A specialized exercise regimen can help develop the rhythm and flexibility necessary for an effective golf swing. (Courtesy of worldseriesofgolf.com)

Swinging in the dark: Exercise your golf swing

By Karl Fischer,
Contributor

Do it alone in the dark or with a friend.

Go out in your backyard. No lights allowed. Make sure you have room to safely swing your driver. You will also need your 9-iron and 3-iron.

Swing the golf club head back and forth in a pendulum motion without any forced muscles. Feel the steel.

Take your 9-iron, chest high in your target hand, holding it between the thumb and index finger. Gently swing it back and forth from one knee to the other. Let it swing down the target line. This is the line along your toes. Remember, your toes are your gunsight. Aim.

Now continue to swing the clubhead – a long left-handed motion, using a normal grip. Swing the golf club about hip high. Feel the club head. After several swings, without stopping, join your right hand on the grip and continue to feel the swinging clubhead. Work this to a full rhythmic swing -- all the way to your top.

Progress to longer clubs. Take a short break. Think about this motion. Then finish by working back from the long clubs to the original 9-iron.

March 10, 2003

Karl Fischer has spent some 35-plus plus years teaching golf nationally and internationally earning the title of "IGAD-Doctorate," "CIMTP-Certified International Master Teaching Professional," "CMCB-Certified Master Club-Builder" and "CGC-Certified Golf Clinician." He has written six golf books, thousands of editorials, tips, "Bullet-Proof Drills" and much more. He can be reached at KF@555golf.com or by phone at (817) 673-8888.