Strength Training for Golf
This is a return to the golf series with another short blog in relation to additional training for golf.
Oisín
Single Figure Golf Handicap
Senior Physiotherapist
Golfers play golf because they enjoy golf and want to only play golf. This is important, we do need to practise the specific skill relative to the sport. However, we also need to lay a solid foundation for us to perform better in the aspects of golf where a high level physical task is involved.
If the putter face angle is off line by 1 degree an 8 foot putt will miss. This can be impacted by many factors; a gust of wind, hands shaking from the cold, nerves over an important par putt. Many of these factors are difficult to control, however the simple fact of poor standing balance can play a part in being able to stabilise the putter head and roll in the slippery 8 footer for par. Simply practising standing on a single leg can help with this.
On another level, strength training plays a role in being able to generate more force to create more clubhead speed. If you watch any of the top players in the world, there is one thing they all do well. They are effective in using the ground to propel themselves and create power in the swing. I am a biased McIlroy fan, but he is commonly viewed as the best at doing this.
Pictures have emerged from his training off the course where he is seen using heavy loads in a box squat and hex bar deadlift. He does this to create a stronger base for him to push into the ground and increase his speed. Resisted trunk rotation and side bending drills are also useful to condition the body to generate force and transfer the force from the legs to the trunk to turn.
These are a few things to consider in the Irish winter off-season and something I would advise starting now so that you can reap the benefits in the summer rather than waiting to make every change once the summer comes around.