Winter may mean less time on the links, but that's no excuse to get stiff with your golf swing. Staying flexible and keeping those muscles ready is just as important for golfers in the winter time as it is during the spring and summer.
"If you don't do anything in the winter, it's very hard to get back in the spring. You'll spend a month or two trying to spring back in shape," said Ron Price, head golf pro at Rose Creek. "There are a few things you can do during the winter to be ahead of everybody else who didn't do anything. Full body stretching is the best because your body, especially for older folks, will get really tight and make it difficult to do those golf moves you need to do."
To set you up for winter flexibility, we asked the folks at Rose Creek Golf Course, 17031 N May Ave, to customize a stretching routine specifically for golfers. Here are six moves from Golf Pro Steve Burger that’ll get you loose and limber — and keep your game tight.
Stretch 1: The Hamstring Stretch
Using the weight of your upper body, slowly bend from the hips as you reach for your toes. Allow your body weight to ease the stretch down, and do not bounce. Hold this stretch for 10 to 30 seconds. Repeat 3 times daily.
2. Seated Lower Spinal Twist -
Sit upright and bend your right knee. Cross your right leg over and place your foot next to your left thigh. Bend your left knee while the right foot should stay planted on the floor. Square your hips so they remain even. Reach your right arm behind you and place your fingertips on the floor, gently twisting your body to the right. Take a deep breath and exhale as you twist further to the right. Release and then repeat on the other side.
3. Tricep and Shoulder Stretch -
Stand with your back straight or sit down. Bring your left elbow straight up while bending your arm. Grab your left elbow with your right hand, and pull your left elbow toward your head with light pressure. Hold 15 to 30 seconds, then switch elbows and repeat three times on each side.
4. Shoulder and Upper Body Stretch
Stand and lace your fingers behind your back. Take the interlocked fingers upwards moving the shoulder blades carefully while slowly thrusting the chest outwards. Take a deep breath and relax. Repeat three times.
5. Hip Flexor Stretch
Kneel on your left knee while placing the right foot flat on the floor in front of you, knee bent. Lean forward with hips square, stretching your left hip toward the floor. Hold for 30 seconds and switch sides. Repeat.
6. Weighted Club Lower Back Swing
Place your golf club behind your back with both hands grasping the golf club. With an exhale, twist to the right, pivoting in the left foot. Gently repeat on the other side. Continue this twisting action six times on each side, breathing through it.
