In the News

[Jeffrey Reed]

Wilson Golf Reed On The Greens, by Jeffrey Reed
April 25, 2011
Copyright 2011 London Ontario Golf

Are you ready for golf season? Here are some simple tips to keep your equipment working its best.

Clean grips: Replace your grips annually. If you don’t want to spend the money (and you should – grips are relatively inexpensive and a wise investment in your game), and your grips are crack-free, wash with dish soap, then carefully roughen up with a very fine sandpaper (if desired).
Clean grooves: Warm water and a stiff nylon brush will do the trick.
Rust: Sometimes all you need is vinegar and a toothbrush.
Choose the right ball: Most four and five-piece balls are probably too hard for you. Choose a softer three-piece ball – or a special tour-like ball for slower swing speeds – that will launch higher, spin less, go further - and go a lot easier on your wallet.
Loft: Even PGA Tour pros are increasing the loft on their drivers. Lower-spinning, solid-core balls demand higher launch. More loft = higher launch = more distance. Simple. Even if you're a low-handicapper, try increasing from a 9 deg. driver to a 10 or 10.5 deg. club.
Headcovers: longer they are, more they will protect your clubheads and shafts when they're banged around on the course and in your trunk.
Ferrules: Heat them with a hair dryer if loose - this oftens does the trick.
Leather gloves: Wash in cold water with gentle detergent, hang to dry. New are best, but good gloves are not inexpensive.
Shoes: Replace the insoles - your feet will thank you. Apply leather conditioner - don't use wax. And don't forget to replace the spikes according to the number of rounds you play.

Onto the physical part of golf. Don’t mistake putting on your living room carpet a proper warmup. Sure, it may help you on the greens, but if you don’t take care of yourself first before hitting every club in the bag, then it’s a good bet you’ll spend more time on the couch than on the fairways this spring.

“Contrary to popular belief, golf is not a cushy pastime,” said Dr. Larry Foster, aka Dr. Divot, a New York-based orthopedic surgeon and self-described golf nut. His book, Dr. Divot’s Guide to Golf Injuries, is winning accolades from weekend warriors and touring pros alike, thanks to his no-nonsense yet conversational style.

According to Foster, more than 80 per cent of professional golfers report a golf-related injury at some point in their career. If the pros are prone to aches and pains, so are we. Foster points to a published survey of more than 1,000 amateur golfers which revealed the following: More than 60 per cent sustained one or more golf-related injuries over the course of their playing years; the injury rate was higher amongst golfers aged 50-plus; the typical injury forced the amateur golfer to miss an average of more than five weeks of playing time; and the most common injuries occur in the lower back (35 per cent), elbow (33 per cent), and wrist/hand (20 per cent).

“The key ingredients to the recipe for injury for amateur golfers include poor physical conditioning, overuse – excessive play or practice, inadequate or improper warmup, and poor swing technique,” said Foster. “Put it all together and it starts to make sense. It’s not just bad luck that causes those sore lower backs, tender elbows or achy shoulders. The good news is that these factors are for the most part within the control of the amateur golfer.”

Foster joked, “Missing a two-foot putt is not the most painful part of golf!” He offers the following tips to help you prepare for the golf season, and avoid nagging injuries on the golf course.

• Get into the habit of regular exercise that involves strengthening and stretching of the many golf muscles. This need not involve joining an expensive health club or hiring a personal trainer.
Simple workouts a couple times a week with light weights will do just fine.
• Don’t overdue it. Yes, it is tempting to go out and play three rounds the first weekend of double-digit temperatures, or hit six super-jumbo buckets of balls at the range. Remember, though, that resting is the best way to prevent a minor twinge from becoming a season-ending injury.
• Take a few minutes before each round or practice session to go through a proper warmup. Unfortunately, most recreational golfers think that the first three holes of their round is the warmup!
• Take lessons. Faulty swing mechanics not only make for a bloated golf score; they also place added strain on our bodies. A qualified teacher will help lower your score and make you less prone to injury.

Among his four import tips for the optimum golf warmup, Dr. Divot says allow yourself the time to get into the habit of warming up before your round. Leave the house or office 20 minutes earlier. By avoiding a rush trip to the first tee, you can prepare properly both mentally and physically.

“But remember,” said Dr. Divot, “to choose an activity that is appropriate for your age and level of conditioning. He cautioned, “If you have any questions, consult your doctor first.”

Wise words from the good Doc Divot. All I need from him now is a spell to put on my opponents. But something tells me this type of play is not compliant with the Rules of Golf.

-30-

Wish to comment? E-mail jeff@londonontariogolf.com with the subject line, Letter To The Editor. Published responses will be posted at the 19th Hole section of the London Ontario Golf In the News Message Board.

About Wilson Golf
For nearly a century, Wilson Golf has designed, manufactured and distributed premium and recreational golf equipment throughout the world. Since 1914, Wilson Staff irons have won 61 Major championships, more than any other iron manufacturer in history. Wilson Staff's D-FY combo set, FG Tour irons, Conform glove and the distance D:25 golf ball were honored with Golf Digest's Hot List awards in 2010. Wilson Staff, Profile, ProStaff and Hope consumer brands continue that tradition today by delivering the highest quality golf equipment to all golfers to enhance performance on the course and overall enjoyment of the game.

Wilson Golf is a division of Chicago-based Wilson Sporting Goods, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of sporting equipment by Amer Sports. Visit www.wilsonstaff.com or call 800.267.7506 for more information.