Winter is upon us, but that doesn’t mean your golf game should suffer. This winter, keep your golf game intact with these five easy tips.

Gym Sessions

Taking a break from swinging your clubs can hurt your game. This winter keeps your glutes and core muscles in check by adding strengthening exercises to your workout routine. Along with strength training, add in a few cardio sessions every week. This is especially important if your body is used to going 18 holes. Cardio workouts are a great way to work on your stamina. Start by going on a 20- 30-minute walk three times a week.

At-Home Practice

Golf simulators and putting greens are the best way to maintain (and even improve) your golf game. Once the winter season ends, and you haven’t taken time to practice, you’ll be back to square one. Several custom home builders are now installing in-home putting greens and golf simulator installations.

Simulators monitor speed, trajectory, spin axis, distance, and a variety of other variables helping you get even better during the off-season. Putting greens round out every practice session by helping you develop a good putting rhythm and consistency. Imagine showing off to all your golf enthusiast friends by bringing your golf passion into your home.

Drills

Golf is truly a game of consistency. Just like not staying consistent with your swing can hurt your score, not staying consistent with your drills can hurt your game. Whether it’s practicing your swing in the mirror every day or putting on your indoor putting green, keeping up on your exercises will pay off big time once the on-season begins. This means practicing your full swing, back swing, down swing, and putting in multiple directions for five minutes, four times a week. Adding this to your weekly to-do list is one of the best ways to not fall behind next season

Increase Your Golf IQ

Staying up-to-date with your golf knowledge is important during the off-season. Switch on the golf channel every once in a while, to see the best players in the world face off. You can also take note of their swings and make small adjustments to yours during your weekly drills. It may sound like an excuse to update your home theater but doing your homework can keep you a stroke ahead come spring.

Stay Mentally Ready

The more time you spend getting ready for the golf season, the more confident you will be. Just remember to have fun and stay positive throughout the winter season. The mental aspect of golf is just as important as the physical. Take time to visualize shots and develop a pre-shot routine to use once the season starts. This’ll have big returns in lowering your scores next spring.

These are just a few tips to help you stay in golfing shape this off-season. From first-time golfers, all the way up to the pros, remember that winter is no excuse for slacking off on your golf game. Get ready because this winter might be your best yet!

Randy Johnson, a second generation home builder with Willowood homes, has been an avid golfer for many years. His passion began when his father would take him golfing two or three times a week during the summers, and his love has grown over the year. He is always looking for innovative ways to keep his game sharp. Today, working in the custom homes business has helped him visit the course almost every day.