If you're like most folks when you go start a nice round of golf you probably do so without the benefit of any type of pre warm-up stretching. As an active golfer I'm guilty of this myself. For some strange reason I seem to think that my body and mind can embrace the game of golf without even thinking about warming my muscles up prior to shooting 18 holes. The strangest part of this whole mystery is that I stretch before any other athletic event I participate in. I lift weights regularly but not before stretching, when people see me running on the streets in the morning it's only after I've warmed up for 20 plus minutes. I've even taken the opportunity to stretch before a game of bowling so why do I neglect warming up before a round of golf? For that matter what are the benefits to warming up before accepting the task of attempting to par every hole on the golf course?

The first thing any serious golfer should do before taking their first golf swing in the box is to arrive about 30-40 minutes earlier then your round of golf begins. This will allow you plenty of time to purchase any last minute items in the golf shop. More importantly it also allows you the time to not feel rushed, which allows your mind to get into sync with the body. Finally you can devote the extra time to a healthy session of stretching and practice swings, which can only enhance your golf game and ability to hit an occasional birdie here and there.

Stretching for golf can be as simple as stretching for any other physical activity but since the game of golf requires an intense almost Zen like state of concentration you really must focus on your fundamentals. This simply means to practice warming up with your golf clubs. Make sure to take several warm up or practice swings with every club you think you will use through the day. Take a few extra swings with the clubs you use most often during your golf game. The ability to effectively putt the ball into the cup can make or break your golf game and can be the difference in a good score and a mediocre score so defiantly take the time to practice taking some smooth hits with your putter. Putting requires a steady hand and a smooth stroke so concentrate on putting from several different angles and variations during your warm up to improve your golf game.

Simple stretching is necessary due to the positive benefits it brings to keeping you injury free and able to effectively play a round of pain free golf. Focus on the stretching the muscles you will use the most during a round of golf. There are many stretches you can perform to affect many of the body muscles you will use when swinging a golf club. If you don't know them, take some time the night before your golf game to do some research to find the stretches that will warm up your upper and lower torso, your arms, legs and calves as well as your abdomen.

Make sure you keep a close eye on when you tee off for your first hole. You don't want to finish your golf warm up stretching to early thereby losing the benefit of the focused mind and body connection. You also don't want to be halfway through your pregame warm-ups when you get the green light to begin your golf game. This can ruin your focus and cause you to feel rushed on the course, which is a terrible way to start your round of golf.

A little stretching will greatly increase the benefit of warming up to improve your golf game. Failure to warm up could lead to tense muscles, a lack of focus, a possible injury or even worse, several double bogeys during your round of golf.