For a lot of golfers, winter means the end of golf season. Shorter days, colder temperatures, and golf course conditions can seem pretty dreary for several months. For many of my students, it’s actually the time we can get the most done.

Here are some reasons why:

1. Making swing changes can take time. So much depends on the student and the change, it makes them unpredictable. Sometimes it is immediate improvement, or it can take a few days or a couple of weeks. Knowing that it’s hard to make changes during tournament season, I will usually save the biggest changes for the time that’s least stressful, and there is time to practice, worry free. No golfer wants to stand over an important shot with doubts and swing thoughts running through their head.

2. Golf is one of the hardest things people ever do.  Many people are under the impression that they can put their clubs away in October, start playing again in May, and pick up where their game left off. For the majority of golfers, it doesn’t work that way. It may take a few weeks to get their swing back (if they do at all), get their confidence going, and play their best golf. I see many golfers who are frustrated because they play their best golf close to the end of the season. It’s clearly because of the time they took away from the game. Look at this way: When May rolls around, you’ll feel a lot better about your game if you’ve swung the clubs approximately 12-15 times in 6 months, than if you had not swung them at all.

3. Golfers that don’t play lose their flexibility, golf muscles, stamina, and confidence. Adults are often sedentary during the winter months, and golf can keep them active and flexible. Seeing improvement is always good for the mind.

4. Junior golfers should practice and swing as much as possible during the winter. I know there are plenty of sports and school activities that keep them occupied during the offseason, but again, just swinging a few times a month will make a difference. Juniors also can grow taller and stronger during these months, their arms and legs are longer, their eyes farther from the ground, etc. Their golf clubs will certainly feel lighter, and probably shorter. If they keep swinging through those months of growing, they won’t notice things as much. Coming back from 6 months off can have a huge effect on their development. Give the kids every chance to enjoy and be great at golf!

Take advantage of the indoor facilities and ranges that offer places to practice, and play when the weather allows. Give yourself and honest evaluation of your golf game, and let me help you make a plan and goals to improve so that your game is better for next year.