Question:
I am aware more than ever that Winter is on its way. With each dropping degree, I fear for my golf swing. I have reached the point that economists call the "Point of Diminishing Returns". For years my vernal practice origination has carried me into a decent handicap. I realize now though, that I can no longer afford to hibernate my seing if I intend to better my game. I live in Ohio and although I have made attempts to go to driving ranges that offer heating, my swing is not able to "hone" itself. My signature should detail that I am a student at Ohio State, and cannot afford the luxury of travelling to warmer climates for relief. So now I consult RSG in hopes that there is an answer to the question: "How can I save my swing!??"
Response:
I am aware more than ever that Winter is on its way. With each dropping degree, I fear for my golf swing. I have reached the point that economists
Brian, Living in the midwest usually means a maximum of 8 months of golf (insert picture here, golfer with 3 layers of clothes hitting golf ball thru snow storm). I have heard that standing in front of mirror and practicing swing without a club can help. Of course, you probably want to do this in private, non-golfers might see ya and be concerned about your sanity? Another thing, make sure you do stretching exercises during the winter to keep you golf muscles in shape. Mark Satterfield
Response:
[...] I have heard that standing in front of mirror and practicing swing without a club can help.
I’ve read that one golfer’s (Mac O’Grady) practice routine (even when the weather was nice outside) consisted exclusively of practicing inside in front of a mirror. From what I’ve read about O’Grady you might have to supplement the shadow golf with readings in Japanese Zen Buddhism though. I’ve read other golf instructional books where swinging a club during the winter shut-down months is advocated strongly. Those of us who are working to put together a game don’t have the developed muscle memory of an accomplished player, so I’m sure hiding the clubs in the basement for a couple months and then having to relearn and regroove things in the Spring is detrimental to improvement. Another thing, make sure you do stretching exercises during the winter to keep you golf muscles in shape.
More good advice! –jh
Response:
I am aware more than ever that Winter is on its way. With each dropping degree, I fear for my golf swing. I have reached the point that economists Brian, Living in the midwest usually means a maximum of 8 months of golf (insert picture here, golfer with 3 layers of clothes hitting golf ball thru snow storm).
You would be amazed at how far your drives will go if you are playing on frozen tundra! Winter golf is great for the ego, if not for the sinuses. Jerome .
Response:
I am aware more than ever that Winter is on its way. With each dropping degree, I fear for my golf swing. I have reached the point that economists call the "Point of Diminishing Returns". For years my vernal practice origination has carried me into a decent handicap. I realize now though, that I can no longer afford to hibernate my seing if I intend to better my game. I live in Ohio and although I have made attempts to go to driving ranges that offer heating, my swing is not able to "hone" itself. My signature should detail that I am a student at Ohio State, and cannot afford the luxury of travelling to warmer climates for relief. So now I consult RSG in hopes that there is an answer to the question: "How can I save my swing!??"
If you have a ceiling high enuff to do it, try playing a complete 18 hole round with no ball. Just practice swinging can get you too mechanics conscious. By using your pre-shot routine and focusing on hitting " real" imaginery shots all the way around your favorite course, it can be more interesting and keep you focused on the important stuff like rhythm and balance. Worth a try! G’day, BJ
Response:
I am aware more than ever that Winter is on its way. With each dropping degree, I fear for my golf swing. [snip] So now I consult RSG in hopes that there is an answer to the question: "How can I save my swing!??"
Keep swinging through winter. Find a lightweight ball (couple of dozens), preferrably yellow or orange (for snow conditions), and a practice area (100-150 yd long by 50 yd wide) nearby home. Create a target by removing snow around a young tree (or bring your own flagstick). Practice 10 minutes a day (you shouldn’t wear anoraks and snowboots, and you’ll freeze if you stay out longer). Find your lost balls after thaw. Eduard M.
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So now I consult RSG in hopes that there is an answer to the question: "How can I save my swing!??"
I live along the frozen shores of Lake Erie during the winter months. After 15 years of enduring the same frustration you spoke of, I broke down and bought one of those "training" aides out of Golfsmith’s catalog. The one I got (I don’t remember the name of the thing) looks like a shortened, crooked club with a weighted yellow triangle on the end of it. After swinging that thing through the long winter, I found that my game returned to form (such as it is) very quickly when spring finally came. I’ll stop short of endorsing this particular contraption (what works for one person may not for another), but some sort of swing aide may help you as well. David Gehring Strongsville, Ohio – "People don’t run out of dreams, they just run out of time" – Joe Walsh
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am aware more than ever that Winter is on its way. With each dropping degree, I fear for my golf swing. I have reached the point that economists call the "Point of Diminishing Returns". For years my vernal practice origination has carried me into a decent handicap. I realize now though, that I can no longer afford to hibernate my seing if I intend to better my game. I live in Ohio and although I have made attempts to go to driving ranges that offer heating, my swing is not able to "hone" itself. My signature should detail that I am a student at Ohio State, and cannot afford the luxury of travelling to warmer climates for relief. So now I consult RSG in hopes that there is an answer to the question: "How can I save my swing!??" If you have a ceiling high enuff to do it, try playing a complete 18 hole round with no ball. Just practice swinging can get you too mechanics conscious. By using your pre-shot routine and focusing on hitting " real" imaginery shots all the way around your favorite course, it can be more interesting and keep you focused on the important stuff like rhythm and balance. Worth a try! G’day, BJ
I have a slightly different routine: First, using a regular club, I work in front of a mirror just on my turn. I concentrate on making sure it is slow enough. (I find that I start turning too fast if I am not swing my arms as well.) Second, I have built an indoor practice club. It is 24" long with a driver head. The head has quite a bit of extra weight. So, it gets close to a D0 swing weight. With 8 1/2′ ceilings, I can make a normal swing inside. Finally, using that same extra weighted club, I do quite a few wrist rolls while watching TV. -bill
Response:
You would be amazed at how far your drives will go if you are playing on frozen tundra! Winter golf is great for the ego, if not for the sinuses.
Drives perhaps. Irons no! The ball just doesn’t "rabbit" in cold weather. At the Bryan Park RSG-NC event — right around freezing — everybody was complaining about losing at least a club distance, and frequently more. (And I’d go back in a heartbeat. 
Cheers! Dave
Response:
The answer is the Swing Reaction System – an excellent new video that in 30 minutes gets you started on a fantastic golf specific exercise program that several pro’s and scratch players find help’s their game. I wrote the material for people just like you, and I encourage you to look into it. call 888 GOLF 220 and spend the $29.95 to save your swing! Best of luck to you – Neil Chasan
Response:
At the Bryan Park RSG-NC event — right around freezing — everybody was complaining about losing at least a club distance, and frequently more. (And I’d go back in a heartbeat.
Pray for colder weather. Jerome
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Gee, I’ll just go out and play golf all winter. ;-) Snow: Fun to visit, but I wouldn’t want to live in it. I do need raingear, though, but I’ll ask for it in a different post. — Curtis Jackson Opportunity is missed by most people because San Jose, CA USA — Thomas Edison