Golf for Yoga

Carmine Allen

The best part about yoga is the self-control and awareness that as a professional athlete can acquire with increasing their strength physically but also mentally. A great example is

“ In a major tournament, Jack Nicklaus was putting for the lead when a dog ran onto the green. Jack proceeded to sink the putt. Later, when asked if the dog distracted him, Jack responded, “What dog?”

Golfers call this being “in the zone,” also you could describe it as withdrawing from the senses or having a one-pointed concentration. Golf is an intensive mind-body sport, requiring strong mental discipline. I believe that yoga teaches us how to remain focused, which can greatly aid the internal and external challenges on the golf course.

The golf swing occurs in approximately two seconds, beginning from a static position, proceeding through the swing, with explosive power at impact. During the swing, the trunk and spine move in three planes of motion, supported by flexibility, balance, and strength. These three foundational components can all be cultivated through a dedicated yoga practice.

Through yoga your Flexibility will Increase your dynamic range of motion which will allow proper coiling and uncoiling of the torso and spine. This will reduces potential swing faults caused by short, tight muscles. Increased flexibility reduces the risk of injury.

Then your balance in the stance and throughout the entire swing plane is vital for a repeatable and reliable golf swing. So with proper balance it enables efficient weight transfer, generating power and accuracy. Also help you with your fallow through; the finish position that allows to fully extend your body towards the target.

Yoga also helps you strengthen your core which helps you in maintaining a proper spine angle to deliver the club to the impact position, generating power and club head speed, resulting in increased distance. By strengthening the abdominal and back muscles you will element poor golf...