This time of the year is always bittersweet for me and most avid golfers. As the season comes to end, we can continue playing golf but we know it comes with a price. The late-season elements mean we have to endure cold temperatures and often difficult conditions.
But a lot of golfers have put away the clubs for the season and are looking ahead to next year. And that means it’s a great time to prepare your swing and conditioning for spring.
I have mentioned in previous articles about different ways to stay on top of your game during the off-season. This past summer I had the pleasure of helping Bubba Watson train at my facility in Cromwell. We talked about his off-season training and what he puts into it. It was amazing to hear his routine and what he does on a daily basis. I guess that is why he is one of the best golfers in the world.
The message here is that you’ll only be as good as the effort you put into improving. Many of us talk about improving, but do little about it. We’ve all heard this before, so what will it take to make us charge ahead and develop a consistent workout routine?
Setting goals should be the first thing you do. Decide what you want to improve. For example, you might feel off-balance during your swing. Or, you might think your handicap is too high. Write these things down. But that’s just the start. Next, you must begin a training program that prepares you physically and mentally.
The physical side of things begins with a well-balanced training program that includes strength, cardiovascular, mental and the actual skill of the game. This can be done 2-5 times a week. The actual number depends on how determined you are to reach your goals.
For me, I always want to get better — better at business, better at my training, better at my health and better overall wellness of life. I am not perfect nor do I claim to be, but I do strive everyday to embrace perfection. So structure yourselves to an off-season training program that consists of strength, cardio and also skill. You can always work on strength and cardio at the gym, even if it’s at home. The skill part, however, can be somewhat more difficult.
Yes, you are correct if you guessed that I recently opened up a 5,000-square-foot multi-sport training facility. It’s called the Training and Performance Center By Future Fitness, and it’s equipped with indoor driving stalls, personalized golf instruction and personalized golf fitness. I have teamed up with George Connor from Connor Golf. George, as many of you know, writes a golf instruction blog for CTGolfer.com and was just named CT Section PGA Teacher of the Year for the second time. Together, George and I are going to provide the best knowledge of golf and fitness instruction to golfers.
We welcome you to stop down to our open house Saturday, Nov. 5 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. George will be there to perform 3D Swing Analysis. We’ll also have golf club demos, and The First Tee of CT program will also be there, so bring your little golfers.
Remember, it’s not too early to begin preparing for next year. If you still want to get out, like I do, go for it. And afterward, come see George and me and we’ll start you on your way to a better game in 2012!
Continue reading Plan now for offseason training.