As the season starts to wind down, it would do every player some good to evaluate their golf game and identify areas to work on over the winter. When I “reunite” with some of my students in the spring, I am always surprised when they tell me that all they did all winter was watch football, TV shows, and eat potato chips. Most express the desire to get better, but are unwilling to put in the time to make that happen. Remember, your instructor or coach knows when you have done your homework. I often ask students who complain about their progress: So, you’re unhappy with the results you’re getting from all the work you haven’t done? It’s the same no matter what you are trying to accomplish, lose weight, finish a project, earn a degree that no one else is going to do it for you. You have to come up with a game plan and get it done.
The first two things you can work on during the winter months are chipping and putting, as long as you have enough room. If you cohabitate with someone, be sure to hide their favorite lamp during the chipping process. Set yourself up with a practice area. Most of you will have to be content with straight putts and chips. For those who are more creative, you can cut some Styrofoam or make something that allows you to simulate breaking putts. If you’re only working on straight putts, practice hitting them at different speeds so that you can hole putts from half of the clock face from 3 o’clock to 9 o’clock around the cup. This will come in handy when you’re back outside on greens of varying speeds.
Chipping indoors is a little trickier, you don’t want holes or dents in your plaster. When I first got home from the military, I had a long sunroom with ceilings high enough to take a full swing. Unfortunately, it was all windows. I put two old mattresses on their sides at the far end of the room and draped a heavy quilt from the ceiling to absorb the flight of the golf balls off my driver. The first time my mother visited, all she had to say was, “I’m glad you don’t live with me anymore.” The point is, find somewhere that allows you to practice without causing damage. More than likely you’ll be hitting shots from a tight lie, so experiment with your wedges, finding setups that allow the clubhead to move smoothly through the ball. The great thing about practicing putting and chipping indoors is that you can still watch football or whatever else you like while you do it.
Don’t forget to work on your biggest weapon: your body. I remember being at a Titleist Performance Institute seminar where the speaker asked, What is the only thing that the USGA and the PGA Tour cannot regulate? The answer: the player’s body. Come up with an exercise plan to help you get stronger and leaner. If you’re not sure where to start, go to mytpi.com and look up golf-specific exercises. Wouldn’t it be nice to start the season next year with less back pain, more strength, and better flexibility? Remember, I am not a doctor as most of you should check with your physician before starting any exercise program.
I hope to get a bunch of emails in the spring from players telling me how much better their games, and their bodies, have gotten over the winter.
Golfer’s Lifestyle Magazine is published quarterly, bringing you the latest stories, features, and insights from the world of golf. To view and read the current issue, [click here].
