Golf tip: Pre-round routine will help prep you for 18 holes

Golf tip: Pre-round routine will help prep you for 18 holes

Q: I’m interested in a good pre-round warmup routine. Can you comment on stretching, range time, chipping, putting, mental preparation, etc… possibly include nutrition and hydration. Thanks Jerry O.

A: There are a lot of variables to your question. I will try to touch on all of them.

Let’s start with hydration and nutrition. Always stay hydrated with water or a sports drink with electrolytes. Stay away from drinks with a lot of sugar.

For nutrition, fruits and protein bars work well.

When you get to the course you should do some stretching exercises before you start to swing the club.

There are multiple exercises you can do on the range if one is available, or right on the first tee before you tee off.

If you feel there are certain body parts that need specific exercises, look online to find the best exercises for that specific area.

I like to stretch out with a device called the orange whip. If you’re a person that doesn’t have a lot of time to get to the range, or if the course you are playing doesn’t have a range, this device would be a good investment.

If you play a course with a range, start out with short clubs and work your way to the longer ones.

Always be disciplined and pick out targets when you practice. Don’t just hit the balls at the horizon.

By hitting at targets you will create a good mental image of the shot you want to hit out on the course.

Play a hole on the range as if you were on the course. Imagine that shot you want to hit on a certain hole.

Create the same routine on the range that you will use on the course. Once you finish on the range, spend some time with your chipping and putting as this will make up seventy percent of your score.

Always hole out that last putt on the putting green before you go to the first tee.

It’s a good mental picture and a great sound of the ball hitting the bottom of the cup.

Daril’s credentials

Daril Pacinella is the Director of Instruction at Turtle Creek Country Club in Rockledge. He is a teaching professional with more than 40 years of experience. He is a certified TPI golf fitness instructor and has developed strength and flexibility programs for golfers of all ages.

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