Question:
Golf + weightlifting = ouch!
I'm not the greatest golfer to begin with, but it sure seems like the weightlifting has hurt the old golf game. I was wondering how it affects anyone else who plays this wonderfully difficult game?
I've actually noticed an improvement in my game. My muscle memory is better, tempo is better, obviously, my forearms are much stronger, so easier hitting out of rough, or traps, or pinching the ball with irons to get better spin on the ball. Also, I think subconsciously, I don't try to swing as hard because I think I'm stronger from working out. My handicap has gone from a 9 to a 5 since I started my programs. I also think my flexibility has improved dramatically.
I've actually noticed an improvement in my game. My muscle memory is better, tempo is better, obviously, my forearms are much stronger, so easier hitting out of rough, or traps, or pinching the ball with irons to get better spin on the ball. Also, I think subconsciously, I don't try to swing as hard because I think I'm stronger from working out. My handicap has gone from a 9 to a 5 since I started my programs. I also think my flexibility has improved dramatically.
I don't like you! j/k
Well, I have an unfair advantage. I've worked in private golf clubs since I was 18, so perhaps I'm not the best example.
Unfortunately, I'm horrible at golf. In fact, I don't play it at all (unless someone needs their lawn aerated :) )
However, I have noticed that lifting has affected my tennis stroke. The weirdest freakin' thing!
Iraq
Since I am deployed I haven't been able to play since I started working out again. But, I can't wait to see how it is when I get back. Not to say I am a great golfer hcp 15. But being stationed at Ft. Bragg makes Pinehurst right around the corner. Gotta love Ft. Bragg.
I believe that lifting can cause problems with a golf swing, but I guess it can help for some people. Tempo is so important in a golf swing and if you get one muscle group tighter than another it is bound to effect tempo.
Take a look at what Tiger Woods is doing in his workouts. He is doing some fairly high rep stuff with hours of stretching each week. He has really seen some nice muscle development and his golf swing is as solid as ever. One of those useless monthly fitness journals just did a piece on him - I can't remember which on it is though.
In the end though... golf is 90% between the ears. So in effect, if you don't let the lifting variable get into your head, it should have minimal impact on your handicap :)
I was just looking for you guys to back up my excuse. A little help please! lol
golf!!
Notice a shorten in range of motion, unable to bring club back as far as i used too.
Its all about joint rotation and stretching.
The biggest problem with weight lifting and specific sports that rely on rotation is that the muscles get tighter. But, if you go to a site like www.coreperformance.com they have a ton of workouts for any sport.
If you're in a sport you can't just lift weights or yes, it will affect your game. You ahve to do more sport specific training.
Tiger woods just had an article out in Mens Fitness. He's bulked up considerably and put on more muscle in the past year or two. But alot of his training revolves around sports specific movements, and lots of stretching.
I don't golf myself. I can wack the hell out of the ball at a driving range, but other than that, ive never laced up my golf shoes (or anyone elses for that matter).
Give that site a try. You can get specific workouts if you pay, but you can find quite a few free ones that they constantly post....
Mark
I'll check it out. Thanks Mark.
One of the best golfers I have ever played with (a scratch handicap) only brought the club back to a 3/4 swing. He didn't kill the ball, but always kept it in play. His swing was due to previous back injuries preventing a full hip turn. Learned a lot from him.
Notice a shorten in range of motion, unable to bring club back as far as i used too. I have the same problem too, I joked with my brother-in-law that bodybuilders should not play sports.
Focus on your stretching. The whole myth about bodybuilders not being flexible is just that...a myth. Some of the most flexible people I know are bodybuilders, and they spent a decent amount of time stretching.
Weight lifting has done wonders for my golf game. Has helped me dramatically increase club head speed, better tempo, and a develop a much more relaxed swing.
Have fun!!
I'm only 16 but quite the avid golfer. Weight lifting has definitely helped my swing, especially after I started doing squats and deadlifts. Swing form has improved and I'm hitting the ball farther and straighter than ever.
But golf is a bitch the day after a hard workout.
Personally I think weightlifting is a "wash" when it comes to my golf game.
Pros:
1. More strength, especially in core and forearms
2. Much better muscle endurance. I don't fade on the back nine
3. More body and muscle "awareness"
Cons:
1. Soreness can mess up your game a little mentally
2. A little less flexibilty
3. It can be a little tough on lower back with all that rotation after a heavy set of squats or deads.
My golf games sucks either way :)
During my peak conditioning at age 47 I played a round with my son then age 27. I, 6' 240+ with under 33"waist and 18+ arms....he, skinny little 5'7" 140...consistantly out distanced me. I then played to an 11, he about a 5 handicap. On one shot, a 7 iron, I did not realize that there was a large root 1/2" under the grass. I took an on purpose divot and ripped the root right out of the ground and still hit the ball cleanly on to the green. Within 10 min. my right forearm turned red then blue. I tore it up really bad. TOO MUCH MUSCLE!!!
My 20 year old grandson is now the skinny 5'7" 140 pound guy with the scratch handicap. He drives a consistant 310. Somehow his little girlie arms, legs and hips work just fine.
