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Golf Fitness Evaluation
Although it took some time, even Jack
Nicklaus recognized his need to attain better physical condition to
continue a successful competitive career. It was only right after the 1986
Masters that he realized the importance of an exercise program to help
him maintain a competitive edge into the 1990s.
 | | Nicklaus used an exercise program to avoid back surgery. |
Assessing your present fitness level and following an appropriate
conditioning program is an important step for improving your golf
performance and raising your playing ability to a higher level. If you
currently have injuries or are experiencing health problems, however, be
sure to consult with your physician or medical specialist before taking
the fitness evaluation.
Keep in mind also that symptoms in one area of the body can be caused
by problems elsewhere. For example, Davis Love was treated for hip
pain that was later determined to be caused by a back problem. In a
similar situation, Jose Mario Olazabal labored with a foot problem for almost two years before further examination revealed that the pain was
referred from the low back. Fortunately, once the real problem is identified and treated successfully, high-level golf play can be resumed.
Improved physical fitness clearly is an important component in both the
remediation and prevention of injury. So how do you begin the process?
If you have high playing aspirations, access to a team of golf pros,
biomechanists, physicians, physical therapists, nutritionists, and exercise specialists obviously is an advantage for achieving your performance potential. Even working with a trained teaching professional can
greatly enhance your golf success and satisfaction. In case you prefer a
self-assessment, however, we have provided a relatively simple system
for evaluating specific fitness and performance factors.
Swing Self-Evaluation
How often have you had difficulty reaching a swing position and then
practiced various drills to try to correct the problem? If your backswing
were short or didn't produce sufficient power, for example, you could
find many remedial drills-but first you must identify the specific part
of your body that is restricting your backswing.
For example, your backswing might be limited by tight rotator cuff
(shoulder) muscles, tight hip joints and surrounding musculature, lack
of coordination of the upper and lower body, restricted midspine
motion, tight latissimus dorsi (upper back) muscles, and even restricted
cervical (neck) muscles. Because there are so many possible causes, we
recommend initial screening to better identify any areas of restriction.
The next section will help you identify possible problem areas, which
then can be trained appropriately for better results. If you currently are
experiencing any musculoskeletal problems, however, we encourage
you to see a physician or physical therapist first, preferably one who has
expertise in spine and sports injuries.
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