As the golf season approaches, the anticipation among avid golfers is palpable. The allure of stepping onto the course and engaging in the timeless pursuit of striking that little white ball is hard to resist. Yet, for those of us residing in the Midwest, it's highly likely that our golf clubs have been gathering dust since the waning days of September or October last year. 

The long winter months have kept us away from the fairways and greens, but now, with the arrival of spring, the time has come to dust off our clubs, polish our swings, and embrace the joy of golf once again.

It is critical to warm up before golfing to reduce the risk of  injury and play your best game. One of the best ways to accomplish this, as you get back on the course, is to develop a dynamic golf warm up routine. 

Dynamic stretching is far superior to static stretching (long holds in stretch positions) for the game of golf. While static stretches improve overall flexibility, they do not prepare you properly for a round of golf. Dynamic stretches get your blood flowing and increase your range of motion. 

Dynamic Stretches for Golf - Warm Up Exercises

Incorporating ball hitting into your pre-round routine is highly recommended, as it serves as a fantastic dynamic warm-up. It gets your body moving and primes your muscles for action. However, it's important to note that dynamic stretching should not be overlooked.

Devoting just 5-10 minutes to dynamic stretching before heading to the driving range can work wonders preparing your body for optimal performance. This form of stretching helps increase blood flow, enhances flexibility, and reduces the risk of injury. By taking the time to properly warm up your joints and muscles before engaging in practice swings, you significantly decrease the likelihood of strain or discomfort during your practice session.

There are plenty of YouTube videos available that demonstrate a wide variety of dynamic stretches. However, we would like to recommend a couple of our favorites:

Wide Grip Twist

While you hold your driver overhead, with your hands placed as far apart as possible, keep your knees bent slightly and twist your upper body from side to side, as far as possible while keeping your lower body still. Utilize your core stabilizers to prevent any hip and leg movement. Perform 30 reps to each side. 

Leg Swing

Hold a golf club at your side (like you would a cane) lightly for balance. Swing the opposite leg from front to back for 15 reps. Repeat on the other side. 

Crossover Twist

Hold your driver with your hands as far apart as possible in a wide grip (holding it horizontally with one hand at each end). Bend forward at the hips and shift your weight to the right (allowing the right knee to bend) and twist your shoulders and spine to the right. Reach back as far as you can while staying in your comfort zone. Return to center and repeat this motion to your left. Complete 20 reps to each side. 

There are many other dynamic stretches that may also work well for you, including the forward lunge and reach, and the dynamic squat stretch, pictured at the top of this blog post.

Dynamic Stretching for Golf - Start Now

If the weather is still not conducive to heading out to the golf course, now is the perfect time to start a pre-golf season workout. Make sure to incorporate plenty of dynamic golf stretching to keep your first forays onto the green pain free. Your back and your scorecard will both show their appreciation!