| Normally I shy away from generalizations. I like to look at people as individuals, versus putting people in a “box”. However one common theme I see in older golfers is a lack of power, manifesting as a loss of distance. Many years ago I wrote an article about a gentleman who had two holes in one, on the same course, on the same hole, twenty-five years apart. A remarkable feat! The first time he had his hole in one he used a seven iron. Twenty –five years later he had his second hole in one but this time he needed his driver to close the deal. A well known research study evaluated the factors effecting club head speed in older golfers. The median age of the golfers tested was 64.5. They found two major physical factors effecting club head speed – flexibility in the torso and upper body strength. The study proves that by targeting these two areas of the body they were able to increase club head speed, thus distance, a significant challenge for senior golfers. Over the next few weeks I will teach you a number of exercises designed to increase the range of motion in your torso and build upper body strength, thus providing you the opportunity to increase your club head speed and distance. Let’s get started! Flexibility In The Torso Shoulder / Hip Disassociation Stretch Begin on your right side, knees placed at a ninety degree angle to your body and arms extended slightly below shoulder height. Bring the palms together. Inhale deeply and on your exhale open up your trunk and shoulders by bringing the left arm towards the floor. Note: keep your knees pinned together. Repeat five to ten times and switch sides. | |
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| Lat Reach And Stretch Separate your knees and sit back on your heels. Note: if this is uncomfortable for the knees place a rolled up towel behind your knees. Spread your hands wider than shoulder width apart and stretch your arms towards the front of your yoga mat. Keep the glutes attached to the heels. Hold for five deep breaths. “Walk” the fingers and arms over to the right as far as possible, focusing on the stretch in the left lat and shoulder. Relax your head. Hold for five breaths and switch sides. | |
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| Twisting Table / Lat / Shoulder / Upper Back Stretch Begin on your hands and knees. Place your right hand behind your neck and on your inhale rotate your spine from your core as your lift your right arm. Focus on the abdominals as well as mid-back extension. | |
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