Copyright (c) 2009 Scott Cole Attaining greater distance off the tee is a step by step process. The golfer first must address golf swing issues. If the golfer always hits a slice due to a flawed swing, increasing swing speed through fitness training will only result in a bigger slice!
Once we set the golfer on the right bath with the golf swing, then we can address some of the physical factors that may be holding back the swing speed. Bear in mind, in some instances, it may be a physical limitation that makes addressing a swing issue more difficult. That is when an instructor with experience in fitness training may be of value.
In regard to fitness training, the first area that should be addressed is flexibility. If the golfer is incapable of developing a full backswing with a shoulder turn of 90 degrees and the ability to get the golf club parallel to the ground at the top of the swing, then stretching will be a key ingredient to generating more power in the golf swing.
If the golfer has the ability to make that full backswing, but is still not generating adequate club speed, then strength training should become the focus. Since the legs are the foundation of the golf swing, that is where strength training should begin. Poor balance as a result of weak legs will often hold a golfer back.
After the leg strength is addressed, the next most important area is the core. In fact, core strength is probably just as important as leg strength when it comes to increasing swing speed. I have a friend who is a long drive champion and who now trains other potential long drive champions, and he mentions that "I am all about the core." And, when you watch him work out, you know that he truly believes that. Incredibly, he is capable of 300 yard drives off his knees, and that is only possible with tremendous core strength.
So what exactly is the core? It is the area between the pectoral muscles and the upper thighs. In other words, it is mainly the muscles in the abdomen and rib cage, the obliques, the middle and lower back muscles, the glutes and the hip flexors. These muscle groups are important for stability and balance, and for providing rotational force in the golf swing.
When you check out many of the routines the PGA tour players are using these days, much of them focus on developing core strength through the use of balance balls, medicine balls and training bands. However, more traditional abdominal and other exercises will also do a good job at developing your core muscles.
So if you truly want to get that extra yardage off the tee, start focusing more on training your core muscles. When you combine that training with increased flexibility and leg strength, I guarantee you will see increased clubhead speed and yardage off the tee!
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