Tiger was Correct Glutes are a Source of Power!

Tiger was Correct Glutes are a Source of Power!

Hi, I’m Mel Sole, Director of Instruction at the Mel Sole Golf School, headquartered at Pawleys Plantation Golf and Country Club in Pawleys Island, SC.  We conduct 1, 2, and 3-day golf schools, hourly golf lessons, and senior golf schools—any golf instruction program your heart desires. Give us a call at 800-624-4653 or 843-237-4993.  We will be happy to book a commuter school or a package that contains accommodations, golf, and golf school.

Golf Blog by the Mel Sole Golf School.

My Glutes Aren't Firing!

A lot of us laughed out loud when Tiger said, "My glutes aren't firing."   But the more I looked into this, the more I realized that Tiger is a pretty smart guy.  Tiger used language that we mere mortals didn't understand.  When I saw this article by Dave Phillips, Top 100 Teacher, TPI Guru, and contributor for GOLF.com, I just had to share.  Now we are all educated!

Tiger was Correct Glutes are a Source of Power!

When Tiger Woods said he had to withdraw from Torrey Pines last month because “my glutes aren’t firing.” Golf fans on social media reacted with a collective chuckle.

However, Tiger’s reasoning made more sense than many people realized.

Gluteus Maximus, Medius and Minimus.

The butt muscles, comprised of the gluteus maximus, medius and minimus, are the most important muscles for generating speed and power in the golf swing. They are the largest muscle group in the body as well as one of the most powerful.  And they play a major role in the golf swing.  For a golfer, a strong backside is essential for preventing injuries, and maximizing acceleration and power in the downswing.

According to our physical screening at the Titleist Performance Institute, a large majority of golfers have poorly functioning glutes. This is due in part to the excessive amount of time we all spend sitting. Extended periods of time spent in a seated position create weakened, inactive glutes, tight hamstrings and hip flexors.

Try a Walking Lunge.

Tiger was Correct Glutes are a Source of Power!

If your glutes are not active during your swing, it can cause your hamstrings and lower back to become overused and more prone to injury.  It is helpful to do a few glute activation exercises to wake up the glutes prior to swinging a golf club. Something as simple as a walking lunge is not only great for strengthening the glute, but it also engages other key muscles in your legs and helps stabilize your core.

Once your glutes are active, they can actually help stabilize your lower body in the golf swing. And assist the entire swing motion to help you create your maximum speed.

To find good glute-firing exercises, visit MyTPI.com and search “glutes” for a variety of glute-firing exercises to help your swing and take the stress off your lower back.

And the next time you hear Tiger talk about golf fitness, pay attention. The guy knows what he’s talking about.

Source: GOLF.com   David Phillips

Pictures: Ray Sawhill   Chris Wellner

Thanks for reading - Tiger was Correct Glutes are a Source of Power!  I hope you can now know how to add some power to your golf swing!

Related Posts.

Finding Your Power Source.

Body and Swing – Fitness Friday #22.

Ready, Fire Aim Is that how you play?

How to Activate your Glutes like Tiger – Fitness Friday #81.

Glutes Workout – Fitness Friday #20.

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL, LIKE THIS VIDEO, SHARE IT WITH A FRIEND, LEAVE A COMMENT!

Previous
Previous

Rory McIlroy's Fitness Secrets!

Next
Next

How fitness has changed the game of golf.