Learning to play golf is a challenging yet satisfying experience. However, did you know it’s possible to improve your golf game by 10 strokes? That’s 5% better. Does that seem impossible? Use this blog to discover 7 underused training strategies for becoming a better golfer; it won’t. You should be playing better than ever before in no time.
Weighted Swings
Weighted swings are a great way to build muscle and endurance. They can also build confidence in your swing, as the added resistance is more complex than what you usually feel on the course.
The simplest way to do weighted swings is with a club fitted with additional weight. Many manufacturers now offer clubs that can be fitted with weights, so you may already have one in your bag. If not, try asking around at your local golf shop or club for recommendations on where to find one.
Another option is to buy or make a weighted training aid such as the Swing Weights or PowerBelt. You can also add weight to your clubs by taping lead fishing weights or small dumbbells using duct tape or athletic tape (make sure you don’t cover any logos!).
Hand Strengthening Exercises
The golf swing is a complex, multi-joint movement that requires strength, flexibility, and coordination. To be a great golfer, you’ll need to develop these three attributes to their fullest extent.
You should have a strong grip, solid core muscles, and flexible joints. You can improve your strength by lifting weights or using resistance bands. Flexibility and coordination are best developed by regularly practicing the movements that make up the golf swing.
Hand strengthening exercises can be used as part of this practice routine to improve your grip strength and help prevent injury.
Cross Training
Golf isn’t unlike other sports; it requires specific skills that can be trained independently from the sport itself. For example, practicing your footwork won’t directly improve your golf swing, but it could indirectly make you more comfortable with the rhythm required for good ball striking.
Consider cross-training other sports or activities to improve your physical fitness and mental stamina. This will enhance your performance on the course and prepare you for future challenges.
Yoga
Yoga is a great way to improve your golf game. It can help with flexibility, balance, and breathing.
Many people think yoga is just for women, but plenty of men do it too. Yoga improves your golf game because it helps you focus on your breathing and body movements. If you have trouble concentrating on the course, yoga can help with this too.
The best part about yoga is that it doesn’t require any special equipment or gym membership — all you need to start practicing is a mat and a little space.
Meditation
Meditation is an often-overlooked training strategy for golfers. It can be a great way to reduce stress, improve focus and help you stay calm under pressure.
Golfers who meditate regularly have fewer distractions and can improve their concentration on the task (playing well). Meditation helps improve self-awareness and self-control, which are also essential skills for golfers who want to play their best.
Meditation also helps you become more aware of your emotions and how they affect your actions. For example, if you have negative thoughts about the outcome of a shot right before hitting it, chances are those thoughts will carry over into your swing and result in poor results. Meditation allows us to recognize these thoughts as they arise to better control them instead of letting them control us.
Practice on Different Types of Terrain
One of the most overlooked training strategies for golfers is practicing on different terrain types.
Practicing on different types of terrain will give you a better understanding of how your technique works in various situations. The more positions you can handle, the better you will be at managing them during a round.
By practicing on different types of terrain, you can work on your game in a variety of situations:
Practice hitting shots from tight lies and with less than ideal lies such as fairway bunkers or greenside bunkers. These are where we find ourselves in real-life situations, so it’s crucial to practice hitting out of these spots too!
Try hitting some long shots from uphill or downhill lies and see how much easier it is to get backspin on the ball. This will help get out of trouble when you need to hit it further than usual!
Hitting balls out of steep-sided bunkers requires more finesse than hitting out of flat-sided bunkers because there is less room for error when getting the ball up and out without hitting any sand below your feet!
Visualization
Visualization is a powerful tool that can help you improve your golf game. It is creating a picture in your mind and holding it there for a while. It’s a great way to practice a shot or putt before you hit the course, but it can also be used as an exercise.
It’s been shown to help athletes improve their performance in a variety of sports. When you’re on the driving range, visualize yourself hitting every shot perfectly. Think about how your body needs to move and where your swing needs to be. If you’re having trouble with a particular part of your game, visualize that part of your swing being fixed.
You can also use visualization in conjunction with other training strategies. For example, if you have trouble hitting certain shots under pressure, try visualizing yourself making those shots during your practice sessions and using them as an opportunity to work on those skills.
Conclusion
There are many different training methods available to golfers, and the best way to improve your golf game is to use various effective strategies. Using more than one method is preferable to using only one. This will ensure that you consistently find new ways to challenge yourself, which is the best way to progress your skill level in any sport.
