Sports - Columnists - Tommy Snell

Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009

Keeping in shape during golf’s offseason

Handicaps creep higher as Old Man Winter sneaks onto No 1 tee, but a few precautions just might thaw his evil ways and warm up spring scores.

Golfers are stuck inside for a few months. Although down south, mild winters spoil obsessed linksters, But these days provide a great opportunity to work on next summer’s swing.

Bow Flex, Nordictrack and Total Gym hustle eager golfers into thinking that workouts are fun, but in fact most fairway folks would rather down a six-pack rather than create one.

However, if longer drives are the buried treasure golfers cherish, during the winter months big dogs might stretch their way to more yardage.

According to Sport-Fitness-Advisor.com, “dynamic stretching seems to be more appropriate as part of the warm up,” and “In fact, recent research suggests that static stretching may not be beneficial before training or athletic performance.”

Knowing the difference between dynamic and static stretching might save golfers who have rekindled their passion for more yardage.

Web sites and fitness centers provide great workout routines for disciplined golfers, but as the old saying suggests, “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink.”

This winter, predators seeking Old Man Par should develop a good stretching routine and gulp down a few extra yards when the summer swelter heats up the course.

A few minutes on the mat will mean more yardage off the tee and less pain as the years play through.

No complaining about being stuck to a chair at the office. About.com lists two back-saving stretches that allow golfers to improve their game and save their backs without leaving the cubicle.

The “Seated Twist” and “Seated Hamstring Stretch” can be performed without leaving the chair.

For a complete list of dynamic and static exercises, visit sport-fitness-advisor.com or your local fitness center.

High-Five a Penta: The new TaylorMade Penta golf ball deserves a big high-five. The company that brought us adjustable driver technology has now created a golf ball with five layers of distance, feel, and playability. It is definitely worth a try. THe balls will be available on Dec. 1.

Excel Junior Golf Tour Fundraiser: The Excel Junior Golf Tour tees off its inaugural event at Windance CC on Nov. 10.

The 4-person scramble “will afford local juniors the opportunity to earn assistance for college through competition,” according to tour president Jeff Heiby. To register a team or sign up, contact Heiby at 1-601-716-5024 or e-mail jheiby@exceljuniorgolftour.com