To help PGA Magazine readers learn more about the ways they can bring golf together with health and wellness, we’ve added this new recurring department that will include best practices information from the Golf Fitness Association of America (GFAA).
The GFAA was started by the publishers of PGA Magazine in 2020 and is led by an advisory board of PGA of America Golf Coaches and highly regarded golf fitness experts, including GFAA President Dr. Steven Lorick. We hope you find this department beneficial and encourage you to learn more about the GFAA at golf.fitness.com.
Explain the Benefits of an Effective Golf Warm-Up
Thomas Gullo, PGA,Director of Instruction,Tampa Bay Golf & Country Club,San Antonio, Florida
Most golfers don’t have a proper warm-up routine before they practice or play, even though warming up has numerous benefits in enhancing performance and reducing the risk of injury. They include:
1. Improved Flexibility: Warming up helps make muscles and joints more flexible for a fuller and smoother golf swing with more power.
2. Increased Blood Flow: A higher heart rate and more blood flow to golfers’ muscles ensures they receive sufficient oxygen and nutrients, reducing the impact of fatigue during the round.
3. Enhanced Performance: A good warm-up prepares the body and mind for the specific demands of golf by improving coordination, balance and timing, which are essential for executing accurate shots and making better decisions on the course.
4. Injury Prevention: By increasing blood flow to the muscles, tendons and ligaments, a good warm-up enhances elasticity and makes golfers less susceptible to strains and tears.
5. Mental Preparation: Warming up prepares the body and gets golfers into the right mindset for the game. It allows them to focus on the upcoming round, clear your mind and reduce any jitters or anxiety.
6. Consistency: A warm-up routine establishes a consistent starting point for swing mechanics, helping golfers maintain a more repeatable and effective swing.
7. Increased Range of Motion: Warming up helps loosen muscles and joints, which can be particularly beneficial for older golfers and those with limited mobility.
8. Acclimatization to Conditions: If playing in cold or hot conditions, a warm-up is even more critical by helping the body adjust to conditions and preventing shock to the system.
9. Social Interaction: Warm-up sessions are an excellent opportunity to interact with other golfers, build camaraderie and enjoy the social aspect of the game.
I help golfers build an effective golf warm-up that typically includes light cardiovascular activity, dynamic stretches and golf-specific movements like practice swings. It doesn’t have to be overly time-consuming, but should be sufficient to prepare a golfer’s body and mind for the challenges ahead. Remember that every golfer’s warm-up routine should vary based on personal preferences and physical conditions, so help them find what works best for them so they will make it a regular part of their golf routine.
Selling Fitness Apparel Can Enhance Your Shop
Andrew Blatnik, PGA,Director of Retail,Oak Hill Country Club,Rochester, New York
Fitness and casual apparel, which we categorize as “non-golf apparel,” has become a strong seller here at Oak Hill in recent years. As dress policies become more relaxed, we’re allowing more styles to be worn on the course. We were one of the first lululemon green grass golf accounts, which was certainly a catalyst for increasing revenue in the golf shop.
The key is to differentiate non-golf products from those that can be worn on the course. Non-golf apparel has become a broad category for us, including hoodies, sweaters and shorts for casual wear. To help members navigate our dress policies, we created a sticker to adhere to items that customers can purchase in the golf shop but are not allowed to be worn on the golf course. It’s a way to educate them on what can and cannot be worn on the golf course, while continuing to sell the items that are catalyzing the growth of the golf shop.