If you’re anything like me, your golf warmup probably consists of chugging a few beers while putting in some work on the driving range, and having small talk with a few of your playing partners. That’s all fine and swell when you’re an amateur golfer (I think?), but when you’re competing for the big bucks on the PGA or LPGA Tours, it’s not going to cut it.
Watching Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth warm-up is a study in contrasts
As you might imagine, the pre-round golf warmup for a pro player differs quite a bit from the one I stated above. After all, their livelihood is on the line, where every single shot of theirs matters. There’s no room for error, so players go above and beyond to get both their mind and body right for an upcoming round.
But what does a pre-round warmup look like for a PGA or LPGA player? GOLF Top 100 Teacher Cameron McCormick recently posted some suggestions on his Instagram account, breaking down the various steps many pro players go through before each round.
McCormick has worked with plenty of PGA and LPGA players, including the likes of Jordan Spieth and Ryu So-yeon, so he knows what a successful process looks like. By adding in the below steps to your golf warmup, you’ll put yourself in position to perform your best on the golf course.
1. Nutrition
How you fuel up before a round of golf versus how a pro golfer does is likely apples to oranges.
Instead of scarfing down whatever’s available in your pantry, McCormick reminds amateur players to focus on things like “slow-burning carbs, protein, good fats and hydration.”
He also adds that you should consider what you eat for dinner the night before. This is similar to runners “carbo-loading” prior to a half- or full-marathon, making sure they have the right amount of energy for the next day.
2. Physical
This is non-golf movement stuff, primarily made up of mobility work, massage or foam rolling, or lifting weights for muscle activation.
McCormick adds that this is typically done for 15-30 minutes — so remember to keep it on the lighter side, which will help avoid soreness or discomfort that may occur while swinging the golf club.
3. Mental
McCormick states that pro players seek whatever their “ideal performance state” is.
But what does that mean? As the Top 100 Teacher says, it “could be a hype song, highlight reel, circular breathing, etc.”
By getting your mind in the right place during your golf warmup, you’ll become better focused, gain confidence and prepare your mind for any challenge ahead.
4. Tactical
Spending about 10-20 minutes studying factors like hole locations, weather and scoring, McCormick says the tactical preparation often starts the night before a round. This gives a pro player an understanding of exactly what they’ll encounter during a round, helping them develop and stick to a game plan before each round.
5. Golf warmup
McCormick says that some PGA and LPGA players will spend more time than others warming up, with sessions usually falling between 30-90 minutes.
The objective here is to focus on shot control throughout the entire bag, including putting start lines/touch, greenside contact, trajectory and distance control. It’s also important for the player to work on their ball-striking.
6. Go time
As McCormick highlights in his Instagram post, many pro players finish their warmup by simulating the first tee shot. He goes on to explain that they “use the same club, picking a target fairway and going through the routine” in order to execute. He adds: “If unsuccessful, do it till you are.”
By incorporating something similar before your next round, you can take that confidence with you to the first tee box.