I like what Tour player Ben Alexander had to say about being prepared for whatever the day's weather might bring. Also, his thoughts and drills on minimizing 'winter rust' and getting ready for the new season.
What do you do to be prepared for whatever Mother Nature might throw at you? How do you 'layer' for winter rounds? And, how do you stay in shape during the off season? How might the 'average' golfer's routine differ from yours? For that matter, how does your routine differ from that of a 30-tournament TOUR player?
Whew!
Please don't feel compelled to answer everything all at once. Multiple posts (over time) work for me!
Lynn,
No need for multiple posts because these are all simple answers. First of all, I tend to "over prepare" for a tournament. Because we ride in almost all of our events I can carry more than the average tour pro because I have the same size bag plus a basket, cup holders, dash compartments, etc. I always have rain pants, rain jacket (either short sleeve or full sleeve based on time of year) two extra towels and socks in a plastic bag, cart gloves (warm), and an umbrella. Rain is the thing in the south that can come up pretty quick.
When the weather turns cold I try to wear as little as possible. I am not a fan of layering because I like less. There are some great products on the market that keep you warm but are also light. Under Armor and Foot Joy make some good products for cold. I also have some great long underwear that I do not know I have on. For the most part a good rain suit works great to repel the wind.
I also eat a good meal about 2 hours before I play then carry Cliff Bars, PB&J sandwiches, bananas, and lots of water. Staying hydrated is very important, even if you are not thirsty. To many people I play with do not eat and then drink soda on the course. It is just a matter of time before they "crash". Don't get me wrong, I do drink an occasional diet coke on the course but that is because I am properly hydrated and I enjoy it.
During the off-season, like now, I get more agressive in the gym. I have a trainer that I have worked with for several years and we try to get ready for the upcoming year. It is much harder now because I no longer work in Atlanta so I try to see him once a week and then do stuff on my own. It is no coincidence that my best year (2007) came after my most aggressive off season program. I have to admit that I got a little lazy this past year with my fitness so that is already being rectified.
As far as my game is concerned I try to take some time off because I tend to "burn out" at the end of the year. Remember, I have other responsibilities other than golf. Once I get back into it I begin to work on areas of concern. For me short game is always in that category. I also spend the off season creating goals for the year.
Basically I try to be prepared to play my best golf every day. I have the belief that if you gear up for one particular event, you may over train. i try to get into a routine that would allow me to play my best at a moments notice. You never know what opportunities may come at you.
No need for multiple posts because these are all simple answers.
Great post, Jeff. I know that to you, these are all "simple answers" and that any given point could be considered mere common sense. But, taken as a whole they show the effort you put in to be fully prepared to play your best golf . . . on any given day and during every season.
In golf as in life, it is specialized knowledge and the discipline to consistently apply it at the margin that differentiates the champions from the rest of us. Again, old news to you . . .
Hybrid Mode
