Anybody who has ever played golf before will be able to vouch for how important the swing is when it comes to accuracy and distance of the golf ball. Professional golfers in particular spend hours on this, and also see the benefit of strength training in order to improve the distance they can reach.
Here is a look at how you can improve your rotational strength and at how professional golfers have used it to improve their game.
Bryson DeChambeau: A Great Example of a Transformation
In 2019 Bryson DeChambeau upped his weight training and was able to add 30lb during the offseason. On his return to the sport following this transformation, he won the first Major Championship of his career in the 2020 US Open. The American, who has golf betting odds of +1600 for the US Masters, is now one of the elite players on the PGA Tour and goes into Augusta this year with a big chance of success.
DeChambeau is one of the leading golf betting tips for every tournament he enters. His career has completely changed and it has justified his decision to make such a drastic change in his body and swing.
Being able to frequently hit the ball close to 400 yards off the tee is a huge advantage in golf, particularly on the par-five holes. It means he has a great chance of reaching the green in two shots, which brings into play eagle opportunities. That was evident when he prevailed in the Arnold Palmer Championship in 2021.
Core Strength
The most important area to work on for rotational strength in golf, is the core. It is definitely a good idea to put together a training plan which helps develop your core strength. Exercises such as leg raises, V-ups, the plank and Russian twists should be incorporated into your training.
It is also very important that when you are on the golf range working on your swing, you try to activate your core on every short. This is where a lot of your strength will generate from. Failure to do so will not only impact the distance you strike the ball, but you also run the risk of picking up a lower back injury. Golfers often suffer with back problems, the most notable being the American Tiger Woods.
The more you are able to activate your core in your golf swing, the more you will find you can increase your swing speed. A stable core ensures you are still on your shot, with just your arms moving.
Leg Training
Many golfers concentrate on bulking up their arms as much as possible to increase their rotational strength, and although that is useful, they often forget about their legs. A lot of your power and speed is generated from your legs as you drive them into the ground on your shot.
A medicine ball can prove useful in working the legs in some rotational power exercises. If you have the space in your gym, try doing some side-to-side slams with the ball, single-leg rotational slams and a back leg loaded throw.
There are also lots of machines inside a gym which can help build strength into your legs. The most notable is the leg press. Be very mindful of the maximum weight you can push.
Good luck with your rotational strength training. Hopefully it improves your game on the course.