Tips for Golfers

Before the weather warms up again and the golfer in you is out on the course preparing to tee off try these stretches to help you prepare for a better, and more importantly, injury free season.

Golf is a game of rotation, of twisting completely one way, and then back completely to the other. So, it makes sense that you might play better if you could twist well in both directions. So, here's an exercise suggestion that should improve your flexibility.

While you are sitting and waiting to hit, you could be stretching. Start by crossing one leg over the other so that one knee is resting on the other. Now, turn your upper body the other direction. Your hands can you help to twist in a controlled fashion. So, for instance, cross your right leg over the left knee. Place your left hand on the outside of the right knee, and the right hand behind you to the right. Now, rotate your upper body to the right and hold it for about 30 seconds. You should feel a mild pulling in your right buttock and your right lower back. This should help you with your backswing. Simply reverse the crossing of the legs and twist the other way to complete the exercise.

As always, be sure that you are physically capable to twist and stretch this way safely. Asking your MD or physical therapist is a good way to check. Good luck!!!