4 Warm-Up Stretches to Do Before You Tee Off

Whether you do or you don’t, warming up, or improving your warm up, before a round of golf can have a bottom-line benefit on your scorecard.

Even if you visit the driving range before a round to get your swing in gear, warming up can speed up the process and get your swing into mid-round form even on the early holes.

Warming up also helps minimize aggravating any soreness or minor injuries too. You should definitely warm-up if you have any sensitivity in your shoulders, knees or just about anywhere because golf is truly a full-body sport.

To get a better idea of what stretches to do before golfing, think of every part of your body that you use in a golf swing from the ground up. Now stretch each part. ( NOTE: If you feel any pain, twinges or sensations while warming up, stop immediately.)

1. Legs & Lower Body

Squats and lunges are great for your legs, hips and lower back.

A. Squats

A good squat starts with your legs shoulder-width apart. Keeping your back straight, bend at the hips, pushing your butt backward. Lower your hips to the ground. Do not let your knees move forward past the ends of your toes.

B. Lunges

Keep your upper body vertically straight, hold your shoulders back and your chin up while staring at a point straight in front of you. Step forward with one leg, and lower your body until both knees, are at about a 90-degree angle. Don’t let your lower knee touch the floor. Push back up to a standing position and repeat the lunge with your other leg. Try 10 reps to start.

2. Core

While just about every warmup you do will engage your core, you need to stretch it too. A few side bends will do the trick. With your legs shoulder-width apart and your hands on your hips, bend at the waist, first to the left, then to the right. Repeat 10 to 15 times. You can try the side bends while holding a club across your shoulders with both arms.

3. Arms & Shoulders

Standing straight, legs shoulder-width apart, hold your swing arm straight across your body, towards your other arm, parallel to the ground. Using your other arm, pull your extended swing arm close to your body. You can add a turn at the waist to the direction your swing arm is pointing. Do the same for the other arm. Repeat three to five times.

4. Neck

Neck rolls are always a good way to stretch your neck. Facing forward, slowly rotate your head in a circular, clockwise direction. Repeat the full rotation three times, then do the same for a counter-clockwise rotation.

Every little bit helps in golf and warming up can make a big difference. Why not reserve a tee time here at Royal Ashburn Golf Club so you can practice your new warm-up routine!