There are several components to a good golf game. There is the technical component of the golf swing and then there is the mechanical. There is also a mental side as well as physiological. I come from a family of golfers and have had the fortunate experience of learning under my uncle who is a PGA golf instructor. I recently attended Dr. Blanchard’s golf seminars to learn more on how to help golfers as a physician. Here are several tips to get your body into shape for golf.
1. Drink water and snack during game. Hydration and blood sugar balance are important to your performance.
2. Flexibility and balance of several muscle groups is key. The golf swing requires extreme flexibility in the shoulders, back and hips. Any dysfunction in these muscle groups can alter your ability to effectively play and can lead to injury. To find a doctor trained to evaluate muscle dysfunction in golfers, visit www.golfinjurydoctors.com. Pilates and yoga exercises can be used by golfers to gain flexibility.
3. Alignment from head to toe is needed to have proper form and freedom in range of motion for that ideal golf swing. Staying under the care of a chiropractor will be of great benefit to the golfer. Proper lumbar and pelvic alignment aid in the extreme rotation, lateral flexion and extension movements required. Also, proper foot biomechanics should be evaluated for balance and to handle the stress of prolonged walking during a game. Orthotics should be utilized by every golfer.
4. As for any athlete, proper nutrition is a must. Eat an anti-inflammatory diet of lean meats, fish, lots of fruits and vegetables and whole sprouted grains. Avoid dairy, alcohol, caffeine and processed foods. Supplement with fish oils, vitamin D3, probiotics and as needed. Find out if you have any allergies or hypersensitivities to outdoor allergens, foods or pesticides. There are a number of environmental factors to consider when on the greens, so be prepared. Allergies can many times be treated through nutrition. I suggest trying this first.
5. Get your head in the game. A large portion of this game is mental. Any emotional stress you have should be dealt with. Then learn how to focus during those few seconds of swing time.
6. Take lessons under a PGA instructor. Not only will they teach you everything you need to know about the game, they will be able to evaluate you and give specific advice based on what they observe. They will teach you the proper way to play, which will ultimately help in preventing injury. Also, most instructors will video your swing so you can see what mistakes you are making and how to correct them.
If you are in the Miami area and would like my help in some of the above areas, please contact my office.
To gain access to the best PGA instructor in the industry (in my opinion) click HERE.
Sebastian Camillo- PGA instructor at the John Pallot Golf Academy located at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, Florida.
