Give Dad the Gift He Really Wants: A Better Golf Swing

If watching Tiger, Bubba and Phil vie for the win at this year’s U.S. Open has your partner (or you) itching to hit the links for a little friendly competition of your own, allow the experts at Sharecare to give you an edge.

As most golfers will tell you, the secret to a top-notch golf game is in the swing. But you may be surprised to discover that the best way to improve your swing has nothing to do with your arms.

“First and foremost,” says Sharecare Fitness Expert and golf coach Todd Townes, “power comes from the ground up.” To add major oomph to your swing, you need to develop a strong, stable lower half. Watch this video for Townes’ favorite lower body strengthening moves:

The next step, says Townes, is to concentrate on getting the full range of motion you need for a strong, smooth swing. To do that, you’ll want to improve the flexibility in your hips and shoulders. For your hips, you can’t go wrong with the kneeling hip flexor stretch. (Click here for more hip-loosening ideas.) Then check out these shoulder stretches from Mehmet Oz, MD and the National Academy of Sports Medicine.

The third ingredient in our recipe for local link domination: “Having a strong and stable core is key to maintaining a powerful golf swing,” say the experts at NASM. Two great exercises they suggest: crunches on a ball and oblique crunches on a ball. (Why on a ball? The instability makes your core muscles work extra hard.)

Now you/your partner/dad/best friend are ready to blaze through a few rounds—even if the prize is more along the lines of bragging rights than an 8-million-dollar purse. Fore!

What exercises do you do to improve your game? Tell us in the comment section below.

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File under: Fit Friday