Unlock Your Best Round: Why Warming Up Like the Pros Matters
While watching a recent PGA tournament, I noticed a consistent routine among the top players—something that's often overlooked by amateur golfers. Before teeing off, nearly every PGA Tour professional followed a structured one-hour warm-up: 15 minutes on the putting green, 15 minutes in the short game area working on pitching and chipping, and 30 minutes on the range dialing in their full swing. It's a deliberate process that sets them up for success—and it's exactly what I recommend to all my students.
But there's one critical step many weekend warriors skip entirely: stretching. I guide my students through a targeted warm-up that includes three essential stretches—15–20 reps of left-arm-only swings, extended-arm club raises, and behind-the-back trunk twists. These exercises not only improve flexibility, but also help prevent injury and ensure your body is ready for that first tee shot.
The science backs this approach. Studies show that a proper golf-specific warm-up can increase driving distance by up to 10-15 yards and significantly improve accuracy. Your muscles need time to reach optimal level, and your nervous system benefits from rehearsing the movements you'll use throughout your round.
Consider adding these pro-level warm-up elements to your pre-round routine:
Mental Preparation: Take 5 minutes to visualize successful shots and your strategy for the course. The pros know mental preparation is just as important as physical readiness.
Progressive Club Selection: On the range, start with wedges to establish rhythm and tempo before gradually working up to longer clubs. Finish with the club you'll use on the first tee to build confidence.
Green Reading Practice: Spend time on practice greens with similar conditions to the course you'll play. Focus on distance control with lag putts and confidence-building short putts.
Weather Adjustments: Extend your warm-up by 10-15 minutes in cold conditions, as your muscles will need more time to reach peak performance temperature.
Most amateurs show up a few minutes before their tee time, rush to the first hole, and wonder why their front nine score is inflated. The secret? Arrive at least an hour early, follow a solid warm-up routine, and stretch properly. Your body—and your scorecard—will thank you.
Implementing this strategy turns those frustrating first few holes into scoring opportunities. Remember, the pros don't just warm up because they have time to kill—they do it because it's essential to perform at their best from the very first swing.
Want more game-changing tips or ready to elevate your swing? Book a lesson today at crenshawssportsandfitness.com.