Welcome to GOLF’s Top 100 Teacher roundtable, where some of the best instructors in the business answer the game’s most pressing questions. The goal? To help your game and lower your scores ASAP.
If you want to play your best golf, you’ve got to make sure your body is moving correctly. To do that, you’ve got to identify the best golf stretches before you even strike your first tee ball.
Getting properly stretched out before your round is crucial. If you’re not loose when you head to the first tee, you’ll spend the first few holes trying to get warm rather than focusing on making birdies. That’s no recipe for success.
If you watch the pros play, you’ll notice they have regimented pre-round routines that includes plenty of stretching. If you want to unlock your best golf, you’d be wise to follow their lead.
Below, some of the top teachers in the game shared some of their best pre-round stretches. Check them out and implement them before your next round to play your best golf from the very first shot.
1. Dynamic movement
For many amateurs, dynamic movements — rather than static stretches — are best as they are often not yet warmed up. Stretching is great, but you want to make sure your body is warm, too. One good routine is a set of lunges with a club held up over your head. This will not only help get your legs stretched out, but will also get your blood pumping and get your body warm —Jonathan Yarwood
2. Find a partner
Stretching on your own is great, but if you can, it’s great to have a partner who can assist you. You can only do so much when stretching alone, so having a buddy help you get loose is essential. This will help you get your entire body loose rather than just the spots that can be reached alone. —Drew Steckel
3. Use an aid
Doing some dynamic movement along with stretching is the key for really getting the body warm. I like using the GolfForever Swing Trainer for this. The program has plenty of routines you can do before your round to get loose while alo getting your body warm. —John Dunigan
4. Work with a coach
Most of my students have a routine of stretches that works for them when it comes to warming up prior to playing. Issues with their lower backs, shoulders, etc., require them to stretch out prior to the round of golf. If they don’t have a routine of some sort, we work together to develop one. It’s important you have a routine that’s tailor made for your body in order to get the most out of it. —Eric Alpenfels
