Tales From The Bunker

While playing golf two weeks ago I noticed I had trouble extending through the ball. I did some stretching during the round and found that behind each shoulder there was an area that did not want to release.  Since we had been in Florida for several weeks I figured it was probably related to different beds, etc.

When it was unchanged this week I realized something was up. I went for my regular massage and the therapist asked what the heck I did to my shoulders.  After talking it through with her we realized my beloved cat was the problem.

I have been working a financial consulting job at home on my computer. The cat loves to sit on my lap when I am on the computer. But when she is with me she forces me to lean forward and stretch my shoulders to reach the keyboard.  If I do not let her sit on my lap she stands in front of the monitor and just stays there.  If I close the door she yowls to get in.

My choices are limited;

Let here sit in my lap and ruin the back of my shoulders
Let her yowl and have problems concentrating
Lock her in a closet and pay the consequences when she is let out
Give her away
Have her for dinner – I heard cats taste like chicken

I would love to hear from our readers on their solution to the problem. Someone else must have the same problem. (Yes she is sitting in my lap while I write this blog.)

As always keep ‘em in the fairway.

Tags: Blogging by admin
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Since today is our last day in Florida I decided to get in a round of unhurried golf yesterday unlike in my last blog. What a difference.

Instead of arriving at the last minute, I had plenty of time to warm up correctly. Following is the routine I followed, stolen from many PGA professionals, which helped immensely.

Start with a few chips or putts to ease into a good rhythm. Include putting to the edge of the green to help your feel and a few straight six footers to check you technique.

Then it is time to warm up. Start with stretching which we have covered in previous blogs.

At the range begin with short swings and focus first on loosening up the wrist and forearms.  As you loosen up, try staying relaxed through the neck, shoulders and arms.  The last thing you want is to be tense.

Start with a nine iron and work your way up hitting every other iron, through the hybrids and woods. Hit only two or three balls with each club. Hit only several balls with the driver unless you have problems. (Like me) If the driver is not happy, go back down to your mid irons and work back up emphasizing tempo.

Finish with some full and partial wedges to slow down you tempo and ensure good rhythm. Per our last blog, please remember to use your pre-shot routine on some of the shots to insure good rhythm.

If there is time return to the practice green for a few putts.

I followed the previous advice yesterday and what a difference in my first few holes from my last round. Maybe the pros know what they are doing! Unfortunately reality finally set in and I had my fair share of bad shots but I was quite pleased with my score.  My new golf resolution in to try to arrive early enough at the course to warm up properly but I am sure life will sometimes interfere.

Until next time, keep ‘em in the fairway.

Tags: Tips by admin
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We recently went to a local golf show and listened to a lecture by a local teaching professional. He is a friend of Mark Wilson, a journeyman tour professional who had two wins recently on the PGA Tour. He said Mark works out two times a week but stretches every day. 

We have spent a number of blogs discussing working out but our lack of emphasis on stretching is probably misleading our readers in the relative importance of the two activities.

We all have busy schedules and have trouble finding time fitting everything in we want to do. The video below talks about only three critical golf stretches that we all can find time to do. There is not a lot of movement to the video so do not think something is wrong with your computer. It is also a bit boring but in my opinion well worth watching.

Tags: Golf Fitness by admin
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Watch the video below for a very simple exercise that will add distance to every club in your bag. But please remember it must be done consistently to be effective and since it can be done at home there should be no excuses!

Give it a try and let us know how it has helped your game.

Tags: Golf Fitness by admin
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