Golf Stretches are Essential For Maximum Performance

Doing some golf stretches before you practice or play gives your muscles optimal movement from the very first swing.

Every athlete embarks on some stretches before they perform. Golf is no different.

Personally, I play better golf from the first tee when I have either done some stretches or warmed up on the range. I have also found that I think better and can focus on the shots I need to play, rather than be concerned with restriction in my movement.

I have found through my teaching that the lack of stretching before practicing or playing can lead to swing faults. One of the most common is not finishing the back swing.

Understand that stretches play a major role in maintaining and improving flexibility.

First, you need to warm up for your golf stretches.

I would suggest jogging on the spot for at least 2 minutes.

To really warm up effectively you need to jog till you break into a sweat, allow your body temperature to rise sufficiently.

It is important to understand that each golf stretch must be done slowly with no pulsing.

Hold your stretches from between 6 to 15 seconds.

Shoulder Stretch

Here we stretch the rotator cuff and posterior cuff muscles. They play an important role in the backswing and on the right side when you accelerate into the ball.

Pull your left arm toward your chest as far it can go without rotating the body.

Don’t forget to do the same with the other arm.


Golf Club Stretches

Chest Stretches

If you are supple enough hold the club on each end and place behind your back.

Stand straight up and turn your body to the right as far as possible and hold for 6 to 8 seconds. Here we stretch the lower back.

Do the same to the left side and hold.


Now hold the club above you head and push your arms behind you.

This helps to stretch your upper back and arms.

Hold for a few seconds and repeat 3 times.

Bend from the waist with the club above your
head.

Inhale and exhale, then bend slowly over
to the side as far as you can hold.

Return to start position.

This stretch can also be done by simply holding your hands together above your head.

You should feel this exercise working the side of your upper body.

Repeat 5 to 10 times a side.

It helps to improve your lateral flexibility and reduce strain on your ribcage.


Toe touch

This helps to stretch the spine and the ham strings. Hold for a few seconds and repeat 3 times.

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