How to Increase Flexibility for Golf
I love golf. In my opinion, it’s the most mentally challenging game out there.
I know what you’re thinking: “Ben’s a meathead, can he even golf?”
RELATED: Build a More Powerful Golf Swing With These Mobility Drills
The answer is still up in the air right now. But though I may not have mastered the golf swing yet (who has?), I do know a thing or two about how to increase flexibility for golf. A little known fact about me is that I used to be the strength & conditioning coach for the Michigan State Women’s Golf team. The teams I trained were three-time Big Ten champs and, man, were they some tough chicks.
The days of getting to the course, busting out the driver and warming up with a few cracks at the ball are over. Golf today is more physical, and taking care of your body is one of the most important aspects of the game—especially when it comes to having flexibility.
So here is a 6-step guide to unlock your golf flexibility, keep your body healthy and improve your game.
For this routine I want you to think : ankle, knee, hip and rotation. Got it?
RELATED: 10 Golf Swing Exercises for More Powerful and Accurate Shots
1. 3-Way Ankle Mobility
- Find a curb on the golf cart path.
- Place one foot on the curb.
- Slowly drive your knee over your big toe 5 times, right down the middle 5 times, and over your pinky toe 5 times
- Switch feet
2. Leg Swing Forward & Open The Gate
- Stand with your club on one side for balance.
- Swing your opposite leg forward just above hip-height 8 times.
- Repeat on the other side.
- Go back to your first leg.
- Bring your knee up to a 90-degree angle, keep your hips facing forward and drive your knee to the outside until it lines up with your hip.
- Do that 8 times slowly.
- Repeat on the other side.
3. Shoulder/Lat Raise
- Hold your driver on both ends and face forward with your feet square.
- Slowly raise the club in front of you until it lines up with your ears right over your head (see video).
- Do this 10 times and try to get a little pull right under your armpits.
4. Feet-Planted Rotations
- With your feet square, hold the club out in front of your chest with your arms straight.
- Keeping your hips square and feet planted, rotate right and left as far as you can.
- Do this 10 times each side.
5. Squats
- Pretty simple, but big-time effective for activating your big glute muscles so you can drive the ball further.
- Stand with your feet square, drive your hips back and squat through your heels (not your toes).
- Go below parallel and come back up 10 times.
6. Fire Your Hips
- Similar to No. 5, rotate your ankles and drive your hips.
- With your feet square, hold the club out in front of your chest with your arms straight.
- Rotate your torso to the point where the club comes in front of you, then drive your hips and rotate!
- Do 10 reps on each side.
Boom! You are good to start cracking the ball!
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How to Increase Flexibility for Golf
I love golf. In my opinion, it’s the most mentally challenging game out there.
I know what you’re thinking: “Ben’s a meathead, can he even golf?”
RELATED: Build a More Powerful Golf Swing With These Mobility Drills
The answer is still up in the air right now. But though I may not have mastered the golf swing yet (who has?), I do know a thing or two about how to increase flexibility for golf. A little known fact about me is that I used to be the strength & conditioning coach for the Michigan State Women’s Golf team. The teams I trained were three-time Big Ten champs and, man, were they some tough chicks.
The days of getting to the course, busting out the driver and warming up with a few cracks at the ball are over. Golf today is more physical, and taking care of your body is one of the most important aspects of the game—especially when it comes to having flexibility.
So here is a 6-step guide to unlock your golf flexibility, keep your body healthy and improve your game.
For this routine I want you to think : ankle, knee, hip and rotation. Got it?
RELATED: 10 Golf Swing Exercises for More Powerful and Accurate Shots
1. 3-Way Ankle Mobility
- Find a curb on the golf cart path.
- Place one foot on the curb.
- Slowly drive your knee over your big toe 5 times, right down the middle 5 times, and over your pinky toe 5 times
- Switch feet
2. Leg Swing Forward & Open The Gate
- Stand with your club on one side for balance.
- Swing your opposite leg forward just above hip-height 8 times.
- Repeat on the other side.
- Go back to your first leg.
- Bring your knee up to a 90-degree angle, keep your hips facing forward and drive your knee to the outside until it lines up with your hip.
- Do that 8 times slowly.
- Repeat on the other side.
3. Shoulder/Lat Raise
- Hold your driver on both ends and face forward with your feet square.
- Slowly raise the club in front of you until it lines up with your ears right over your head (see video).
- Do this 10 times and try to get a little pull right under your armpits.
4. Feet-Planted Rotations
- With your feet square, hold the club out in front of your chest with your arms straight.
- Keeping your hips square and feet planted, rotate right and left as far as you can.
- Do this 10 times each side.
5. Squats
- Pretty simple, but big-time effective for activating your big glute muscles so you can drive the ball further.
- Stand with your feet square, drive your hips back and squat through your heels (not your toes).
- Go below parallel and come back up 10 times.
6. Fire Your Hips
- Similar to No. 5, rotate your ankles and drive your hips.
- With your feet square, hold the club out in front of your chest with your arms straight.
- Rotate your torso to the point where the club comes in front of you, then drive your hips and rotate!
- Do 10 reps on each side.
Boom! You are good to start cracking the ball!