As I sit looking out my front window watching the snow gently fall to the ground, I cannot not help wonder about the future of my golf game. I muse about the time I have to improve my physical health and wonder if I will ever reach my goal as a scratch golfer. It really is a restive time and I enjoy being reflective. However, 6 months is a long time to wait before the golf courses in the area open!
When I think about being a scratch golfer, I often remind myself of the following: “A goal is not always meant to be reached, it often serves simply as something to aim at.” – Bruce Lee. To achieve this lofty target, I need to remain focused. This year will be no different.
Interestingly, I have decided on one goal that will be at the top of my list for improvement: flexibility. Yes, I have talked about this before, however it is time to walk the walk if I am going to talk the talk. Why flexibility you ask, well it is quite simple. After all my health challenges in 2018, I am just not starting to feel like my old self except in one area: flexibility. In the past, I found that when I dedicated time and effort to improving my range of motion, I had many health benefits. So, it is time to make being flexible a priority.
“If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or things.” – Albert Einstein. As well, it is important to have a plan to achieve that goal because:
I have a goal at this time, now I need to put in some effort to make a plan to achieve that goal. To start, it will be as simple as getting my butt off the couch and stretch. However, as I incorporate other aspects of my training, I will carve out time to ensure improving my flexibility remains at the top of my list.
Do you work on your flexibility? If so, how?
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
The Grateful Golfer 
Hi Jim,
flexibility is also my problem, but for me it just a case of old age, the muscles and bones dont work like they used to, and there is no cure. I am just happy to be able to walk the course and play golf, albeit not very well.
I wish you well, and hope you recover to be the good golfer you are.
Pete
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Thanks Pete. Like you, I will take solice in play and walking when I can.
Cheers Jim
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Jim
I use yoga for increased flexibility. Also remember flexibility like strength training must be part of a regime and not a once in a while activity. Find a good stretching program – MyTPI has a lot of great golf specific stretching exercises. I’ve found some good teachers on Instagram as well. Scratch golf is within your grasp !!!!
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Thanks Linley!
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Jim, flexibility is a good goal. The only thing is it’s hard to measure. I’ve added a drill into my daily workout that helps with my hip flexibility and ability to stay in my spine angle. My ad-hoc measurement is my ball striking and level of soreness after a practice session or a walking round. It’s definitely been better since I added the drill. Here it is if you’d like to try. I don’t do it for the full 15 minutes but have incorporated the basics into about 3-4 minutes. Good luck! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOtKp8It_tk
Brian
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Brian, Thanks I will definitely take a look at video and let you know.
Cheers Jim
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Resistance exercises with surgical rubber bands that I was given when I had bursitis in my shoulder is what I use. The therapists gave me diagrams for a number of exercises I can do with them to help keep my body able to move freely without causing myself further damage. And I found a few more online that are helpful for golf specific movement.
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Thanks Kevin! I will look into it.
Cheers Jim
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Jim
You are an inspiration to all of us that know you and you are far more than a scratch golfer to us!
Now, get off the couch and prepare for a rendezvous-vows in December from your Aussie pal.
Kirk
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Thanks Kirk! I am ready to start making the appropriate changes. And you are right, I need to get off the couch!
Cheers Jim
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