Training for Golf in Winter

By Brandon Guile

Don't let the Wet Coast get you down. The rosebuds and magnolias will be blossoming again before you know it, stirring those golf desires within. The winter does, however, provide us with the opportunity to get that edge on your golfing buddies that every golfer is looking for.

This is the season! Make a conscious decision to take the steps now to improve your golf game. Most people put away their clubs during the winter for other activities, like turkey and stuffing. But those who truly love the game cherish the adventures that winter golf has to offer.

For those who are dedicated to improving their golf, taking advantage of the winter months is critical in developing the technical aspects of your swing. I'm here to tell you now that there is no secret recipe to better golf. However, with 10-15 minutes a day of technical work through the off-season, and some CPGA professional direction, you can come shooting out of the gate in time for the Masters. Your foursome won't know what hit them!

Technical practice involves conscious awareness of swing movements, utilizing all of our body parts along with the club to put ourselves in proper positions throughout the swing. The challenge is to learn muscle memory. This is something that takes time. So, when doing technical practice, always do it slowly, holding positions and repeating them. Professionals can show you where you should be throughout the swing, but it is up to the individual to spend the time after the lesson, teaching their muscles and body parts to get into those positions without thinking about it. That's the challenge. Remember: a golf swing isn't solely bought, it's built. Time and effort are the best resources you can have.

Golfers who dedicate themselves to practicing specific technique will very quickly surpass others who just hit bucket after bucket of balls.

Practice should be specialized and managed to become effective. It's much better to hit 30 balls and focus 100% on the ball and the target than it is to hit 100 balls with less than 100% concentration and focus. Taking the technical practice to the range should start in slow movements first, such as half-swings. Focus on the ball and the clubface through the impact area. Baby steps are the key. Practice small swings and, as you improve, let the swing and your confidence grow together.

Use this season as your first step to improvement and contact a CPGA-certified Teaching Professional to help you tailor a routine of technical drills that will help you take your game to the next level.

The Brent Morrison Golf Academy is located at Pheasant Glen Golf Resort, 1025 Qualicum Road, Qualicum Beach, B.C. V9K 1M5. (250) 752-8786. For more information on instruction programs for adults and juniors, contact the Academy office.

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