back and shoulders. It is always a good idea to properly stretch before making a full golf swing as this will help prevent common injuries like muscle strains.

Through study and the help of a golf pro or swing coach, try and develop a routine that makes the golf swing comfortable. It may not seem like much, but improving flexibility will not only lower one’s golf score, it will also help develop an effortless swing and decrease fatigue.