Article from my local paper about golf

[Jean-Paul]

Bill,
My local paper has been running a series of articles called the "Master Class"... I have failed to be impressed with his articles, which are filled with some of the "mythology" that you seek to debunk, but today's issue was on a topic near and dear to you, so I thought I would paste it up here and see if you had any feedback on what he recommends.

MASTER CLASS : Fit golfers less likely to play badly, get hurt
BY MATT PARROTT SPECIAL TO THE DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE

This series of exercises offered by Matt Parrott, an exercise science doctoral candidate at the University of Kansas, can help in taking an established workout routine to a higher level.
After witnessing the thrilling finale to the Masters golf tournament this past weekend, I felt inspired to present exercise information for those who enjoy 18 every now and then.
Only recently has the golfing community begun to embrace physical fitness as being beneficial to the sport. Tiger Woods is largely responsible for this transition from "old school" golf training to what it has become today.
The golf swing is a complicated athletic move that requires a great deal of balance, flexibility, strength and endurance. This holds true whether you are a professional, a club player or a player with a 25 handicap. The key is to evaluate your physical limitations and ascertain how they affect your ability to execute an effective golf swing.
Far too many golfers dust off the clubs in the spring without giving a thought to preparing for their coming season. This haphazard approach often leads to inconsistency, poor play and even worse, injury.
This week, I’d like to outline a couple of common physical shortcomings you could improve to increase your chances of lowering your score and skimming a few greenbacks off your buddies.
Possibly the most frequent physical limitation affecting golfers of all skill levels is poor flexibility. Any golf instructor will tell you that a full shoulder turn is vital to hitting good golf shots. Poor flexibility in the lower back and shoulders is directly related to the amount of "torque" you can generate with your shoulder turn.
This torque is what provides power and consistency in a good golf swing.
One great drill for improving your shoulder turn is to hold your backswing at the top for 20 seconds. Gradually try to increase your turn as you continue to hold the club in position.
Another huge key to developing a reliable swing is maintaining a solid base. The lower body musculature is largely responsible for transitioning your weight during the downswing. Having a smooth transition helps you generate more club-head speed, which means more distance off the tee.
This week’s exercise not only focuses on lower body strength, but can also improve balance, coordination and shoulder strength. The Swiss Ball Combo can be performed in almost any fitness setting, provided you have access to the ball and a light pair of dumbbells.


1. Begin by selecting a pair of light dumbbells and placing the ball between your lower back and the wall. Keep the dumbbells in your hands.


2. Start with your feet shoulder-width apart and walk them out slightly. You should be leaning your weight against the wall a bit.


3. Press your hips back against the ball and keep good upper body posture.


4. Slowly squat down, making sure you keep your weight centered over your heels.


5. When your thighs are nearly parallel, stop and hold.


6. Raise your arms to the side until they are parallel with the floor and lower them to your sides.


7. Repeat the arm raises while holding in the squat position for 12 repetitions. Perform two or three sets.
The Swiss Ball Combo accomplishes many things at once, which makes it an attractive option for golfers who want to maximize their time in the gym. In addition, the use of the ball creates a much more stable environment for the knees and lower back.

[Bill Hartman]

One great drill for improving your shoulder turn is to hold your backswing at the top for 20 seconds. Gradually try to increase your turn as you continue to hold the club in position.

This is not a great drill. The momentum of the back swing takes you past this static-active point in the range of motion as described above. Golfers need to be able to absorb the force created by the momentum of the backswing. It is also responsible for causing the stretch to the tendons which is ultimately responsible for club head speed. Practicing this drill can actually put golfers at risk as they don't learn to absorb the momentum forces.

This week’s exercise not only focuses on lower body strength, but can also improve balance, coordination and shoulder strength. The Swiss Ball Combo can be performed in almost any fitness setting, provided you have access to the ball and a light pair of dumbbells.

It will only improve balance and coordination for this exercise, not for a golf swing. Strength benefit is also a question mark...why a "light set of dumbbells". How 'bout a pair of dumbbells that will allow a certain number of reps?

Bill