Yesterday was the start of my off-season fitness program. Each year, I outline my goals to become stronger and more flexible. This year is no different except for my approach. Being in the Canadian Air Reserves, I have the opportunity to use a physical training program that allows me to generate, track and modify my progression. Continue reading
Fitness
Golf Injuries
Phil Mickelson withdrew from the Farmers Insurance Open last night. He cited a “locked back” that occurred when playing a shot out of the rough on the fifth hole in the second round. With the Masters just around the corner, Mickelson decision was smart because he does not want to jeopardize his chances at a Major by aggravating any injury this early in the 2014 golfing season. He also stated that if he played, the injury would probably change his swing and that is something he could not afford. Too bad for the fans at Torrey Pines, Mickelson is a fan favorite.
Phil Mickelson’s decision to withdraw is not uncommon. Many pros have withdrawn from tournaments citing injury. As seasoned athletes, it is understandable that even the slightest injury could have long-term negative effects to their livelihood. Mickelson’s back injury is a common injury for golfers, but it is only one of several that golfers want to avoid.
The Physio Room discusses the five most common golf injuries. Through the years, I and many of my friends can attest that they are correct. I am sure if you quickly think about it you can name them:
About.com Golf expands this list even further. Their list is more specific, but no less scary.
Injuries in golf are more common than non golfers realize. The mechanics in golf are not natural and can cause strain on the joints, soft tissue and in come cases bones. The repetitive impact of the club hitting a ball, ground, rock, or thick rough does take its toll on the human body. However, with proper preparation all injuries can be prevented.
To prevent injuries, the Mayo Clinic state ” Many golfing-related injuries are a result of poor mechanics or overuse, particularly in golfers who are new to the game or play infrequently. Although golf isn’t a contact sport, it puts significant demands on your body — which can easily lead to golf injuries. Follow these tips to stay in shape on the course.” Some of their suggestions are:
- Warm up.
- Start slowly.
- Strengthen your muscles.
- Focus on flexibility.
- Build up your endurance.
- Lift and carry clubs carefully.
- Choose proper footwear.
It is important to understand that golf injuries can occur at anytime. For some, are caused by poor mechanics, others because of course conditions and yet a few because players try something completely out of the ordinary. If an injury does occur, as with Phil Mickelson, it is important to immediately take care of it to prevent long-term effects to your golf game.
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
Time for Golf!
Golf can be a time-consuming sport. A round of golf could last up to 6 hours depending on the pace of play. Although 6 hours is ridiculous, it is not uncommon at public courses on the weekend. Time is a precious commodity that needs to doled out with caution….or does it?
The amount of time any player dedicates to golf is directly proportional to their desire to play and/or improve. My goal this year to be a scratch golfer highlights my in creased desire to play better and therefor the need to adjust how I spend my time. My four step plan comes with a renewed commitment to be a better player, but also a requirement to change how I spend my time.
There is no question that my family will always be my number one focus and thus the majority of my time will be spent with them. Next are my hobbies. Of these, I want to spend the next largest allotment of time. These are the things that make me happy and help me to grow. Inside this group is golf.
As stated earlier, I need to change how I spend my time. My first step of my plan is to become healthier and more physically fit. This is extremely important because without my health, the rest does not matter. Brett Wilson’s book Redefining Success has helped me rediscover this tenet important to a happy life. To accomplish this step, I adjusted when I go to work and what I do with my time after work. For me, this has not been a large change, but a necessary one.
To stay accountable, I have dedicated the time to update my blog at least every second day. More if possible, but at least every second day. This may not seem like much, but there is a requirement for 1-2 hours every second day to keep this commitment.
As you can see, even in the early stages of my play requires a commitment of time. As I move forward, more planning is required to make sure that practice and playing are also maximized. Not to mention the days where opportunities arise to participate in my favorite sport.
