the founder of Adams Golf. For those not in the know, this initiative is about helping golfers have the best possible experience on the course by playing from a set of tees best suited to their abilities. The real question is: “Are you following this advice?” If not, make it your goal in 2018 to tee it forward. Everyone else is doing it. Don’t be shy. Wouldn’t you rather hit an approach shot with a mid- to short-iron, than having to use a hybrid and give it all you’ve got just to get it close to the green on a long par 4 or par 5? I guarantee that you will hit more greens to your routine – doing some arm curls. Also, you can walk and use a pull cart rather than sitting in a golf cart on the course. The simple act of putting one foot in front of the other for nine or 18 holes strengthens your leg muscles. Remember that you are never too old to start a strength-training program. Like any new activity, it’s always a good idea to consult with your family doctor and a fitness expert before you start pumping iron, to make sure that your regimen matches your age and your current fitness level. and your scores will improve. Playing from forward tees should also result in fewer overall shots, shorter distance travelled on each hole, potentially fewer lost balls and improved pace of play. Not ready to fully commit yet? Many courses, like the course I grew up playing (Westmount Golf & Country Club in Kitchener, Ontario), now have combination tees where you play some holes from one set of markers and some holes from another set, resulting in less overall yardage for your round. Drop me a line any time at: david@mcphersoncommunications.com Let me know how you are swinging the club, what tees you are playing from, how your strength training is going or if you have any ideas and suggestions for future columns. Here’s to driving the ball farther and getting more enjoyment out of this grand old game in 2018. Golf By David McPherson TEE TIME Now that you’ve addressed swing speed, let’s get back on the tee deck and talk about ego. Are you still playing from the tips or even the second set of tees from the back just because that is where you’ve always played from, or because you are trying to keep pace with your children or grandchildren? Whatever the reason, take a tee from your pocket and replace it with your ego, then move forward at least one set of tees. You’ve probably heard about the Tee it Forward program adopted and promoted by golf ’s governing bodies (USGA, Golf Canada, PGA of Canada), originally based on a concept by Barney Adams, FIT FITNESS IN Finally, let’s talk about fitness. My septuagenarian father is a perfect example of someone who doesn’t use age as an excuse; he follows a disciplined exercise routine – cycling a few days a week and hitting the gym in between to lift weights. This helps him get the most out of his weekly golf game and keep up his muscle mass. As we age, our muscles atrophy; we lose mass and the corresponding strength unless we undertake some training. Don’t delay! Start lifting some weights today. You don’t need to bench press 150 pounds. And you don’t need to join a gym. Just buy some dumbbells and add a daily 20-minute workout CSANews | SUMMER 2018 | 41
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MzMzNzMx