Increased clubhead speed is like the Holy Grail of golf.  It is something that every golfer searches for but doesn't always find.  Increased clubhead speed leads to increased ball speed, which leads to increased distance with every club in the bag (well minus the putter). 

The question naturally presents itself: how do you improve clubhead speed? Well, well my friends in theory the question is easily answered.  If you can improve your body's flexibility, strength and power you will naturally start swinging the club faster and hitting it farther. 

When it comes to flexibility you want to make sure that your ankles, hipsand torso are free of restrictions and can twist. That will allow you to make a bigger turn.  The main areas of strength in the golf swing come out of your hips, glutes, and abdominal muscles.  Making sure you have adequate strength in these areas will help you to stay in posture and keep your club on plane throughout your swing. 

Once you have improved your flexibility and strength, you can start to work on power.  Power is created with plyometric exercises.  I do not recommend jumping straight to power exercises (although most people want to).  If you have restrictions and then start to perform exercises at velocity you can get injured.  The off season is about healing and making sure the upcoming golf season is played without pain.  The last thing you want is to injure yourself and then miss the start of or the whole season, just ask Brad Faxon.  

At OrthoCore Physical Therapy in North Kingstown we are running off-season golf fitness programs.  Each class has a little bit of flexibility, strength and cardiovascular work involved all centered around the golf swing. If you are interested in joining us or have any questions please contact us. 

The classes fill up quickly and are on a first come first serve basis.  We're looking forward to helping improve your golf swing and clubhead speed this off-season.

Ian