2005 US Open Winner - What Does It Take?

As the 2005 US Open began in Pinehurst, NC, the name Michael Campbell wasn't being touted as likely to finish first. Michael had attempted in four previous Opens and had not survived the weekend. Fortunately his final round of 1 under 69 gave him the two stroke lead he needed to earn a victory over the top ranked player in the world, Tiger Woods. How did Michael keep his composure with Woods making a charge on the back nine? Was it sheer confidence? Skill? Just what was the winning combination for Campbell?

Many traits and abilities go into the makings of a Major champion. Not the least of which is fitness and conditioning for their task at hand. While professional golfers are the envy of many, these people must adhere to a regimen few are willing to take on. As we watch the rounds, it all looks so easy. Yet, behind the scenes?

Today's professional golfer, more than ever before, must concentrate on something other than simply technique and skill. The new golf technologies claim much of the increased distance, control and power now available to golfers. New technology is really only a small portion of the emerging changes in play.

Almost every professional golfer today spends more time conditioning their body for golf than ever before. They realize the competition is tough and that in order to maintain consistently controlled and powerful golf swings their body must be strengthened and flexible. Their time is well spent on functional strength and flexibility conditioning for the body. The goal of functional exercises for golf is to mimic the actual demands on the body of the golf swing. This approach helps accomplish two things at once 1) improve the targeted muscle group's strength and flexibility and 2) condition the neuromuscular system with movements exactly like those required on the course.

All golfers would do well to learn from the pros in the area of fitness and conditioning. The golf swing is a complex movement, requiring much from the body. Regularly performing strength and conditioning exercises can produce a more flexible and stronger musculoskeletal system. As higher levels of fitness are accomplished, you can generate more power with less effort. This translates to a smoother swing with greater club head speed, thus lower scores result. Fitness for golf is rapidly becoming the norm; start today to ensure many years of rewarding play on the course.

Susan Hill is a nationally recognized golf fitness trainer, CHEK golf biomechanic and sports nutrition specialist. For more information on golf specific nutrition, exercises or stretches, visit http://www.fitnessforgolf.com

Balance Your Checkbook and Golf Swing

We all search for it. Balance in our daily lives.... Read More

How To Play Better Golf

High handicappers, low handicappers and even the pros consistently have... Read More

Perform Better Golf By Training Your Body

What will it take to get you to perform better... Read More

Golf Training Equipment Can Give You A Competitive Edge

Whether you are just beginning to enjoy the game of... Read More

Super Golf Wheel Chair that Enables Disabled Golfers to Play Normally

Last week when I was at the driving range I... Read More

Instruction For Swingers (Golf)

Could your golf swing use some improvement? You are in... Read More

How A Golf Workout Routine Can Crush Your Competitors

A golf workout routine can be as simple as using... Read More

Senior Golfers Can Still Play Great Golf. Do You Want To Know How?

If you're a senior golfer?don't give up and don't give... Read More

How to Cure a Golf Hook

If you've been battling a hook for a while you... Read More

The Basic Golf Swing Is Pure Physics

If you've been on a golf course and have tried... Read More

Women Golfers Set New Standards For The LPGA

It used to be unusual to turn on the television... Read More

How To Unleash The Power Of Your Core

The golf swing relies upon core strength, endurance and proper... Read More

4 Essential Elements of Golf Fitness

Are you ready to take your golf game to a... Read More

The Inspirational Power Of A Golf Training Video

Many golf training videos in the market today will show... Read More

Why Golf Training Products Don?t Work For Most

The mere mention of golf training products is bound to... Read More

Getting to the Core of the Problem with Your Golf Game

How do you fix it? Well, there's no magic core... Read More

Improve Your Golf Swing Fundamentals And Watch Your Game Transform

Most golfers are aware that by focusing on the golf... Read More

Learn How To Correct A Golf Slice

How to correct the golf slice? If that's a question... Read More

What Are the Best Exercises for the Golfer?

With all the talk about the players on tour getting... Read More

Golf Drills To Improve Your Game

Many people believe that simply getting out on the course... Read More

Purpose Driven Golf

I want you to meditate on a couple points for... Read More

Benefits of A Golf Fitness Stretch Trainer

Hardly any professional worth his name today will dare approach... Read More

Getting Your Hands Through the Ball at Impact

Have you ever thought about what your hands and forearms... Read More

An Effective Golf Swing Exercise

There are many types of effective golf swing exercises. Golf... Read More

Unique Mental Challenges for Women Golfers

The game of golf provides trials for every player, independent... Read More