The end of golf season brings a wealth

of opportunities to improve your skill

set. When it comes time to hit the

course again you will notice significant

improvements if you take full

advantage of this time for training.

Participating in all of the following

activities is recommended.

While you aren’t out on

the course during the off

season it is important to

practice your swing. You

can practice with a

weighted club or with your

favorite club. Repetition is

the key so swing your

heart out in what seems

like an endless number of

repetitions.

Attend a holiday program at a training

facility with instruction provided by the

best instructors in the nation. Make sure

the program teaches all aspects of the

game, including swing, short-game,

putting, and course management.

Holiday programs are generally late

December through early January.

Attend a summer or spring program

to learn proper techniques and

practice skills. Look for a summer or

spring program that is a combined

experience of golf and other fun

activities to make the most of the

warm season. This is an ideal

opportunity to socialize with peers

who share your love of golf.

Cardio and full body strength

training is important. A suitable

level of cardio can be achieved

through exercises like walking,

running, jumping jacks, or

biking, three days per week for

20 minutes each day. Strength

training does not have to

include lifting weights as there

are many exercises you can do

using your own body weight.

Developing control over your

balance will lead to better shots.

To do this, place a pillow on the

floor and stand on it with one leg

while lifting the opposite foot off

the ground and raising the knee to

90 degrees. Hold this position for

as long as you can and then

switch legs.

Flexibility will make sure your

swings are as effective as

possible. Stretching your full body

is good for general well-being, but

a focus should be placed on daily

stretching of your hips.

Repeated exposure to great golf players

will keep your mind active as you watch

and learn. If possible, go to a

professional golf tournament or watch

one on television or online. It is also

beneficial to watch instructional videos.

Taking it a step further, record your own

swing to watch your form and find

weaknesses to improve upon.

Academics are of equal importance

to the physical and mental practice

of golf. It is important to study and

do homework so that poor grades

don’t hinder opportunities. For

students in ESL programs, use the

off season to study English with the

goal of achieving a level of language

proficiency to function independently

in a classroom setting.

International Junior Golf Academy is

the only academy in the world that

combines training, academics, and

competitive play. Proper techniques

and practice skills are taught at several

facilities and courses, including the

exclusive Pinecrest Golf Club and

Island West. Our competitive yet

supportive environment encourages

students to develop commitment,

goals, and a strong work ethic.

http://www.ijga.com/

1-843-686-1500