Golf is one of the most popular recreational activities in the world and has long been considered a ‘technical’ sport, with little emphasis placed on physical fitness and performance.
It’s a game that requires high levels of skill, eye-hand coordination, flexibility and mobility, muscular power, timing, strength, endurance and balance to compete at a consistently high level.
During an 18-hole round of golf, the average male golfer will expend approximately 620 kcals of energy.
For many years, fitness training was avoided because it was believed to restrict motion and limit performance, but times, and thinking, has changed!
Recently, top players in the world have begun to focus on ‘conditioning’ to gain an advantage in the professional ranks.
A growing body of literature is focused on what key physical attributes can predict golf performance and how fitness training improves golf performance. But, of course, you don’t have to be a professional to be keen to improve your game. Many recreational golfers seek to replicate ‘that perfect shot’!
Golf Fitness sessions can result in you being able to demonstrate a consistently effective swing and the ability to drive the ball further, combined with fewer injuries.
So, what is Golf Fitness?
Golf Fitness is a structured coaching programme that includes multiple forms of flexibility, balance, plyometrics, resistance, and power exercises that, together, can improve golfing performance.
The different components comprise:
| Flexibility Training | Core Training |
| Balance Training | Resistance Training |
| Cardiorespiratory Training | |
Why do it?
- Better golf score: Building strength and mobility, leads to an ability to increase clubhead speed, leading to longer drive yardage.
- Fewer injuries: A stronger core will mean fewer back injuries.
- More consistent swing: More flexibility combined with a stronger body will enable you to control the clubhead more consistently.
What does the research say?
A 2007 research study (*) examined the effects of an 8-week, golf-specific, exercise program on physical characteristics, swing mechanics, and golf performance in older men (aged 55-79). The golf-specific program consisted of flexibility and stability proprioceptive) exercises.
The results indicated that a golf-specific exercise program, consisting of stretching and strengthening exercises, improves strength, flexibility and balance in golfers.
This resulted in increased upper-torso axial rotational velocity, clubhead speed improved from 85.0 to 87.1 miles/hr and increased driving distance.
Golf Fitness Training
Golf Fitness programs are tailored specifically for golfers of any age, gender or ability. We are dedicated to making you move more easily, feel relaxed and play better golf.
Coaching will be enjoyable, flexible, and tailored to your fitness levels. We can provide the knowledge. We ask you to provide the commitment. Coaching sessions can be face-to-face or virtual if preferred (you will need your own fitness equipment for virtual).
Golf Fitness Assessment
£25 for a 30 minutes assessment on posture, flexibility and strength. Free if you book 5 or more golf fitness sessions.
Golf Fitness Sessions
1 – 45 minutes tailored fitness sessions = £40 each
5 or 10-45 minutes tailored fitness sessions = £38 each saving £10 or £20
Prices will vary on location, prices advertised are at Stressfree studio in Sandhurst.