Most golfers obsess over perfecting their swing or picking the right clubs, but many overlook a simple game-changer: stretching. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a seasoned pro, a proper warm-up can boost performance, prevent injuries, and keep you on the course longer.
Dave Steinmetz, director at Inverness Golf Course, swears by the power of stretching. “I always tell my students to take five to ten minutes to stretch before even touching a club,” he says. “It wakes up your muscles, loosens tension, and lets you swing more freely.” Neglecting flexibility can lead to common golf-related injuries, especially in the lower back, shoulders, and neck. To combat these issues, Steinmetz recommends incorporating simple yet effective moves like lat and doorway stretches. The key? Make stretching a daily habit, not just a pre-game ritual.
A great warm-up drill involves using your golf club to mimic a swing. “Place the club behind your back and rotate side to side,” Steinmetz advises. “Do this standing up at a vertical angle and then at a 45-degree angle to help loosen the core and back, which are both heavily engaged during a golf swing.” Small arm circles for ten to fifteen seconds also work wonders for keeping shoulders injury-free.
For those in need of extra guidance, certified trainers from the Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) or expert flexologists at StretchLab can customize stretching and strength programs tailored to specific needs.
And don’t forget the cool-down. Before heading to the clubhouse for post-round drinks, take a few minutes to stretch it out. Steinmetz suggests incorporating gentle yoga or Pilates-inspired moves into your cool-down routine, focusing on the legs. “Hip flexor and leg stretches are great for easing tension and speeding up recovery,” Steinmetz says.
A few simple stretches can make all the difference—keeping your swing smooth, your body pain-free, and your game strong for years to come.
Check out golf-specific stretches designed by the expert flexologists at StretchLab by picking up the May 2025 Golf Issue at local newsstands or subscribing to the digital magazine.
