3 golf tips to help hit straighter drives
This is a Ryder Cup Special Impact Show filmed at The Golf National in Paris home to the 2018 Ryder Cup.
It gives 3 tips to help hit straighter drives.
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Strength Training Exercises for Golf
Different types of core exercises exist. Many of you are probably familiar with an exercise such as the sit-up, which is a great exercise that can be utilized to train the core. If you have read any of our other articles, you are well aware of what the word core means, and its relation to the golf swing. Let us do a quick review for your benefit, and introduce the types of core exercises to perform for your golf swing.
The core is an anatomical region of the body. It can generally be defined as the part of your body between the hips and chest. It in encompasses many muscles groups on the front, side, and backside of the body. In general the core consists of the muscles that make up your; abdominals, lower back, obliques, and hips.
The core region is important to the golf swing for many reasons. The core is essentially called the “engine” of the body. It is the area that “drives” the body for most any human movement, including your golf swing. It is primarily responsible for the capacities of: balance, stability, and power development within the body. For these capacities to occur efficiently it is necessary to train the core for improved performances.
Core Training Concepts
Many of us correlate core training to only the abdominal section of the body. In order to develop the core correctly for the golf swing, we must train all areas of the core equally. This means to address the obliques, hips, and lower back with the same number of exercises and repetitions as you do for the commonly trained abdominal region.
A quick note from experience: More times than none, the majority of individuals have what are termed “imbalances” in the core region. This statement means that certain muscles or muscle groups are weaker than others. The key for optimal performance in golf is to have a balanced core when it comes to the strength, endurance, and power levels in the muscles within this area of the body. Keeping this thought in mind, many times the lower back region is “weaker” than the abdominals (imbalanced core or not balance core as we like to say). If this is the case, additional attention / exercises are needed for the lower back, to bring it “up to speed” so to speak, in level with the abdominals.
Moving forward, knowing that we must train the entire core and create balance between all the muscles. It is time to discuss what type of exercises to utilize in training the core region. To develop the core region for golf you will want to perform exercises in the following categories: stability (balance), strength, endurance, and power. All four of these categories are necessary for an optimal swing. Leaving one of the categories listed above out of your training program is like building a boat with a hole in it. It will not work!
Let us define the different training categories of a “golf specific core program” to help you better understand the purpose behind each category. The categories of core training are incorporated in golf training are: 1) Stability (balance) training, 2) strength training, 3) endurance training, and 4) power training.
Stabilization exercises are exercises that develop the balance capabilities of the body. A large portion of your balance capacity is directly related to the core region of the body. We know that if you are unable to maintain your balance through out the golf swing. The efficiency of the swing, contact with the ball, and club head speed, will be compromised. For example, when you swing your driver and are not able to maintain that perfect “finished position”, the problem may be related to you ability to balance.
Balance training develops the integration of your neural and muscular systems. Improvement in the function of these two systems of the body and integration of these two systems will result in a better swing. Follow the logic and it will all make sense. If you improve the ability of your body to balance, then the ability to maintain balance within your golf swing will become easier. Implementation of exercises into your core program that improve your balance (stabilization) capacities then a direct transfer into your golf swing will result.
The golf swing requires that certain body parts remain in a stable position, while other body parts are moving. These actions occur simultaneously. To perform a powerful golf swing, the body must have the capacities to perform this action.
In order to perform the above activity it is required to develop the strength parameters of the core. If you have a weak core then the ability to maintain a posture, keep a posture, and perform this over a period of time will be compromised. To repeat, the core region of the body is involved in the stabilization process of the body. To improve this capacity, we must train the body to be more efficient at stabilizing itself during the golf swing. Strength exercises develop and improve this capacity within your body for the purpose of improving your golf swing.
The golf swing is a repetitive movement performed by the body. You are doing the same activity over and over. An efficient golf swing and good scores require that you perform the same swing on the 18th hole as you do on the 1st hole. If you are unable to repeat your swing mechanics of your swing will suffer, as will your scores. To eliminate this situation it is necessary to develop the endurance capacities of the core region. Endurance exercises allow the body to perform the same activity over and over without getting fatigued. As a result of the golf swing being a repetitive athletic movement, endurance training will enhance the ability to maintain your optimal swing mechanics over an extended period of time.
