Quick Hits: Stay Golf-Ready Over the Holidays
By Patrick Stephenson
The holidays are full of joy, indulgence, and maybe a few too many helpings of pie—but don’t let the season leave your golf swing in hibernation! Keeping your body moving correctly doesn’t have to take much time or effort, and it can make a big difference when you’re back on the course.
Think of it as staying course-ready: sneak in a few fun stretches between decorating and gift wrapping or turn your living room into a mini practice zone (just don’t take out the tree with a backswing). Add in a quick core routine—planks, bridges, or even resistance band twists—and you’ll keep your swing mechanics smooth and strong.
Stay consistent with small daily movements, and when the fairways thaw, you’ll be ready to pick up right where you left off—maybe even better than before!
1. Keep Your Body Moving: Stretch It Out
Flexibility is the secret sauce of a great golf swing, and it’s the first thing to disappear when you’re less active. Fight back with stretches that keep your shoulders, hips, and spine happy. Try rotational moves like seated twists or the ever-reliable cat-cow yoga pose. Commit just 10 minutes a day—it’s quick, simple, and keeps you limber enough to crush those drives come spring.
2. Build Core Power and Stay Steady
Your core is the engine of your swing, delivering power and balance while keeping your back safe. Give it some love with planks, bridges, and bird dogs, all easy to do at home. Got a resistance band? Add twists to mimic your swing’s motion. Three sets of each exercise, a couple of times a week, is all you need to keep your foundation strong.
3. Sharpen Your Swing Indoors
Just because you’re not on the course doesn’t mean your swing has to sit idle. Grab a mirror or your phone to check your alignment, posture, and tempo. Practice slow, deliberate swings with a weighted club or resistance band. With no scorecard to worry about, it’s the perfect time to refine your form and make changes that stick. Bonus points if you manage not to knock over the holiday decorations!
Consistency is the name of the game. A few short, focused sessions each day can keep your golf fitness in check and those stiff, post-holiday muscles at bay. When the decorations come down and the fairways call, your body will be ready to step back in, swinging smoothly and striking crisp shots.
So, enjoy the holiday treats, but make sure to balance the indulgence with a little movement. Your future self—smashing drives and sinking putts—will thank you!
