1. How Flexible is Your Core?
To have a solid, consistent swing, you need to be able to rotate your shoulders around your core. Try this simple exercise first. Cross your arms over your chest, look straight ahead, hold your head still and turn your shoulders as far as you can to the right, then the left. If you can't turn a full 90 degrees so your shoulder is under your chin, you need to work on flexibility. The power turn exercise is a great exercise to do just that.
2. Consistency is not the Hobgoblin of Golfers
If you're going to keep your score at or under par, you need a consistent golf swing. A solid full turn is the key to a power swing. One amazing shot off the tee may impress your partners, but it won't get you to each hole unless you can keep it up. Start your game with a warm up that will improve your flexibility and your consistency.
3. Do the Power Turn Drill
Start the power turn by holding a golf club behind your back in your bent elbows. Assume the address position by keeping your legs shoulder width apart and bending your knees slightly. Keeping your head down and your eyes focused on where the ball should be, begin a backswing turn. Go as far as you can to your right (left, if you're left-handed), then hold for 20 to 30 seconds. Next, turn as if you were doing the downswing and follow through. Again, go as far as you can in that direction and hold. Your goal is to get each shoulder under your chin. Be sure to keep the angle of your spine still throughout the exercise, and to move slowly. Repeat five to 10 times. Stop if you begin to feel any pain.
4. Turn for Maximum Distance
The power turn exercise will build the rotation ability you need to maximize the power in your swing and achieve maximum distance. You need flexibility to make a full turn and you need confidence to know you can make that turn, hit the ball squarely and do a full follow-through every time you step up to the ball. Practicing the power turn drill will give you both.
5. Warm up First to Prevent Injury
Whether you're headed out to practice on the driving range or starting a game with friends, you need to start with a warm up. If you were running you'd stretch your legs out, so stretch your golf muscles before you start golfing. Doing the power turn along with other golf drills will not only warm you up and gradually increase your flexibility, it will also help decrease the likelihood that you'll pull a muscle or injure yourself in other ways. It's never too late to improve your flexibility and if you want to keep golfing throughout your life, you need to remain flexible.
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