Next week I will hit 60 years of age. As we all know, the aging process gradually takes away physical abilities. We start to lose muscle mass. Balance often becomes an issue. Mobility and flexibility diminish.
In golf, we start to lose clubhead speed leading to reduced distance. This generally is caused by the factors listed above: loss of muscle, flexibility and mobility.
The question becomes can we gain, regain or maintain any of these diminishing characteristics as we get older?
The short answer is yes.
Over the next few months, I will be working on a specific goal. This goal is very attainable for a 60-year-old. It will require several things from me to accomplish the goal, but I am determined to make it happen.
What is the goal?
I want to add 10 mph clubhead speed.
Over the last 2 years, I have increased my clubhead speed from 97 mph to 105mph. My cruising speed went from 95 mph to 103 mph. I want to reach 115 mph and 113 mph respectively by next spring. My current speeds put me in the top 10% for 60-year-olds.
This past summer, I did very little in terms of speed and weight training due to my schedule and tendinitis in my right elbow. The tendinitis served as the main reason for taking some time off from training. Despite training very little over the summer, my clubhead speed remained steady. The speed I already gained is still there. Now that I’m feeling healthy again, it’s time to get back to work.
What will I be doing?
Speed and power, strength and mobility training. Each one of these is important. Speed and power and strength training will be my major focus points. Mobility will be worked on but will be less of a focus.
Speed and power training will incorporate several different components. I use SuperSpeed Golf training clubs to train for speed. (If you are interested in SuperSpeed clubs or other products, I offer a 10% discount if you order through me. DM me to place an order). Using specific training protocols, SuperSpeed will be a good portion of my speed training.
The power training will focus on plyometric training. Plyometric training involves explosive movement to enhance reactive strength and power. This training uses exercises such as med ball slams and jumps.
For strength training, I will keep it simple. Bench press, squats, deadlifts, lat pulldowns, curls, lunges, etc. The goal is to add strength to compliment the speed and power training.
Mobility training will incorporate hip and shoulder mobility. These are vital in the golf swing for a variety of reasons. Hips and shoulder need to be able to rotate properly to avoid injury. Many of the required elements of a golf swing require the hips and shoulders to have range of motion. Without proper range of motion, swinging a golf club properly becomes very difficult.
Over the next few months, I will share my progress with you. This will be in addition to other golf topics I will write about in the newsletter. For instance, next week I will dive into the Ryder Cup. Paid subscribers will get additional information on the specific exercises and training schedule I am using.
Since I started training this week, here are my starting and finishing numbers at the end of week #1 : Driver max speed - 105mph. Driver cruising speed - 103mph.
As always, be grateful when you play. Be thankful for the privilege and opportunity to play this amazing game. Now, go golf!
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