Increase Core Stability – More efficient movement creates more efficient power. Golfers maintain an athletic posture over long periods of time and require both trunk and core stabilization and endurance. By increasing your strength and endurance in the core region of your body, you provide both a solid base of support for rotation in addition to the proper transfer of power throughout the body.

Vary your Planes of Motion during Exercise – A golf fitness program will have varying planes of motion as part of your weekly strength routine. Planes of movement include front to back motions, left to right and rotational exercises. Some good examples include multi-directional lunges and medicine ball wood chops.

Do you need to buy new equipment in order to achieve that great golf swing? No! Your old club will do just fine! Keep in mind, we are trying to learn the technique – we are not interested in the distance or the power at this point.

The only thing you need in order to be successful in this search is yourself – the only equipment you will use is your body (you will have to use that old club of yours too, but it won’t be the key element to your success)!

Unfortunately, that can be negative too. If you have any physical limitations, they will affect your golf swing. Obviously, there are ways to work around that, but if you don’t try and deal with it, chances are that a good swing won’t be something you’ll manage to do on a regular basis. Try reading a book specifically designed to deal with that or work with someone to get over it.

Virtually every golfer out there, has some sort of a limitation. One could have a tight hamstring, maybe weak shoulder muscles or anything that could impair their ability to control their club. For that reason, you need to get a physical assessment that’s specific to golf. That’s your first step right there! When you are able to pin point your limitations, you’ll be able to come up with a training program to work around them and get to your goal.

A recap of what was said today:

You are the main factor affecting your performance.
Your body is your equipment.
Every golfer has his/her own limitations – the trick is to find them and deal with them.

Now go grab your golf bag and stop searching! Enjoy the game!

It goes without saying that proper nutrition is important for all of us. But, if you are serious about shaving valuable strokes off your scorecard, you need to make some tough decisions on seeing your diet through. If you travel for golf, or play in frequent tournaments, it is important not to fall into the trap of ‘settling’ for fast food or a quick bag of chips or chocolate bar. Make a commitment to use some or all of the following tips and your energy will reach new heights in your next round. • Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Both of these are diuretics and cause fluid loss. They also both affect performance. Coffee can over stimulate your mind or your muscles, making your performance uncontrolled. Excessive consumption of alcohol severely affects your coordination.

• Avoid large amounts of food in the two hours leading up to tee time. Food in your digestive system diverts blood away from your brain and muscles, affecting concentration and physical performance. A meal two to three hours before play is preferred.

• Don’t skip meals. Golfers need that slow and steady release of energy to see them through difficult or long hours of play. Smaller meals are better to help increase metabolism.

• Eat 5 to 6 small meals throughout the day. This gives your body the nutrition it needs to last.

• Drink lots of water. Think in terms of 8 to 10 glasses each day. Continue throughout your round to stay hydrated especially during the summer months.

• Combine carbohydrates, proteins and fats at each meal. This aides in overall digestion and ensures you are getting the proper nutrients.

• Bring a snack or bag lunch. Beverage carts are not known for healthy choices, so don’t put yourself in a position to feel forced to rely on them.

• Avoid high processed foods or sugar based foods. They tend to raise blood sugar levels quickly and, then, drop rapidly causing fatigue.

• Stick with the basics. Don’t try new foods just before you play. Stick with what you know your body responds well to.

• Keep it simple. There is no need to make elaborate meals or go to great extent in preparation. A piece of fruit and bag of nuts will go a long way in replenishing energy when you need it.

As a golfer, especially if you are of a championship caliber, it is essential to have a wide variety of complex carbohydrates to maintain your energy through an 18-hole match or a 72-hole tournament.

Mentally your brain needs to stay conditioned to tell your body what to do, not to mention calculating distances, swing strength and maintaining focus. Follow these 10 tips and watch your scorecard drop to new lows.