5 ways to get ready for the golf season

1. 1. 1. Check your equipment

         Make sure your grips are in good condition. They can often become a bit worn and slippery after a season, so go through the grips on all your clubs. You can start by washing them with soap and water and drying them with a towel. See if they improve. If not, invest in new grips. Your clubs will feel like new. Also, make sure you have all the clubs you need in the bag. One club for every distance you need to play the golf you desire. A full set can have a maximum of 14 clubs, and a set could look like this: Putter, Sandwedge (56 degrees), Gapwedge (52 degrees), Pw (49 degrees), Iron 9-6, Hybrid 5, Hybrid 4, Wood 7, Wood 4, and Driver. Some add a Iron 5, alternatively a Lob wedge (60 degrees).

      2. Review the basics of your swing

         Now that the season is almost here, it’s time to prepare to take your swing from the range to the course. Therefore, review the basics of your swing and make sure they are solid. The basics are your grip (position and grip pressure), setup, balance, and aim. If you feel unsure, consider taking a lesson to perform a “check-up” focusing on the basics.

         Read more about the basics in the article “How to get the most out of your training at the range or indoor center”.

      3. Establish a clear routine for a golf shot

         If you don’t already have a routine, it’s time to create one. An established routine gives you calmness and confidence. Think about how you want your routine to go, incorporate the basics into it and create a clear start and finish. I usually start my routine by picking up the golf club I’m going to use from the bag, and I finish my routine by putting the club back in the bag. This helps you get in and out of focus. Practice this on the range or at your indoor center so that it’s ingrained when the season starts.

      4. Strengthen your posture

         Start working a little extra on your posture. Having a proud and strong posture boosts your confidence, and it also provides open airways, which helps oxygenate the body better. This improves your concentration and allows you to maintain good focus throughout the round. In my book “Stolt, stark och säker“, I have six exercises you can do to strengthen your posture, and you can also see them in the following pictures. Perform the exercises as a circuit workout 2-3 days/week for 3-6 weeks and feel how your posture becomes both prouder and stronger.

         

         Exercise 1 – Rowing – 10 repetitions

         

         Exercise 2 – Stretch chest muscle 30 sec x 2

         

         Exercise 3 – Diagonal lift 10 reps/side

         

         Exercise 4 – Stretch the gluteus maximus 30 sec/side x 2

         

         Exercise 5 – Plank – Start with 30 sec and increase gradually. Ensure you are straight and engage the lower abdominal muscles.

         

         Exercise 6 – Small crunches 10-25 reps

      5. Decide on 3 desired positions

         Having a clear direction and a clear why will help you with motivation and inspiration throughout the season. Sit down for 30 minutes and decide what you want to achieve and what you desire most during this season. Close your eyes and place your hands on your heart to connect with your inner desires. What do you see ahead? How do you behave on the golf course? In the walk between shots? In the swing? Are you hitting long drives? Are you putting like a goddess? Do you smile as you walk between shots with a proud posture? Do you have an awesome setup when you address the ball? Do you have a routine that you do exactly the same before each shot? Do you enjoy nature during the walk? Do you approach the first tee with super confidence? Etc. What do you see ahead?
         Earlier in my articles, you’ve worked with a goal map that you can follow to achieve your goals. You can also see it here, and you can carry it with you and follow up throughout the season.

         DOWNLOAD GOAL MAP

Best of luck and feel free to reach out for questions or concerns!

/ Jenny