I'm not the greatest golfer to begin with, but it sure seems like the weightlifting has hurt the old golf game. I was wondering how it affects anyone else who plays this wonderfully difficult game?
Answer:
I've actually noticed an improvement in my game. My muscle memory is better, tempo is better, obviously, my forearms are much stronger, so easier hitting out of rough, or traps, or pinching the ball with irons to get better spin on the ball. Also, I think subconsciously, I don't try to swing as hard because I think I'm stronger from working out. My handicap has gone from a 9 to a 5 since I started my programs. I also think my flexibility has improved dramatically.
Answer:
I've actually noticed an improvement in my game. My muscle memory is better, tempo is better, obviously, my forearms are much stronger, so easier hitting out of rough, or traps, or pinching the ball with irons to get better spin on the ball. Also, I think subconsciously, I don't try to swing as hard because I think I'm stronger from working out. My handicap has gone from a 9 to a 5 since I started my programs. I also think my flexibility has improved dramatically.
I don't like you! j/k
Answer:
Well, I have an unfair advantage. I've worked in private golf clubs since I was 18, so perhaps I'm not the best example.
Answer:
Unfortunately, I'm horrible at golf. In fact, I don't play it at all (unless someone needs their lawn aerated :) )
However, I have noticed that lifting has affected my tennis stroke. The weirdest freakin' thing!
Answer:
Iraq
Since I am deployed I haven't been able to play since I started working out again. But, I can't wait to see how it is when I get back. Not to say I am a great golfer hcp 15. But being stationed at Ft. Bragg makes Pinehurst right around the corner. Gotta love Ft. Bragg.
Answer:
I believe that lifting can cause problems with a golf swing, but I guess it can help for some people. Tempo is so important in a golf swing and if you get one muscle group tighter than another it is bound to effect tempo.
Take a look at what Tiger Woods is doing in his workouts. He is doing some fairly high rep stuff with hours of stretching each week. He has really seen some nice muscle development and his golf swing is as solid as ever. One of those useless monthly fitness journals just did a piece on him - I can't remember which on it is though.
In the end though... golf is 90% between the ears. So in effect, if you don't let the lifting variable get into your head, it should have minimal impact on your handicap :)
Answer:
I was just looking for you guys to back up my excuse. A little help please! lol
Answer:
golf!!
Notice a shorten in range of motion, unable to bring club back as far as i used too.
Answer:
Its all about joint rotation and stretching.
The biggest problem with weight lifting and specific sports that rely on rotation is that the muscles get tighter. But, if you go to a site like www.coreperformance.com they have a ton of workouts for any sport.
If you're in a sport you can't just lift weights or yes, it will affect your game. You ahve to do more sport specific training.
Tiger woods just had an article out in Mens Fitness. He's bulked up considerably and put on more muscle in the past year or two. But alot of his training revolves around sports specific movements, and lots of stretching.
I don't golf myself. I can wack the hell out of the ball at a driving range, but other than that, ive never laced up my golf shoes (or anyone elses for that matter).
Give that site a try. You can get specific workouts if you pay, but you can find quite a few free ones that they constantly post....
Mark
Answer:
I'll check it out. Thanks Mark.
Answer:
One of the best golfers I have ever played with (a scratch handicap) only brought the club back to a 3/4 swing. He didn't kill the ball, but always kept it in play. His swing was due to previous back injuries preventing a full hip turn. Learned a lot from him.
Answer:
Notice a shorten in range of motion, unable to bring club back as far as i used too. I have the same problem too, I joked with my brother-in-law that bodybuilders should not play sports.
Answer:
Focus on your stretching. The whole myth about bodybuilders not being flexible is just that...a myth. Some of the most flexible people I know are bodybuilders, and they spent a decent amount of time stretching.
Weight lifting has done wonders for my golf game. Has helped me dramatically increase club head speed, better tempo, and a develop a much more relaxed swing.
Have fun!!
Answer:
I'm only 16 but quite the avid golfer. Weight lifting has definitely helped my swing, especially after I started doing squats and deadlifts. Swing form has improved and I'm hitting the ball farther and straighter than ever.
But golf is a bitch the day after a hard workout.
Answer:
Personally I think weightlifting is a "wash" when it comes to my golf game.
Pros:
1. More strength, especially in core and forearms
2. Much better muscle endurance. I don't fade on the back nine
3. More body and muscle "awareness"
Cons:
1. Soreness can mess up your game a little mentally
2. A little less flexibilty
3. It can be a little tough on lower back with all that rotation after a heavy set of squats or deads.
My golf games sucks either way :)
Answer:
During my peak conditioning at age 47 I played a round with my son then age 27. I, 6' 240+ with under 33"waist and 18+ arms....he, skinny little 5'7" 140...consistantly out distanced me. I then played to an 11, he about a 5 handicap. On one shot, a 7 iron, I did not realize that there was a large root 1/2" under the grass. I took an on purpose divot and ripped the root right out of the ground and still hit the ball cleanly on to the green. Within 10 min. my right forearm turned red then blue. I tore it up really bad. TOO MUCH MUSCLE!!!
My 20 year old grandson is now the skinny 5'7" 140 pound guy with the scratch handicap. He drives a consistant 310. Somehow his little girlie arms, legs and hips work just fine.