Winter Conditioning for Junior Golfers: Part I
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The Benefits of a Strength and Conditioning Program
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by Susan Hill
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I have had the privilege of working with some
of the best junior golfers in our country
today. Among them, I have found large
discrepancies in strength, flexibility,
mobility and endurance. While many junior
golfers engage in regular exercise programs,
there are still many who neither have the time
nor interest in adding this extra work to
their daily schedules.
In truth, many junior golfers have had immense
success without working out on a regular
basis. It is difficult to convince these
golfers to change their habits if they are
already happy with their current level of
success. It is the same mentality that I hear
among adult golfers, ‘if John Daly can win a
tournament on the PGA tour, then why do I need
to look and function like Tiger Woods?”
The majority of junior golfers who are
consistently at the top of the leader board at
every tournament made their way by finding the
right experts in their developmental process.
They have sought the help of sports
psychologists and good quality instructors to
work their way through issues and concerns as
they have grown and developed in size, shape
and attitude. This extra help coupled with a
strong work ethic, commitment to the game and
a disciplined and purposeful practice schedule
has allowed them the successes they continue
to see.
While most junior golfers are aware of the
benefits of a strength and conditioning
program as a compliment to their golf game,
there are still many who are unsure of the
direct benefits to their game. According to a
study published in the Journal of Strength and
Conditioning, here are some reasons why it
might make sense.
Clubhead speed was increased by 7 to 10%
or
the equivalent of 10 to 15 yds. with no
negative effects on accuracy.
Strength training was shown to improve
muscular strength and local muscular endurance
which has a positive impact on golf swing
consistency during an 8-hour, 36-hole round of
competitive golf
Strength and flexibility programs
demonstrated better putting distance control
performance among elite level collegiate
golfers
An increase in strength and flexibility
allowed competitive golfers to adopt more
optimal swing mechanics
There is no question that junior golf is
becoming more competitive with each passing
year. Take advantage of this research report
and many like it that continue to point out
the merits of strength training and
conditioning for competitive junior
golfers.
Effects of Physical Conditioning on
Intercollegiate Golfer Performance.
Brandon K. Doan, Robert U. Newton, Young-Hoo
Kwon and William J. Kraemer, pages 62–72.
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