Power Exercises are geared towards improving the power outputs of the body. The core region of the body is directly related to torque development in the golf swing. Power can also be defined as torque (rotational power) when discussing the golf swing. In order to create high amounts of club head, it is required of the body to create large amounts of torque. Creating greater power in the golf swing is the result of inputting power exercises into a comprehensive core training program.
Summary
In this article we have describe the core and how to train the core specifically for the improvement of your golf game. A few points to keep in mind from this article: 1) the core is a region of the body that includes all muscles from your hips to your chest, 2) you must develop the capacities of stability, strength, endurance, and power within the core for a benefit in your game, and 3) the development of the core must be balanced in terms of all muscles involved, and in all the training components (equal amounts of stability, strength, endurance, and power) within the core.
You Can Correct Your Golf Slice!
Golf can be a frustrating game. Today we’re going to analyze one of the most frustrating parts of the game: The golf slice. We’ll also show you how you can correct your golf slice.
What’s happening:
Golfers are slamming their clubs on the ground, uttering four-letter words and having a miserable time on the tee-box! Why? Because they are slicing the ball! If this is happening to you, you are not alone. Golf slices are a big problem for most golfers.
What is a slice?
A slice occurs when you hit a shot, and it spins off to the right. (to the left for lefties). This often occurs when the club face is open, and the path of the golf club comes from the wrong angle. This usually happens when your club is on an outside-to-inside path as the club nears the ball. If your clubface is open while on that outside-to-inside path, the slice can be extreme!
How to correct your golf slice
It’s one thing to know what is happening. How are you going to fix it?
We have a few quick tests that will help you correct your golf slice.
1. The Rope Test – when your hands are at the top of your backswing, imagine that you are holding a rope that is attached to a tree straight in front of you. Now your object is to pull the rope straight down. As you begin the downswing, you want that same straight down motion. This will force your right elbow to stay close to your body, and prevent you from going “outside-in” with your swing motion.
2. The Box test – Get along, skinny box, and lay it on the ground. You will be hitting the end of the box with your driver. Your goal is to make the box go straight in front of you. If you hit the end of the box and it goes to the right or the left, than your swing is off. This is a good way to test new improvements to your swing if you can not make it to the driving range.
3. The Tennis test – If you’ve ever tried to put topspin on a tennis ball, you know that you have to turn over the racket as you hit the ball. This same rolling of the wrists needs to happen when you hit a golf ball. As you are impacting the ball, make sure that your right hand ends up on top of your left hand. Just as you want that to happen in tennis to get topspin, your goal in striking a golf shot is to roll the hands. When you roll the hands over properly, you can be sure that you are closing the face of the club, when will severely decrease the likelihood of a slice.
Hopefully these tests gleaned from years of experience by golf professionals, can help you to correct your golf slice.
The Benefits Of Golf – Who – What – Why?
Hollywood feels similarly about golf. Samuel L. Jackson is a huge fan, even though he only started playing at the age of forty five. There are also movie stars who state in their contracts that location sites must provide easy access to major golf courses. And then there are stars such as Johnny Mathis, who spend more time on the golf course than on their jobs.
Golf is increasingly becoming less male and less white, too, in part because of networking possibilities and in part because it is a fun way to stay in shape. Experts believe that golfers that walk eighteen holes once or twice a week can improve their health dramatically. Golf is also the game of choice for a number of physicians and health care professionals. “Usually when I walk and play a round, I lose about four pounds,” says teaching pro Marvin Childress.
Minorities are turning to golf not only because the game is fun and challenging, but also because the game provides a great deal of access and networking opportunities that are not always readily available in the boardroom. The senior vice president of Nova Chemicals in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Jeffrey Pina learned this the hard way when he was invited to play the game with his boss but had to turn him down since he did not know how to play. So, Pina made sure that never happened again. After a crash course, he hit the links and discovered the real world. He says, “I saw how business was conducted on golf courses. I saw how relationships and trusts were built.” He was surprised to see the level of business that is carried out on the course. “The account executives delivered all the news they needed to deliver instead of having a business meeting, and it was done in an environment that was more cordial and far more supportive, because you’re playing a game as well as conducting business.”
