If you dread the first snowfall of the year because it means the end of your golfing days for the foreseeable future, we feel your pain. Once that day arrives, we’ll spend a considerable amount of time fantasizing about the next golf season in the spring. Here are some tips and tricks to keep your golf game in tip top shape during the off season, including some you may not have thought of.
Some obvious tips and suggestions
Visit your local golf range. Just because there’s snow covering the course, this doesn’t mean that you can’t get out and take some swings on occasion. Getting out to the range is the best way to keep up your muscle memory of your swing. Practicing your swing helps your motor memory throughout the winter.
Try putting or chipping on your carpet. Sometimes the friction of your carpet and the fairway can be quite similar, so try practicing, with a gentle swing indoors, on your carpet to keep your muscle memory sharp.
Watch golf. Like you needed a reminder to watch golf on the TV, but it can affect your golf game come spring. Learn more about the game from watching and keep your head in the golf mindset.
Some new tricks
Try heading to a golf simulator to work on your game. It may not be the same as getting out to play a round, but it may be the closest thing you have. If you’re extra dedicated, sneak in a round or two of golf on a mid-winter tropical vacation.
Hitting the weights may not be your first thought, but if golf is your only sport it may benefit you to stay in shape throughout the colder months.
Spend time improving your mental game. Every golfer knows that a good mental game can be just as important as your swing. Spend some time thinking about your pre-shot routine, taking deep breaths, relaxing and visualizing shots in your head.
Try a low-impact workout like yoga or Pilates. Workouts like this will help to improve your flexibility and range of motion.
Try practicing your swings in the mirror, looking at your form and working on areas that you might want to see improvement. If you practice your swings with weighted clubs, your muscles will remember much faster when you get back on the green in the spring.
Looking forward to spring
Do what you can to maintain your game, and keep your swing practiced. Work on keeping your muscle memory fresh, so that when you do get back onto the golf course, you’re ready for a great season.
Source: River’s Edge Golf Blog