Time is important. I discovered many years ago that I have plenty of time to do the things I enjoy and the things I must. Mostly, I have gained the time from not watching too much TV. That is a personal choice and one I do not regret. Also, through planning, I have been able to identify the best times to do certain activities that maximizes my availability to be with my family and enjoy my hobbies.
If you are contemplating a golfing goal that goes beyond your current expectations, time management will be a factor. It helps set the stage for success if you account for time and are willing to change how you use it.
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
Confidence is a Powerful Tool
Golfing is a unique sport that has so many moving parts, that even the slightest change can spell disaster or success. Take the Travelers Championship today! Ken Duke won his first PGA tournament in his 187th start. He played very well in the last round and was beaming with confidence after winning the second playoff hole over Chris Stroud. Today was his day and rose to every challenge. His performance may be very difficult to duplicate, however it can be done if he continues to believe he can play well and compete with his peers…..he must remain confident!
How many times have you stepped up to the ball and hit the exact shot you envisioned? Your confidence increases and your next shot is pure as well. Conversely, how many times have you stood over the ball and the voice in your head fills you with doubt. Then you shank your shot and say “See, I knew you could not do it.” Confidence is a powerful tool!
So how do you gain and keep your confidence? Is it really something that can be turned on and off? Is it something you have to find or is it a state of mind?
DR. BOB ROTELLA, from Golf Digest, has ten things that will build confidence in any golfer. Rotella suggests: “I believe every golfer has the potential to be much better than he or she is, and that using the mind is one essential way to improve. You will never know if you have the ability to be the best player in the world, or the best player in your club, unless you commit yourself to developing both your physical and mental skills.”
David MacKenzie from Golf State Of Mind, also suggests ten things that all golfers can do to improve their confidence. My favorite is #10 – Believe in Yourself! There is simply no reason not to! That can be applied in all aspects of our lives, but that is a discussion for another day.
Regardless of which points resonate with you. Confidence is a state of mind! By mentally staying positive and focused on each shot, any golfers confidence will grow. My specific trick to build confidence is to mentally play the shot in my mind from behind the ball. It is like watching the shot on TV! Even if I hit a bad shot, I go through the same routine on my next shot. It works for me and something I am confident in!
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
Mental Wellness and Golf
Today is a glorious day! My four-year battle with non-Hodgkins Follicular Lymphoma has come to a turning point. After 28 months of treatment I am finished! This struggle presented many ups and downs, but thanks to my awesome wife who pushed, pulled, dragged, listened, lead, followed, and loved me every step of the way, I am turning the corner and running towards the “thrive zone”.
So what does any of this have to do with golf! Mental wellness when fighting any serious incident in your life is critical to success. Fighting a disease is no different. Many experts state that meditation, stress relief and focusing on a positive goal are important to strong mental wellness. I can tell you from personal experience this is absolutely true!
Throughout my entire ordeal, I used golf as my focused goal of healthy living. I would sit and think about how to improve my game, how awesome it feels to walk down a fairway at 6 am, I would feel the joys of chipping in, or the joys of shooting my best score ever. I would dream of opening day (which is still delayed this year, but I still dream), and I focused on the fantastic feelings of being successful on the golf course. On those dark days, and there were a few, golf was my mental shining light to which I would run to with gusto!
Additionally, golf has help me focus on the four pillars of wellness – healthy eating, moderate exercise, stress relief and good quality sleep. These guidelines are nothing new and their importance was reaffirmed from a support group that I am a member. By adopting these important life-changing tenets, I was able to expand my mental wellness into areas of happiness, health, and joy. Although I use this new life style to help address my medical challenge, it is something that would be beneficial for everyone.
Today is a fantastic day! The love of my wife, daughter, friends and family have been nothing short of heroic! I count my blessings everyday that they are in my life!
Golf is instrumental in my battle. It provides focused goals that help my mental wellness. Golf is a game of hopes and dreams for everyone.
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
The Grateful Golfer 