Execution of the golf swing requires certain levels of flexibility, strength, and power to perform in an efficient manner. Unfortunately, the aging process causes a decrease in our flexibility levels, lowers muscular strength capacities, and diminishes the power outputs within the body. All of which are counterproductive to the execution of the golf swing.

A step the senior golfer can take involves the implementation of golf fitness exercises to counteract the aging process and improve ones levels of flexibility, strength, and power. Over time the utilization of these golf exercises will improve a senior player’s flexibility levels, muscular strength capacities, and power outputs relative to the golf swing, allowing them the opportunity to execute a more efficient golf swing.

Empirical evidence suggests the first step as it pertains to “turning back father time” is improve ones flexibility levels. This goal can be achieved through the utilization of golf specific flexibility exercises to develop the ranges of motion required to execute the golf swing. One such exercise I utilize with the senior golfer for this purpose is call Openers.

The Opener is a great exercise to develop the rotary flexibility required of the upper body to perform a full shoulder turn in the back swing. To perform the Opener lay with your left in contact with the floor. Bend both your knees 90 degrees and rest the right knee on top of your left. Extend both arms out from the shoulders, resting the left arm on the floor.

Slowly raise the right arm off the left and begin to rotate your right shoulder. Continue to raise and rotate the right arm until it is on the right side of your body. Attempt to rotate to a position where the right arm is resting on the floor as you feel a stretch in the shoulder, upper, and lower back. Hold this position for 30 seconds. Repeat the exercise sequence with the right leg in contact with the floor and rotating the left arm.

Openers

Execution of an efficient golf swing requires certain levels of flexibility, strength, and power from the body. If the body is lacking in any of the aforementioned physical components of the golf swing, the ability to execute an efficient golf swing will be hampered. The aging process diminishes these physical components required of the golf swing thus limiting the senior players on the course. Implementing golf fitness exercises can assist in “turning back the clock” and allowing the senior player the opportunity to execute an efficient golf swing.