Summer is well behind us and winter is just a few short weeks away. For those of us in the northern part of the country, that means no hitting the links for a while. But, does that mean we should completely forget about golf for a few months? Definitely not. Here are a few tips to keep you in the game even when it’s snowing:
Look ahead. Use the off-season as a chance to set goals for next year. Want to shave a few strokes off your average? How about improving that short game? Put down in writing a few things that you can do. The goals can be short term such as getting your putting average down and hitting more fairways, to long term like qualifying for a certain tournament. Setting goals helps achieve those improvements to make the upcoming season your best ever.
Hit the gym. Strength training might not be high on most golfers’ priority lists, but pumping some iron can add distance to your shots come spring. Look for local fitness classes you can participate in. The combination of stretching, cardio, and weight training will certainly add distance to your game, and walking 18 in the sun and with a bag will not be a sweat.
Drive inside. Just because the outside temperatures may be below zero, doesn’t mean opportunities to practice your swing don’t exist. Find a local indoor driving range to work on your shot consistency. Also consider doing slow swings while looking in the mirror to engrain certain positions– watch the ceiling though!
Pick up a book. Many books have been written for golfers to help improve their mental and physical games. Take the time to read a few when the weather keeps you inside. Check out this list of suggested reading: http://www.weartowin.com/resources.php.
Get creative. Keep your mind on the game in some unconventional ways. Practice your putting at an indoor miniature golf course. Sure, most full-length courses don’t include windmills and swinging obstacles, but they can help with your strategizing and concentration. Or, fire up the Wii and go virtual reality for a different perspective…and a good deal of fun.
These ideas can help prepare you for an awesome season ahead once the snow melts and the temperatures rise. But this list is only the beginning. What ideas and tips do you have for keeping on top of the golf game even in the off-season?