Many amateur golfers often run late for tee times and can forget to loosen up. We're not talking about only getting loose by hitting balls on the driving range, but rather loosening up all those muscles that you use when swinging a golf club.
For that reason, we suggest priming your body by using the below golf stretches, which will allow you to perform your best (and help you avoid any injuries). So take a look and start using these stretches before grabbing your PureOne to swing on the range.
1. Hamstring Stretch
Similar to other hamstring stretches, this golf stretch specifically engages your big leg muscles in order to increase flexibility and range of motion — which loosens up your hips to help with rotation in the golf swing.
Simply stand in front of a step and place your heel on it. With your knee bent just slightly, lean forward from the hips and try touching your toes.
2. Toe Touch Stretch
As far back as middle school, we've all done a toe touch stretch — so we probably understand the benefits of using one to get loose.
While most of us mostly associate it with running, it's a good golf stretch to use because it loosens up parts of your legs that you'll use throughout a golf round.
Simply put your feet together, bend from the hips, and try touching your toes (holding for about five seconds).
Not only is this a good pre-round stretch, but it's also a good one to use out on the course when you might experience some tightness in your hamstrings, low back, or quads.
3. Hip Flexor Stretch
Given the importance of your hips in the golf swing, you'll want to make sure these get loose prior to ever swinging a golf club.
A good way to do so is by incorporating a hip flexor stretch into your pre-round routine, which focuses on activating both your hips and IT bands.
Just kneel on one leg and bend the other leg in front of you (you can also use a golf club to help you balance). Now keep your back straight and slowly push your hips forward, holding the stretch for about 15 seconds. Complete three sets and you'll be good to go.
4. Low Back Stretch
There are a few good low back golf stretches out there, so go with the one that fits your body type and overall flexibility — since the last thing any golfer wants is an injury from stretching!
Our preferred low back stretch is one that mimics the body while swinging, which is a good way to ensure your back isn't tight before swinging a golf club.
Just put the club behind your back, drop one leg back in-line with your hip bone, and then turn on the way down, squaring your shoulders as you move back up. Do this three times on each side to fire up your back muscles for optimized rotation and performance.
Now that you're armed with some suggested golf stretches, make sure you utilize them before hitting your first ball of the day. Not only will you feel better physically and be proactive in taking care of your body, but your shot results will be better, too.