THE CORE
Free Up Your Swing 5 exercises to give you a power boost BY RON KASPRISKE
WATCH TOUR PLAYERS take the club back and you will clearly see how well they
move their upper body independently of the lower body – and vice versa. It’s crucial to many facets of the swing, notably being able to take the club back fully and put yourself in position to lead with the legs and hips as you start the downswing. Many golfers, especially those 50 and older, lack the ability to let the upper body rotate over a stable lower body on the backswing, says Lauren McMillin, a Golf Digest Certified Trainer. Every- thing seems to either sway off the ball together, or in turn becomes limited mainly to the arms and club. The typi- cal result is a weak slice or a pull. While trying to mimic a pro’s swing might seem unrealistic, exercises that promote segmental rotation of the body and improve hip function can really boost your ability to hit the ball further and straighter. Improving lower-body stability and upper-body mobility will help, says McMillin, who trains golfers in Madison, Mississippi, and online. If you want to get rid of that pull or slice or just hit more shots flush, she has assembled five simple exercises you can do virtually anywhere. Grab a golf club and find a cushioned floor and you’re good to go.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY MARTHA GRACE GRAY
GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA 35
MARCH/APRIL 2025
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