Fitness Program

Question
Mr Williams,

Hi my name is Brian Miller. I live in the Chattanooga TN area. To tell you about me I am a 31 year old. I have played this wonderful game of golf for 14 years. Last year I started breaking 80 pretty consistently. I have a handicap of 6.2 during the summer and a 7.1 right now so I'm not to bad. I would like to achieve a scratch golfer status, lofty goals, but I want it bad. I would like to know the steps that would help me to achieve this goal. I work usually 8 to 5 Monday thru Friday. I am able to practice on some days after work and a lot on the weekend, but have never had a teacher to give me a guidance program I believe I need. If you have time also a weight-lifting program would be appreciate also. People tell me from where I am, that all I need is to tone my short game, which I believe, but I have learned to play with a slight fade and if I can learn to straighten that out I believe it would help with lenght, that's where the weight lifting program should help.

My Game Length
Driver- 240 avg
5 Iron- 170-195
7 Iron- 155-165
PW    - 125-135

Thank you for all your help and consideration.
Brian Miller
[email protected]


Answer
Good morning Brian, and thanks for a great question(s)!

You hit upon some really good ideas and solid goals.  It would be great to talk to you in person, or by phone, so if you want to call me at my shop, feel free.  I will leave the number at the end.

First thing....find yourself a PGA Pro in your area that you respect and trust.  Ask around to see if people are recommending a particular pro.  Then, get together and discuss your goals and work out a lesson program, a road map if you will, to get to where you want to go.

Sounds like you hit the ball well.  I love to hear people say they need to work on their short game.  That is where it is at!

I would concentrate right now on figuring some more exact distances with your clubs.  You have a 15 yard gap in all of your clubs....that is a wide variation.

I also notice you did not note if you have a SW or gap wedge.  What do you do when you are a 100 yards out from a green?  

Have you been custom fit for clubs?  I recommend that if you have not been.  Lie angle, length and shaft type are very important in your overall game.

From a fitness perspective.....weight lifting is a good thing, but don't over do it.  Light weights at more repititions builds better golf muscles.  You do need to work in a flexibility routine with this.  I would take flexibility over big muscles any day.  Check out Body Balance for Performance on the Internet.  It is a total golf fitness program....I have been involved with it for 2 years and it is fantastic.

Let me know what is going on with your game.  I hope this brief note is helpful in starting you in the right direction.  Give me a call, I would enjoy talking with you.

Sincerely,

Rick Williams
PGA Head Professional
Bucks County Country Club