Physical training for golf doesn’t have to be complicated, writes fitness expert and personal trainer Shawn O’Neil
I‘ve talked about the benefits of training for golf – from a performance point of view and in terms of longevity – in previous columns [for those in full, head over to www.northerngolfer.co.uk]. There are several barriers which can get in the way of training, and while some can be very difficult to overcome, some simply take a bit of creative thinking.
Two of the obstacles which come up most often when I discuss training with golfers are time and cost. I’ve explored both in the past – and my previous column on how you can train at home with little or no equipment is a great place to start if you’re in this group of golfers.
Another common stumbling block that stops people working to improve their golf is knowledge. What should you do if you have the time, especially if you do not have any physical training experience?
Having seen a lot of people training on social media, I can understand why golfers can feel lost and/or confused. There is so much out there and while some of it is very good content, if you don’t know what you’re looking for it’s easy to end up watching drills and exercises that are very advanced, very specific, or elaborately set up with specialised kit. None of these things are wrong for the people they’re aimed at, but they can be overwhelming for those looking to take their first steps in golf-specific physical training.
An effective programme to improve your body for golf does not have to be complicated. It should begin with building a base of mobility and stability. From this strong base, you can then train your body to use that strength quickly.
This can be done effectively with a small amount of time and little cost. Every golfer can improve performance and enhance injury prevention without the need to gain a mountain of knowledge; the key is the drive to get up and get moving – from there you can achieve a lot no matter the circumstances.