Black women are among the most passionate supporters of the game today. Another golf plus, according to the publisher of the African-American Golfer’s Digest, is that the game gives you a personal edge. Given that golf is such an expensive sport to play, it can act as a major personal selling point. There is, moreover, a fraternity or sorority of golfers, and once a golfer meets a golfer – a client, CEO or a potential date – they enjoy an instant rapport. Although corporate executives and celebrities spend relatively large amounts of money on club fees and green fees, most golfers spend relatively modest amounts playing municipal courses.
Celebrity golfers like Michael Jordan are fueling the golf craze. Not only do people pay attention to what celebrities are doing, but they also try to incorporate the competitive spirit of the likes of Jordan. Leonard S. Coleman Jr., former president of baseball’s National League, says he enjoys golf because “it’s extremely competitive, and I relish playing the game with my friends and competitors.” And the vice president of multicultural marketing at Schieffelin & Somerset Co. says he enjoys the camaraderie of the game and the opportunity to relax in beautiful natural settings with like-minded colleagues.
Golf course management is essential to your success as a golfer. Do you know what separates the great players from the good players? It is course management! While you may not be able to hit the ball like a pro or putt like a pro, you can learn to think your way around the golf course like a pro. Here I am going to give you 3 tips on how you can manage your game better.
1. First and foremost you need to realize the number one mistake that many golfers make is that we all tend to not take enough club. By this I mean that most golfers, especially men try to hit the ball hard and think they can hit their clubs further than they really can. I know for the longest time I tried to hit my 9 iron 150 yards on every shot, and then I realized that I have much more control from that distance with an 8 iron. The point is that in most circumstances it is better to hit too much club than not enough.
2. Another thing that many golfers do is try to get too close to the greens on a par 5. This may sound weird but what you need to do is lay up to a yardage that is comfortable to you. If this means laying up to 60 yards or 80 yards then that is what you should try to do. Most professional golfers tend to lay up at around the 100 yard marker because this gives them a full sand wedge to the green. This is a great way to improve your golf course management.
3. Last but not least you must remember that every golfer has weaknesses, but you must play to your strengths. Every successful golfer at every level does this. If you have trouble with your driver, then hit 3 wood off of the tee, if you have trouble with hitting your wedge then try to hit bump and run 8 iron shots around the greens.
Golf course management is crucial to your success, so to maximize your potential make sure you do not neglect this vital part of your game.
Don’t just play golf. Understand it.
Your Golf Swing vs. How You Play the Game
I recently played in the Southwest PGA Senior Open. I was hitting the ball great, but it didn’t translate on my scorecard. This reminded me of a few lessons I’ve shared over the years.
1. Remember that your score is not necessarily a reflection of who you are as a player. Use your experiences on the course to learn and improve.
2. Playing the game and working on your golf swing are two entirely different things.
Here’s a great conversation I had with Brendon DeVore @bebettergolf, talking about this very subject. It’s part of a 6-Part Golf Talk Series you can watch at malaskagolf.com.
Golf Exercises And Workout With 8 Pound PowerBall
GolfGym creator, Ken Pierce, takes you through a workout using the GolfGym eight pound double handled PowerBall. In the workout, you will perform exercises specifically designed to strengthen and stretch the muscles in your shoulders, core and legs which will help with your golf swing performance. This workout is also designed with some high intensity to get your heart rate up and bring plenty of air into your lungs.
The eight pound PowerBall has been designed with the best feeling handles or grips of any ball on the market today. You can get your hands on the inside with comfort and on the outside for a firm grip. The Power Ball is available at:
These exercises, if done 3 – 4 times a week will also help with balance and load. While performing the movements, it is important to stay in balance. In the golf swing, balance is critical to better performance and stability.
Golf fitness is very important to professional golfers on the PGA Tour, the Web.com Tour, The Champions Tour, the LPGA Tour and the European Tour. Professional Golfers are becoming more fit and hitting the golf ball much farther than ever before. Of course the golf equipment has improved dramatically, but the body still needs to swing the club, and with a fit body, the result is more distance and power.
Try this workout with the eight PowerBall to help with developing strength, flexibility, power, more rotation in your golf swing and with overall better health.
