Why does Couples Average 293 off the Tee?

Exercise and golf?  Not Really.

Unless we’re carrying our own bags at a Las Vegas course in July, none of our significant others are going to buy off that golf counts as a true physical workout; I won’t even get into food at the turn and the “1” drink after the round.  Yes, I put “1” on purpose since it’s never really “1.”  Even his Excellence Mohamed Gandhi allegedly has a few.  But in all seriousness, you’ve got to stretch. 

You know how big Fred Couples is?  According to the PGA, he’s 5’11” and 185 pounds….. Oh yeah, and 51 years old.  You know what he averages of the tee?  Its 293.7.  I don’t know Mr. Couples, but I’m going to venture that he doesn’t bench press 375 and cannot squat 600.  What I will tell you is that he has a distinguished back swing that allows him to generate a ton of club head speed.  This is done by years of practice (which most of us didn’t do) and stretching (which most of us should do).  Golf stretches loosen your muscles and prepare them for a day on the course. And there's more. Golf stretches can promote a fluid, full golf swing and help prevent injury.  I know this is boring, but with a few simple changes in your pregame routine you could save a shot a side. 

·         When you bend over to tie your shoes hold that forward bend for 10 seconds.  Breathe deep and try to relax your lower back and shoulders.  Your swing is all about the torque generated within your core.

·         Get a practice weight for an iron (not the driver you steak heads!) and spend 5 minutes simply swinging the club back and forth.  This will allow you to gradually loosen up your swing and warm up the muscles used in your swing.

I could go on about doing yoga, strength training and professional trainers but let’s be honest…. If we all had time for that we would just play another round of golf.  Stop by next week when we’ll talk about using golf to increase your business and if you should ever let a potential new client win.

Play golf for the health of it.

Alex Nefouse

*Alex Nefouse is not a golf professional of any kind, he’s just a 9 handicap who plays 100+ rounds a year and loves the game.