Improve Your Golf Game

The Natural Way

No matter how high your golfing skill level is, you can use some extra training. Whether you're a scratch player or a scrappy beginner, you can always stand to improve your game.

Practice

You'll need to practice if you want to be able to beat your friends consistently. That's what it will take to win those bets on who can drive the farthest, who can make that tough double-break putt, and who can match up hole to hole.

The best way to ensure total domination of the other players in your group is practice. Every chance you get, buy those buckets of golf balls at the driving range. Tinker around the putting green for shot after shot. Practice your short game in the backyard.

First, The Warm-Up

Golf improvement does not all come from practicing your swing or adjusting your grip, though. Part of the process is fine-tuning your body to perform at its peak for all 18 holes. There is no better way to fine-tune your muscles and joints before and after a round than stretching.

Stretching before the first tee helps to minimize your risk of injury. You can't compete with your buddies if you strain your rotator cuff. Besides, stretching offers benefits you can feel, like greater flexibility, increased stamina, and better performance.

If you didn't play sports in school, or it was so long ago that you forgot your pre-game calisthenics, here are a few stretches to get you started.

First, remember to warm up before stretching. This can be accomplished by a brisk walk to the clubhouse or around the club. Swing your club a few times. Carry your bag to the driving range.

Then The Stretch

After you're warmed up, it's time to stretch. To loosen your shoulders, stand straight with ears over shoulders over hips over feet. Clasp your hands together behind you and pull down, feeling that stretch of your shoulders and neck. Hold for a count of 30.

To stretch your back, stand up straight, clasp your hands overhead and lean forward slowly until you touch the ground, or your feet, or however low you can reach. Hold for a count of 30.

To stretch your sides, stand up straight, put 1 hand on your hip, and the other arm straight up beside the ear. Slowly bend over to the side, keeping your straight arm outstretched and hold for a count of 30.

Whatever stretches you do, be sure not to bounce or move fast. Stretch out slowly and smoothly, holding at the farthest point you can stretch. Never extend yourself to the point of pain.

Now The Game

Making a habit of practice and stretching will not only improve your golf game, it will improve the way you feel. So get out there and golf!