GOLF

Jack Nicklaus had tremendous influence on me when I got into golf and still does to this day. The first book I read cover to cover was ‘Golf My Way’. Through this book and other instructional articles, Nicklaus made it clear that he used the winter season to work on mechanics and physical conditioning.

Most people don’t know that he practiced in his basement during the winter or training season. The winters in Ohio where he grew up is ample time to invest in training and movement improvement.

Here are some simple fun facts. Our winter in the Midlands is friendlier than the summer in Scotland or Ireland. The temperatures are comparable with much more sun here, to go along with less rain.

Also, our January is better than Michigan and many other northern states’ April or even May.

What’s my point?

Let’s practice this winter to play better in the spring and summer.

There are several local golf and fitness experts collaborating on a GolFitness initiative designed to make golf more fun. It’s a Golf Movement Initiative called Impact Conditioning and it’s designed around the rudimentary motor skills associated with achieving golfs contact impact.

Angie Duckworth, who is with the YMCA, and Ken Taylor with Tsunami Bar Sports are 2 local fitness experts who are ushering in Impact Conditioning.

Brad Frick, Jared Beard, John Brock, Chase Butler and Mike Arthur are golf experts ushering in Impact Conditioning. These 2 groups of experts are collaborating to simplify golf and the winter is the absolute perfect time to engage.

The facilities at this point offering winter programming are Timberlake Country Club, Tsunami Bar Sports with several other locations on the horizon. To find out more, go to tsunamibarsports.com , https:// www.growgolfnow.com/gbga .

Be sure to tune in Dec. 5 because there will be a spotlight on Lexington Class 5A champion golfer Molly Hardwick who recently won the SCJGA Players Championship this past weekend at Hartsville Country Club.

A closing reminder that the ICRC Winter Tour registration is going on now. This is the 28th season for this family recreational golf program. Players from ages 7 to 18 years old, all skill levels, new to college prep and with parents and grandparents serving as caddies, spectators, and fans gather on Sunday afternoon at various Midlands courses starting at 3 pm.

For registration information, call (803) 781-2063.