Gearing up for Spring: Tips for Starting the Season off Right

Golf Range Balls, image: etowahvalley.com

Spring always signals new beginnings, both in life as well as on the golf course. So will 2015 be the first year you break 100, 90, or even 80?

Odds are you would like to improve your score this golf season, but may not know where to begin. Getting started on the right foot is much easier than correcting a substandard swing or faltering stance halfway through your golf season. That’s why we’ve put together a list of five tips to help you prepare for a successful new year on the course.

• Get in shape. You’ve been saying you need to get in shape for years; now it’s time to make good on it. Making sure you’re able to physically perform on the golf course not only guarantees you’ll be able to last 18 holes, but will also help to improve your overall game. Even if you plan on travelling by cart path this golf season, commit to being your best by exercising for at least 20 minutes a day, three days a week – off the golf course.
• Make a video of your golf swing. Maybe you’re lined up incorrectly, or perhaps you’re swinging across your body, but with no way to actually see what you’re doing wrong, how will you correct it? If you’re having trouble shaking the rust off your swing this spring, you can do one of two things: pay a golf instructor to analyze your form, or make a video of your swing for free. Try setting up your camera to get a few shots of your swing from multiple angles, or have a friend or family member help you out. It’s a great way to analyze and diagnose problems with your swing without having to pay someone else.
• Work on your short game. There are plenty of excuses you can make for having a rusty drive when spring comes around, but hitches in your short game are uncalled for. That’s because whether it’s the dead of winter or the middle of summer, you can always work on your short game at home. Carpet can be a golfer’s best friend when practicing with the short clubs and putters, but having a more realistic surface like a putting mat is even better. And if the sun’s out, you can always take your wedges outside for a little chipping around the backyard.
• Recharge your golf equipment. Most people can’t afford to replace their clubs every year, and wouldn’t want to even if they could. But making sure your golf equipment is up to par is crucial to getting the season started off right. Check all of your golf grips to make sure they’re in good condition, and replace the ones that aren’t. Also check to see if the cleats need replacing on your golf shoes, or if you need a new pair altogether. Finally, clean out your golf bag and make sure you’ve got plenty of room for some new golf balls and tees for the 2015 season.
• Don’t overthink your game. Getting plenty of practice in at home, on the range, and around the greens is crucial to starting the new golf season off right, but once you begin a round, you need to clear your head. Trying to remember everything you’ve learned and worked on can send your brain into a tailspin before each swing, having a negative effect on your golf game. If you’ve been working hard to improve your score, try to keep it basic going into your rounds. Concentrate on one or two fundamental aspects of your swing, and let your body do the rest. Here’s a successful and more improved 2015 golf season.