At some point, almost all of us struggle with efforts to improve our golf game. Many will try videos, books, hours with a teaching pro, the newest club, and swing after swing to no avail. While theres some improvement, its just not what youd anticipated. What could be the problem?

The golf swing involves many components that must be executed with precision timing and skill. Properly fitted clubs are an important part of this total solution. Its easy to understand the movements you need to be making with the help of a professional golf instructor, videos, and even books. Then why cant you implement what you know?

One aspect that is beginning to receive lots of attention is the body itself. Professionals and amateurs alike are spending more of their time with flexibility and strength training to improve their game. Your bodys level of fitness can have major a impact on the quality of your golf swing, and thus your scores. By having your body in optimal physical condition, your golf game will improve and the chance of injury or strain is greatly reduced.

Flexibility is highly important for achieving a good golf swing. If areas of your body are tight or restricted, your body will attempt to compensate in some manner and the resulting swing is usually unpredictable. By spending time regularly on stretches, your flexibility will improve.

Strengthening your muscles especially in the area of your core will give you an edge on improving your golf score. The core muscles (abs, back and glutes) are the focal point of creating movement and power. If this area is weak, the golf swing will suffer.

So instead of buying the newest club, or the latest golf aid, why not invest in the core mechanics needed for a good swingyour body. This investment of time and energy will reward you with the longevity you seek on the course.

Susan Hill

Susan Hill is the President of Fitness for Golf, a website dedicated to helping golfers improve through golf specific programs.

Susan has earned national certifications as a fitness trainer with several organizations including the National Academy of Sports Medicine, the International Sports Science Association, and the American Council on Exercise. She currently trains golfers of all levels at the Sunriver Resort, a top U.S. golf destination resort in Sunriver, Oregon.

As a Chek certified Golf Biomechanic and Sports Performance Nutritionist, she is now among an elite group of golf fitness experts nationwide. Susan has worked with hundreds of golfers ranging in skills from beginners just taking up the game of golf to collegiate, amateur and tour players looking for a more competitive edge.

She is a contributing writer to Golf Illustrated, a guest speaker at private and public golf clubs, and a published writer on topics of health, fitness and golf. She was selected as one of the top three trainers as the Trainer of the Year 2003, having been chosen among over 85,000 trainers across the country.

Her work has also been featured in SELF magazine and on ESPN radio.