Now that the summer has finally arrived and golf season is in full swing (pun absolutely intended), it’s time to once again look at ways we can improve our game. Maximizing distance is definitely one of those ways. However, when it comes to maximizing distance, if you don’t start in a good position, you’re not going to be able to create the force you need to hit the ball far.
 
THE PHYSICS OF MAXIMIZING DISTANCE:
Physics dictates that for a ball to travel far, we need higher club head speeds with efficient energy transfer from the club to the ball in order to have an ideal launch angle with minimal spin. To achieve that high club head speed, we have to transfer the energy efficiently from our body to the club. This begins at setup. However, most recreational golfers address the ball by flexing their spine which not only increases the likelihood of injury, it also makes it impossible to reach maximum speed. The reason is that you only have a finite amount of movement from your spine in all ranges. For every degree you flex your spine to address the ball, you have that much less range to rotate and create speed.
 
IMPROVING YOUR ADDRESS MECHANICS:
In the following video, Dr. Jason Lemieux (owner of Physiomed Oakville and a TPI Medical Golf Fitness Professional) demonstrates how to improve your address mechanics so you can maximize your club head speed and avoid back pain.
 

 
 
As you’ve seen, from the above video, a key to this address is openness in your hips. Below, Dr. Lemieux recommends a very specific exercise that can help:
 

 
 
If you’re just now getting into your season, take a look at this great article by Dr. Lemieux on how to get your body ready. It appeared in last month’s edition of Oakville Voice (click here and then go to page 16).