1. Sequencing
The best golf swing is built from the ground up. Similarly, the javelin, shot put and hammer are all events in which the skill starts in the feet. In the Olympics, order of movements is everything. In golf, we call this the Kinematic Sequence, which describes the most effective and efficient ways for the various parts of the body and the club to accelerate and decelerate, thereby creating the optimal swing.
2. Knowing that slow is smooth and smooth is fast
Swimmers are all about efficiency in their effort, and you’ll notice that their long, smooth strokes create speed but very small splashes. Also, watching swimmers warming up and stretching, you can see how loose their muscles are and that they have extraordinary range of motion. They wear their warm-ups until they are getting into the pool, keeping warm and elastic until the last possible second. Elasticity is key in golf as well!
Cyclists know that if they move too fast, they could make mistakes that may cost them significant time. They must build speed slowly and carefully, without sacrificing any technique. This is also how the perfect golf swing is executed.
Runners are all about sticking to their pace. The same goes for golfers, where the pace or zone that provides the best results must endure throughout the entire competition, from the first seconds to the final moments.
3. Obsessively working on their posture
Gymnasts have the best posture of all athletes, because proper posture promotes the proper path. This is the same for golf, where controlling your eyes and focusing on the right place creates a successful swing. Both golfers and gymnasts also depend on excellent posture to ratchet up speed, increase mobility and avoid injury.
Fun fact:
From 1904 until 2015, golf was not played at the Olympics. Perhaps this is because golf is a game for all people and body types, and strength is secondary to technique (some of the best golfers in the world don’t appear athletic in the traditional sense). Finally, in 2016, golf was invited back.
By Doug Weaver, Director of Instruction, Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy
North Carolina and South Carolina PGA Teacher of the Year, Doug Weaver is the Director of Instruction at the Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy. He conducts “Where Does the Power Come From?”, a free interactive clinic and demonstration every Monday from 4-5 p.m. at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Course. Call (843) 338-9598 or (800) 827-3006 or go to www.palmettodunes.com for more information.
