For many golfers, the off- season golf months are a time to put their clubs in the garage until spring emerges the following year.
However, if you didn’t accomplish your golf goals in 2015, the fall and winter months are a great opportunity to get your game ready for 2016.
As a golf professional, I see many students in the spring and summer who have a serious problem to fix.
For anyone who has played golf and tried to improve their game, they should know that this is not an easy feat.
Where are these players during the winter months? They should be thinking about making those changes now.
To make a serious swing change, a golfer must commit to professional instruction, as well as several hours of practice time before this change becomes natural. Many players who seek this improvement during the ‘peak’ golf season may find themselves in a fit of frustration as they try to enjoy outings, events or even tournaments.
Instead, why not dedicate the winter months with not so ideal golf weather to improving your game? That way when the warm weather returns, you can enjoy your game and not be as concerned about making improvements?
Tour professionals know this, and prepare for their upcoming season by putting in hard work during the off season.
This allows for changes to be ready during the important tournaments of the year.
If you would like to see drastic change to your golf swing or other golf skills and mechanics, seek out a golf professional now and create an offseason training plan that suits your time and budget.
Some examples of this type of improvement are fixing the slice or hook, making more consistent contact, creating more power or distance, improving the putting stroke and learning a reliable chipping technique to name a few.
If any of these issues sound familiar to you, now is the time for change!
This should also include a golf fitness program. Many players create serious compensations in their golf swing because of physical limitations to their body. Improving your fitness level specific for golf can create more mobility, and power, as well as prevent injury.
Be sure to talk to your local golf professional to recommend a golf fitness coach in your area.
Finally, if you are seeking an update to your golf equipment, the fall and winter are when new products are launched.
Be sure to be fitted properly for new equipment by your local golf professional. By the time spring arrives, you will be comfortable with your new gear and ready to play some great golf.
Make the this golf season your best ever.
Prepare now by seeking professionals to help with your swing and equipment changes, and start a fitness program to get your game in shape for 2016.
Jennifer is the Director of Instruction at the Chilliwack Golf Academy, and is a member of the LPGA T&CP, and PGA of Canada. She played professionally on tour for over 10 years, including 2 years on the LPGA.
She was also named the 2010 CN Canadian Women’s Tour Low Teaching Pro of the Year, and is the 2015 and 2010 Pepsi Northwest Women’s Open Champion. Find more information on Jennifer at chilliwackgolfacademy.com.