"5 Simple
Ways To Improve Your Golf On The Course."
By Mike Pedersen
When you go out to golf you're hoping for a good
round. I know I do. How often does your outcome match what you
hoped for? Do you usually shoot the scores you had envisioned
before you teed off? If not, do you ever evaluate where and how
you could have saved strokes and avoided those blow up holes?
I've got 6 easy tips for you to implement immediately
that will shave 4-6 or even more strokes off your score the next
time you play. Give them a try and see what happens. Here they
are:
- First off you've got to put the proper fuel in your body
before you leave home. Most golfers don't give it a second
thought. They either don't eat at all before they leave home
or they eat something that is not going to give them the long-term
energy they're hoping for. So, whether it's lunch or breakfast
before you leave, you need to consume a complex carbohydrate
and a good protein source. This combination will warrant the
best use of your energy for the long haul.
An example for breakfast would be a bowl of oatmeal and a
couple of eggs with a piece of fruit or a juice. For lunch
you could have a turkey sandwich on whole wheat with a piece
of fruit. Lot's of lettuce on the sandwich and try to avoid
mayonnaise or butter.
- The second tip is to properly warm up your body before you
even hit your first ball. I see so many golfers show up 5
minutes before tee time, hack a few balls and head to the
first tee. Those golfers are headed for a double bogey right
off the bat - but hey they're just getting “warmed up”
right?
A better approach is to give yourself at least 30 minutes
before your tee time. First do some dynamic (movement oriented)
stretches to prepare your body to perform. Things like arm
circles, partial squats, toe touches, etc. Then take some
half swings with a 7 iron. Now after that you're ready to
hit some wedges. You'll find with this approach your hits
on the range will be much better, which will build your confidence.
- Drink lots of water even before you leave your house. Try
to consume up to a gallon of Water before you get to the course.
This will help you absorb and digest your pre-game meal and
hydrate your muscles for optimal performance. Don't take this
lightly. Dehydration causes energy loss, lack of focus and
concentration and fatigue later in the round. And remember,
that's before you even come to the course. Once you get their
you should be drinking water every hole.
- Don't wait 'til you get tight to stretch on the course.
You should be constantly moving your body and stretching your
joints while you play. I see and hear too many golfers complaining
of tight lower backs or shoulders during the round. What amazes
me is that with all that complaining they do nothing about
it. Why? Think of your body as a machine. If the machine starts
to break down - fix it. I mean stretch those areas while you're
playing. You'll see a big difference in your swing mechanics
late in the round.
- Snack while you play. No I don't mean the full meal at the
turn with a beer I mean bringing fruit and nutrition bars
to eat every 4-6 holes. When you supply your body with the
proper nutrients your energy levels stay balanced and you
will avoid those mental lapses late in the round. How many
times have you had a good score only to blow up late in the
round? I'll bet more than a couple of times. I know I have.
Treat your body like a Ferrari not a Ford Pinto.
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