Is this the end of golf season,
or the beginning of your next one?
How to keep your golf game hot, even when it's cold outside.
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As the weather turns cold and fall fades into winter, you may be close to putting the golf clubs away. However, you may also want to take a few moments to reflect upon the status of your game and think about how you either progressed this year or even took a step back. Even for the casual golfer, getting better may not be a stated goal, but it is nonetheless a goal and the off-season is a marvelous time to take steps that will ensure improvement long before spring arrives.
It would be easy to simply compare your handicap index at season’s end to the one you rolled out in April, but those are just numbers. Did you feel that you drove the ball well, or found yourself missing fairways? Was your iron game sharp, or was your short game called upon to rescue your score? How were the elements of your “scoring game”; putting, chipping and bunker play? In answering these questions, what areas did you identify as your strengths and weaknesses? If you are serious about improving the lacking areas of your game, then there's no reason to wait until Spring! Here are some simple steps to take this winter that will pay early dividends at the beginning of the season.
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Keep Moving
First, every good golf swing depends heavily on the flexibility of your body. The free movement of your back and shoulders and the twisting of the torso ensures the ability to make a flowing and rhythmic backswing, down and through to a full finish. There are numerous ways to maintain your flexibility. The best is committing to a few simple stretching exercises daily. Numerous sources are available to identify these easy to perform exercises; your doctor, health clubs, the internet, etc. Believe me when I tell you that taking 10 minutes every morning to stretch and 10 more in the evening will make a world of difference.
With age comes an increased limitation on flexibility. This results in shorter swings, reduced distance with all of your clubs, and more risk of injury. Commit now to staying more flexible and healthy. Ultimately, a better enjoyment of the game of golf will be the reward. Here's a website that might help you identify the right stretches for you: http://www.shark.com/sharkwatch/fitness/ |
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The winter is also an excellent time to evaluate your arsenal of weapons: your golf equipment. This past year saw the continued practice of players replacing those increasingly more difficult to hit long irons (2, 3 and 4) with hybrids.* Every major as well as many lesser known brands now offer hybrids and fairway metals that make the long game far easier. If one or more of these sensible additions to your golf bag is on your list for Santa, there are many indoor golf facilities that provide excellent ways to test them. Why not have a retailer look at your set, examine the condition of your grips and replace them if warranted? |
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Lastly, if you’re passionate about golf why not consider a winter golf get away? In these challenging economic times I’m confident that there are many golf resort destinations that would welcome your visit. You’re likely to find a considerable number of bargains as well.
Have a happy and healthy holiday season - the 2009 golf season will be here before we know it. |
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Enjoy the greatest of games,
John W. Boykin, PGA
CEO, Business Golf International
www.businessgolfinternational.com
John W. Boykin is an elite PGA Member Professional and International Golf Instructor. John brings a wealth of knowledge about the game and industry to Privileged Play members. As the founder and CEO of Business Golf International (BGI), a global firm specializing in helping corporate clients utilize golf as a tool to achieve their business goals. BGI also provides expertise in golf facility design, construction, operations, marketing and management services.
*Want more info on hybrids? ICN thought these sites might be useful: www.utility-hybrid-golf-clubs.com & http://golf.about.com/cs/beginnersguide/a/hybridbeginners.htm.
www.PrivPlay.com
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