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

---

Golf Shots Versus Golf Swings - You Need Shots On The Course!

Why do so many golfers hit a shot and immediately... Read More

Strength Training For Junior Golf

Much debate has occurred about kids and strength training. There's... Read More

One Out of Two Golfers Will Have a Golf Swing Related Injury - Can You Prevent Yours?

I have a friend who blew out his ACL in... Read More

Are You Having Trouble Sustaining Energy On The Back Nine?

Loss of stamina and endurance toward the end of an... Read More

5 Golf Facts That Will Change Your Game

Are you seeing the same decrease in your handicap that... Read More

Fire da Bum!

In the early 50s, long before we were desensitized by... Read More

Pull, Push or Carry? I?ll Carry My Golf Clubs Thanks

I love to play golf and I love to walk... Read More

Perform Better Golf By Training Your Body

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

How To Get Your Golf Technique Right

There is really no doubt about just how important the... Read More

Mental Toughness Training for Golfers: How to Conquer Pre-Game Jitters

The first tee shot can often make or break a... Read More

Are You Too Old For Golf Fitness Workouts

Many a senior golfer would not resist the temptation to... Read More

Its Not About The Bicep Curl When It Comes To Golf Fitness Training

How many of you have read, "It's Not About The... Read More

Fix Your Slice: The Cause & Simple Cures For The Beginner Golfer

Are you slicing all or some of your tee shots?... Read More

How To Achieve The Proper Golf Swing

Every golfer wants to know the magic secret to achieving... Read More

The Most Common Backswing Flaw

One of the most confusing terms in golf instruction is... Read More

Tiger Woods, the Greatest Ever? ?NOT!

Tiger is great but still a long way from claiming... Read More

Are You Wearing the Right Golf Shoes When You Golf?

For those of you that golf you know that golf... Read More

Golf Fore Success

Golf has a crazy way of telling who we truly... Read More

Golf Tips: The Simple Secret to Solving the Slice

The slice is a shot which usually starts off slightly... Read More

Choosing the Right Golf Balls

You've watched Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson on television ?... Read More

Golf Gifts: For the Experienced Golfer

Whether it be Fathers Day, Mothers Day, Christmas, birthday, or... Read More

Balance Your Checkbook and Golf Swing

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

Why The Golfing Game Has Changed Tremendously In Recent Years

The world has changed a great deal in recent years... Read More

Driving the Distance with Quality Golf Equipment

Possibly the most important pieces of golf equipment are your... Read More

Do You Understand Golf Club Swing Weight

Golf club swing weight. Have you heard that term before?A... Read More

Choosing The Right Shoes, Golf Shoes, Wedding Shoes And Other Footwear!

Wearing a comfortable pair of shoes is very important if... Read More

How Golf Stretches In Your Office Can Improve Your Game

Yes you heard it right! Golf stretches in your office.... Read More

What A Good Golf Workout Program Should Have

Golf workout program?with the exploding number of so-called golf experts... Read More

Have You Played Chicago Golf Courses?

When most people think of Chicago, they usually think of... Read More

Golf Nutrition Is Not An Oxymoron - Listen Up

Golf nutrition is still a relatively new concept. However, everybody... Read More

Why Exercise Is Crucial In Achieving The Correct Golf Swing

Achieving the correct golf swing is the magic key that... Read More

Basics Of Golf Swing Instruction - Go With Exercises

Golf swing instruction starts with an understanding of the different... Read More

What Should I Know About Biomechanics of the Golf Swing?

If you've read some of my articles in the past,... Read More