L
iving in the desert, we all know
it takes a real desire to get up
and get out on the practice tee
in temperatures over 100 degrees.
Golf is a sport that needs constant,
consistent practice. When it gets hot,
you should adjust your practice
regime slightly to help you last in the
heat. Here are a few things you can
do to help improve your game in a
not-so-ideal summer climate.
if you are going to be out hitting
balls on the practice tee, pick a part of
the day that isn't in the peak heat. Plan
accordingly to capitalize on early-
morning or late-afternoon practice.
When you are practicing, practice with
a purpose. Get the most out of your
session by focusing on what you are
working on. Simply beating ball after
ball with no purpose in hot weather
will only wear you out.
try to find an exercise routine that is
somewhat golf-related. Keeping your
core golf muscles active in the off-sea-
son will help you maintain your game
all summer long. Always keep your
golf muscles engaged whenever you
are at the gym. Most tour players, if
not all, have an exercise routine that is
somewhat focused around golf to keep
them familiar with what parts of the
body work during the swing.
If you aren't one for practicing early
or a gym rat, you can still familiarize
your golf muscles around the house in
the comfort of air conditioning. You
don't need a real grass green to work
on your putting stroke. Instead, roll
putts in any space large enough to ac-
commodate you. Doing little things
such as putting off of a CD — which
allows you to see your eyes over the
ball — can really go a long way to im-
prove your comfort level when you get
back on the golf course.
Stay familiar with your swing during
off times. Whether you are holding a
golf club around the house, putting to
a cup in the living room or chipping
whiffle balls around the house, you
want to do anything and everything to
stay familiar with your stroke. We
have all been out for a round where we
haven't played for a while and every-
thing seems so unfamiliar. The goal is
to never experience that, even if you
don't have time to get on the course.
Beat the
heat
Follow these tips to
keep your game in top
shape this summer
By tom BURley
Head pGa professional
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