Why the Core Matters in the Golf Swing:
- Power Generation:
The core acts as the engine of the swing. Rather than just using your arms or shoulders, a powerful golf swing initiates from the ground up — through the legs and hips — and is transferred through a strong, engaged core to the club.
- Stability and Balance:
A strong core helps maintain your balance during the swing, especially during the transition from backswing to downswing and into follow-through. It keeps your posture stable and reduces swaying or unnecessary movement.
- Control and Consistency:
Core control helps regulate the tempo and timing of your swing. When the core leads the movement, the arms and hands can stay relaxed, promoting better clubface control and more consistent contact.
- Injury Prevention:
Proper use of the core reduces the load on your spine and joints. Many swing-related injuries (especially to the lower back) stem from overusing the arms or lacking core stability. If you are serious about improving your swing and distance core strength exercises are a must. Forget your dumbbell overhead press and get on the floor and do some core work ! Some good ones to start with are :
- Planks (front and side)
- Russian twists
- Medicine ball rotational throws
- Cable rotations / Pallof presses
-
Yoga or Pilates for flexibility and strength
An assessment from a University trained Kinesiologist is a good idea . They know proper way to teach these exercises, how to make them specific for you and how to progress them.
