Everyone is quiet, the ball isn’t moving, and the clubs are made of space age material designed power and accuracy. Doesn’t sound like much left for the golfer to do but hit the ball far and straight and putt it in. So why do most golfers only play like Tiger on the 19th hole? The truth is it’s the golfer who really makes things happen. There is athletic ability needed to play golf. The more one possesses the better they will potentially play. Being in golf shape enhances performance on the golf course. The benefits include greater shot distance, accuracy, and consistency. Golf shape means lower probability of injuries. The main areas prone to injury are the back and shoulders. Regular exercise reduces the risk of injury and allows the golfer to spend more time on the course and less time making excuses why he can’t be on the course. Being in golf shape also leads to greater longevity in the game. If playing golf into retirement and beyond is a goal, golf fitness is a must. Finally, being fit and in shape allows for greater learning and allows for more quality practice and play time. It also allows for the golfer to more easily correct actions that lead to poor shots and injury.

The great golfers are able to put certain components together in the swing that allows them to have effortless power, instead of powerless effort. When broken down, the golf swing has key components that the ‘good guys’ get; and the rest of us just read about and dream of doing. What are those components and can your body perform them?

There are specific evaluations that are done on golfers that can assess the quality and efficiency of their swing as well as determine what specific areas of the body need to be worked on to improve the swing and prevent injury.

Are you a golfer? Are you an athlete? Do any of today’s great golfers invest in golf fitness? When you and your golf swing are broken down you’ll find out some of the things that really make the great golfers, great athletes.