The Importance of Fitness
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Without a doubt, there are far more bad backs today than in yesteryear due to the swings of today. In the past, the stress of keeping the lower body quiet and creating maximum torque with your upper body has created a lot more stress on the lower back, so conditioning is more important than ever today. Tiger and his swing have revolutionized the way most instructors teach, and if you do teach the modern swing of today (Tiger, Adam Scott, etc.) you should also stress the importance of proper stretching, conditioning and nutrition in order to avoid injuries.
I agree that too many weekend golfers are trying to make a Tour-like golf swing without putting the proper time into instruction and fitness. When I talk to my students about the golf swing I try to educate them on the three movements that make up the swing: the rotation of the body, the hinging of the hands and the lift that takes place in the arms. All three components are important in producing the absolute best swing possible. Some students may feel that in moving the club back and through with their arms and hands that the body responds, while others move the body which makes the arms and hands respond. Both are correct as long as the proper swing is achieved.
Years ago I remember Jack Nicklaus making a comment about the swing. He said something to the effect that, whatever swing concept you have, you better have a great feel for where the clubface is during your swing or you will never be able to really hit good shots. I remember watching Byron Nelson and Gene Sarazen as honorary starters, hitting off the first hole of the Masters Tournament and they would pipe it right down the middle with very little body movement. At that stage of their lives their bodies couldn’t move like the days of old, but they still had a feel in their hands and arms for the swing. Every club has older golfers who used to have a youthful swing, but now they are forced to use their hands and arms more during the swing. They can still play, and play very well.
Remember, the clubface doesn’t know what moves it back and through. It just has to come into the ball on the proper path as it squares up, and down the middle it goes. Maybe not as far as years ago, but it can still be an enjoyable shot.
In the end, many golfers will take the proper steps with instruction and fitness but as instructors we need to be flexible when teaching the masses.