Proper Warm-up Routine for Your Golf Game

Summer is here! It’s that time of year again to dust off the golf clubs, get that rusty swing moving, and tone up that flabby body. We’ll discuss some tips for any seasoned pro or a beginner, to have a better overall golf round.

Proper warm-up is essential for peak performance in any sport. You can always see athletes at any professional sporting event going through a pre-game warm-up, and pro golfers are no different. Before tour professionals ever step up to the first tee, they have fully prepared to make their best swings starting at the opening tee shot. 

However, warming up for most amateurs consists of a quick dash from their cars to the pro shop to check in, then running to the first tee, all within five minutes or so. This routine is usually followed by erratic play for at least the first five holes, only to end up with another disappointing round. 

By following that type of warm-up routine most golfers are basically playing bogey golf before they ever set foot on the course. A better score starts with a better pre-game routine.

1. Get to the Course Early- You need enough time to take care of your business in the pro shop, use the restroom, change your shoes, etc. The most important element of your warm-up routine is to not feel rushed. You should arrive at the course at least an hour before your tee time. Remember, your warm-up routine sets the tempo for the day, so MOVE SLOWLY and RELAX

2. Begin Warming Up on the Putting Green- Putting is 43-percent of golf and the putting stroke is the slowest and smoothest of all strokes in golf. Taking 10 to 15 minutes putting at the beginning of your warm-up will not only prepare you for the speed of the greens, but you will also start the day with a smooth, deliberate tempo. Once you have established your smooth stroke with putting take another 10 minutes to chip around the green. This will help start the blood flowing to your muscles in preparation of your next step to the driving range.

3. Begin Your Full Swing Warm-up with Stretching- Stretching can improve your range of motion by up to 17- percent. It also helps you avoid injury and it helps relieve chronic joint pain. The most effective stretching routine should incorporate lats and hamstring muscles, trunk rotation, and back extension stretches.

4. Begin Your Full Swing Warm-up on the Practice Range- Continue your "slow" routine as you walk over to the driving range. You should start your full swing warm up with short wedge shots, using a short tee for all your shots on the range. This will help you contact the ball crisply, which will breed confidence. Beginning with wedge shots also helps you continue your routine with smooth tempo and rhythm. After hitting 10 wedges or so, begin working from your short irons up to the long irons and woods. Make each swing rhythmic and swing with complete balance control. Your last few full swings should be with the club you intend to use on the first tee, usually a 3- or 5-wood. Save the last five balls for some smooth, short wedge shots, or make full, slow-motion swings that only go 50 to 100 yards with your driver. This will help you reinforce the controlled rhythm and balance that you will use on the course

5. Timing is Everything- Make sure you time your warm-up routine so you won’t be standing around for more than a few minutes. If there is a delay, stand to the side of the tee box and make slow swings and stretch to stay loose.

Remember: Strength, Flexibility and Balance have to work together to insure good form during your round. A proper warm-up that is not rushed can improve your game and will make a successful day on the links!

Stay tuned for further exercise videos to maximize your golf performance at home!