Training Camp
by Ralph Simpson, Golf Digest Professional Advisor
The best booze
What’s the least harmful alcoholic beverage served at the 19th hole—beer, wine or mixed drinks? A 12-ounce beer, five-ounce glass of wine and 1.5-ounce shot of hard liquor have roughly the same alcohol content, so it comes down to calories. A can of beer can have 95 to 200 calories depending on whether it’s “light beer.” Wine has 100 to 110 calories per five-ounce glass, and 1.5 ounces of gin, vodka, scotch or rum has about 95 calories. Mixers like juice or tonic can more than double the calorie intake. Taking into consideration quantity and quality, the winner is wine. Especially red wine, which is full of antioxidants that are thought to be helpful in the prevention of cancer, heart disease, etc. But drink your wine slowly and drink water along with it.
Squatter’s rights
Of all the stretches and exercises golfers need, perhaps the best and most important is the squat. Strong hips and legs are the engine for a powerful golf swing as well as the foundation needed for an 18-hole walk. Start with a light weight pressed directly over the head, or try squatting your body weight. Keep your knees bent and back straight (looking toward the sky helps) and slowly make a sitting motion. Do two to three sets of 10 repetitions three times a week.
Shouldering the blame
Too lazy to slip your walking bag straps over both shoulders? If you don’t, you could be on your way to functional scoliosis (the spine unnaturally curves sideways). You can also expect back and neck pain as the muscles are overworked to one side. The bag has two straps. Use them.
Source: Golf Digest, July 2005