Get Golf-Ready

            In thecoming weeks, golfers around Smith Mountain Lakewill pull out the tees, polish the irons and hit the links. Golf season is onthe horizon. But before you can work on lowering that handicap, you need towork on getting in good golf shape.

            Golfprofessionals from SML's four 18-hole courses are "pitching" in to help. Tryfollowing these tips to help reduce the risk of injury, improve your game andmake this golf season your best yet.

PRACTICE PITCHING

Derek Wingo, First Assistant

The Water's Edge Country Club

             The shortgame is by far the most essential part of any golf game. It doesn't matter howfar you hit the ball if you cannot get the ball in the hole. Here's a goodchipping drill to do in the comfort of your own home:

            Line upthree or four laundry baskets or buckets of different sizes at differentdistances. Determine a point value for each basket based on distance and size.Use whiffle golf balls to practice pitching. Compete with yourself or a friendto see who can earn the most points. This is a fun way to practice yourchipping/pitching motion and have some fun with your fellow golfers.

START STRETCHING

Billy McBride, PGA Head Golf Professional

The WestlakeGolf & Country Club

             The bestthing to do to get ready for the upcoming golf season is to work on yourflexibility. Follow these two easy stretching and twisting techniques:

            Hold a golfclub with the grip in one hand and the head of the club in the other, making atriangle with your arms and club. Lift the club over your head and stretchback, keeping your arms as straight as possible. Keep stretching until you getto a comfortable position and hold for 15 seconds. This stretch will improveflexibility with your shoulders.

            With yourfeet flat on the ground, stand with your back to a wall approximately one armlength away. Twist your upper body around until you can touch the wall (onehand on the wall is good, both hands is great). Twist back to your startposition and then twist to the other side. This exercise will stretch your backmuscles, making them stronger so you can make a full turn during your golfswing.

MAKE PUTTING PROGRESS

Adam Witt, Head Golf Professional

Mariners Landing Golf & Country Club

             My topsuggestion is to practice putting. Gaining confidence on the greens can helpreduce your total number of putts per round, takes the pressure off your longgame and can significantly lower your overall score. Try this drill to get yourputter on track:

            Line up in yourputting stance. Take one golf ball and place it close to the heel of yourputter and another ball close to the toe of your putter. Using a third ball,take your normal putting stroke and try to strike the center. If your putterhits either of the outside balls, it means your putting stoke is not square tothe putting line. Keep practicing until you can strike the center ball withouthitting either of the outside balls.

HIT THE WEIGHTS

Mark McKee, PGA Head Golf Professional

The Waterfront Country Club

            Golfers whowork on strength training and muscle conditioning can improve driving distanceand decrease the chance of injuries. Being stronger allows you to swing theclub with less effort to produce the needed results.

            Allof the best strength exercises can be performed on weight-training machines.Incorporate leg extensions, leg curls, leg presses, chest crosses, chestpresses, super pullovers, lateral raises, biceps curls, triceps extensions,back extensions, abdominal curls, neck flexions, neck extensions,weight-assisted chin-ups, and weight-assisted bar dips. For each exercise,perform one set of 8-12 repetitions and add approximately five percent moreresistance whenever 12 repetitions are completed. Be sure to consult yourphysician before starting any exercise regimen.