For some it is actually a sport, for others it is fun, for still others a pleasant and healthy "addiction".
Concentration, calm and steady nerves are the indispensable qualities in this game. Thanks to the organization of structures such as clubs and clubs, in which the integrity of the individual is decisive in demonstrating respect for other players and in strict observation of the rules - golf is very often played without the supervision of a referee - yes it is one of the most socially aggregating activities.
According to Giovanni Valentini, author of the book "The magic of golf"golf would be <
To become a good golf player, it is not enough to know the technique or have a well trained body, but it is necessary to practice it with continuity and passion.
As in every aspect of life, thanks to practice, automatisms and routine movements are developed and above all confidence in one's own means is improved.
Dario Cusani, Neapolitan journalist and artist, defines golf as an art in motion, where every shot requires creativity and strategy to get to the hole with the best solution; but in addition to the imagination, a lot of technique and training are needed.
, flexibility, coordination and concentration to hit the ball with the aim of "putting it in the hole".
Individual training planning should be such as to ensure the harmonious and balanced development of all the main physical-athletic qualities: from endurance to strength, from speed of execution to flexibility.
Endurance is not the primary physical quality in the game of golf, although improving the ability to tolerate prolonged effort is important in building the foundation upon which to increase other qualities.
The preparation should include the balanced and moderate development of all the muscles, also because a work too focused on strength and hypertrophy could be counterproductive: the development of large muscle masses, especially in the "upper part" of the body, can be detrimental to the " effectiveness of gesture, flexibility and sensitivity in body rotations.
The abdominal muscles, especially at the level of the obliques, are essential to give rise to torsion of the torso.
As for the arms, the triceps and the forearm muscles are decisive in guaranteeing solidity and control to hit the ball.
Trapezius, deltoids and rhomboids are called into question in the gesture of bringing the stick (or club) upwards.
To obtain a swing - the main shot of golf - effective and precise, the lower limbs must be kept toned and in particular the gastrocnemius, soleus, quadriceps and hamstrings must be toned and strengthened.
Fundamental, and not only in the lower part of the body, are the internal and external rotation muscles, indispensable in the stability of the stroke and of the position.
Flexibility is certainly the most important quality for a golf player (source: Bagnoli G., "Golf", ed. Giunti, 2006): the asymmetrical component of the game and the repetitive nature of the gesture risk wearing down tendons and joints over time. and musculature. For this reason, maintaining muscle tone and good flexibility can prevent any wear and tear. Flexibility is a quality that can be improved with a valid and constant training program, with significant results in a relatively short time.
The regular practice of stretching and joint mobility exercises, in addition to preventing injuries, can facilitate an increase in performance, thanks above all to greater breadth and fluidity of the athletic gesture.
Much used in the United States the TRX (tool recently landed also in Italy), suspension training system with universal attachment, which allows with two simple straps adjustable in length to effectively train joint mobility, balance, athletic movement and the effectiveness of the swing. There is even a kit created specifically for athletic training in golf called the TRX Golf Bundle.
Physical training of children and the elderly for golf
In young people, especially children, athletic training will focus on basic, general work, with a focus on coordination skills, skills that develop on average from 4 to 11 years of age.
In the elderly, on the other hand, the focus will be on seeking greater flexibility, precisely to avoid trauma and annoying contractures, events that are increasingly frequent with the passing of time.
In any case, even the amateur golf player should dedicate to improving the physical condition at least three or four days a week, through the use of free weights and elastic to the detriment of gym machines, often too binding for the joints, remembering always do a good warm-up before starting to play and practice this fascinating sport.
