By David Pollitt, BPE, CSCS*D, CFC

Published exclusively online at Revolution Athletics (May 2006)

_________________________________________________________

For the 26 million golfers in the United States and millions more worldwide improving your golf performance has become a big deal.  It’s a billion dollar industry.  Now research published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research confirms what we at DP Golf have been teaching for years.  Researched proved that after an 11 week physical conditioning program golfers were able to increase club head speed without a negative effect on consistency or putting distance control. 

While golf is a bilateral sport with many different muscles used in the performance of the swing many golf professionals had shunned resistance training until recently as it was thought that weight training had no effect or potentially negative effects on the swing.  Tell that to Tiger Woods.  When he came on the scene in the mid 1990's he brought a great swing, unbelievable flexibility and raw power that had come from years of strength training.  In interviews with Tiger Woods (Golf Digest 51, April 2000, pages 84-88) noted “that he could not hit his low, controlled tee shot or stinger before he began a prolonged strength training regimen. 

Tiger Woods proves his golfing power which has come from an intense year round
physical conditioning program

Quoting the authors of the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research article they report that “It is an important finding that physical conditioning has some positive and no negative effects on golf performance.  Strength, power and flexibility training may have beneficial effects for golfers other than overt improvements in swing distance and accuracy.  Resistance training for instance has a very positive effect on bone, connective tissue and cardiovascular responses.  These changes will influence the golfers quality of life and over longer conditioning programs have an effect on golf scores, longevity and injury prevention.”  Additionally the researchers noted that with an increase in overall strength and flexibility the golfer will no doubt increase the range of specialty shots.  In order to ensure the greatest improvements in golf performance it is recommended that players follow a year round physical training program that incorporates weight training, stretching, and rotational power training by a qualified professional.

The concern we have at DP Golf is that many training programs follow a traditional strength training approach that can add additional muscle mass in the upper body.  For the golfer this is the kiss of death to the golf swing as it makes it more difficult to execute the correct swing path and can decrease flexibility (especially in the shoulder joint).  Golf conditioning must focus on strengthening the legs, stabilize the core muscles, and improve the strength and flexibility in the upper body.  A golfer must also try to decrease overall body fat with specific conditioning as this can affect performance with decreased endurance and potential health issues.

Source:  Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, Volume 20, Number 1, February 2006, pages 62-72