Instruction
Improve your deadlift to help your golf game
While getting ready for the spring, many golfers are in the gym doing some form of rotational twisting with their upper body with a weighted core bar. Then they do a few sit-ups and hit the treadmill on a slow walk with no incline for 30 minutes. This will not get a golfer ready to increase performance on the course. It’s great for general health, but golf is a game of specific movements. Thus your golf fitness routine must also be specific — not general — if you want to reap the rewards on the course. To increase performance, you need to concentrate on exercises that will enhance your game.
This is the golfers “spring training fitness routine.”
The routine begins with building a sold and stable foundation. That requires an exercise that will strengthen legs, back and core. The best exercise to accomplish this is the deadlift. Now remember, our goal is to target golf-specific muscles, so we will not start the weight from the floor. But we will move the weight from a stationary position that’s elevated off the floor knee high. This is known as “deadlift from the rack.” By doing this form of deadlift, you are actually putting your body in your golf address position.
To provide validity, I did an assessment with a client utilizing K-Vest technology to provide accurate data for pelvic and upper body bend.
As you can see, the pelvis is in an anterior pelvic tilt, which flattens the back, the arms are hanging down from the shoulder socket and there is apparent knee flex.
Utilizing K-Vest technology, I was able to assess the starting position to show how close it relates to the proper address position. The pelvic bend at the starting position of the dead lift is 26 degrees. That is within the K-vest ranges for PGA (12 to 27 degrees) for a pelvic bend at address with a 6 iron. The forward bend of the upper body at 42 degrees is also within the K-vest ranges for PGA (35 to 45 degrees) for a forward bend at address with a 6 iron.
Now we look at the address position with a 6 iron in hand and notice the pelvic bend at address position is 22 degrees. That is within the K-vest ranges for PGA (12 to 27 degrees) for a pelvic bend at address with a 6 iron. The forward bend of the upper body at 44 degree is also within the K-vest ranges for PGA (35 to 45 degrees) for a forward bend at address with a 6 iron.
As you can see, this exercise is very specific to the position of the golfer’s address position, and when you engage the full movement of the deadlift by standing up with the bar in hand, you will engage those specific muscles used in the address position.
The core muscle, entire back muscles, gluteus, quads, hamstrings and shoulder muscles will fire in this exercise. These are the foundation muscles that are engaged in the address positions that a typical golfer will turn on 180 times during a round. When any one of those muscles begin to fatigued, the ability to get in the proper address position and stay down on the ball at impact becomes difficult, as well as being in the right position at the top of the swings.
This exercise can be done with a barbell, dumbbells, kettlebell or resistance bands. During the “spring training,” this movement should be done two to three times per week with light weight (45-to-60-pound barbell, 25-to-50-pound dumbbell) and for three sets of 20 reps. This will strengthen and condition those muscles to be ready to fire in the next couple of months.
How to Deadlift
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Deadlifting is one of the best exercises (compound, ground-based movements) that you can include in your strength program. If done right, there are many benefits of the deadlift.
Set up in a power rack with the bar on the pins or on blocks. The bar should be set to the desired point: just below the knees, just above, or in the mid-thigh position. Position yourself against the bar in proper deadlifting position. Your feet should be under your hips, your grip is shoulder width, back arched and hips back to engage the hamstrings.
With your head looking forward, extend through the hips and knees, pulling the weight up and back until lockout. Be sure to pull your shoulders back as you complete the movement. Return the weight to the pins or blocks and repeat.
Key areas of the movement to focus on
- Do not jerk the weight off the rack. Instead, push the floor away after you develop a high level of full body tension.
- Do not let your back go into C-spine (rounding of the back).
- Keep the bar against your body the entire lift. This maximizes your leverages.
- Lockout with a powerful glute contraction. Do not hyperextend your lower back, lock out your hips by forcibly contracting your glutes.
- Remember, gluteus are the king for power and distance, so engage them at the top of the lift.
By engaging in this foundational exercise, you will enhance your golf game by:
- Building strength and enhance power potential.
- Developing core strength and rigidity.
- Injury prevention of lower back.
- Supporting grip strength.
- Reducing postural fatigue.
In the next article, we will move up to the core muscles and investigate the next primary exercise needed for “spring training.”
The LPGA Tour is kicking off its 2026 season this week at Lake Nona Golf and Country Club in Orlando, and the pros are dealing with something most Florida golfers rarely face: freezing temperatures.
“It’s colder here than in the UK at the minute, which is a first,” said England’s Charley Hull during Wednesday’s media day at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions.
Even Lydia Ko, who lives at Lake Nona, seemed surprised by the cold snap. “We’re pretty much getting to below zero in celsius here, which maybe in other parts of the country they would be thankful, but when you’re in Florida it is a little bit of a surprise,” she said.
If the world’s best players are adjusting their games for cold weather, recreational golfers should, too. Here’s how to play smart when the mercury drops.
Understand What Cold Does to Your Game
Before you change anything, you need to know what you’re fighting against. Cold air is denser than warm air, which means your ball won’t fly as far. Period.
Hull noticed this immediately during practice rounds at Lake Nona. She mentioned hitting a gap wedge into the 18th hole during a previous win but needing a 4-iron during Tuesday’s practice round. That’s a difference of four or five clubs for the same shot.
Action item: Expect to lose 5-10 yards on every club in your bag when temperatures dip below 50 degrees. Plan accordingly and don’t be stubborn about club selection.
Layer Up Without Restricting Your Swing
Hull admitted she wore three pairs of pants during practice. While that might be extreme for most of us, staying warm is critical to playing well in cold conditions.
Your muscles need warmth to function properly. When you’re cold, your body tightens up and your swing gets shorter and faster. Neither of those things help you hit good golf shots.
Action item: Wear multiple thin layers instead of one bulky jacket. Look for golf-specific cold weather gear that stretches with your swing. Keep hand warmers in your pockets between shots. And don’t forget a good hat because you lose significant body heat through your head.
Take More Club Than You Think You Need
This is where ego gets in the way of good scores. When it’s cold, the ball doesn’t compress as well off the clubface. Combined with denser air, you’re looking at serious distance loss.
The pros at Lake Nona are dealing with a course that measures 6,642 yards but plays much longer this week. If they’re adjusting, you should too.
Action item: Take at least one extra club on every approach shot. In temperatures below 40 degrees, consider taking two extra clubs. It’s better to fly the ball to the back of the green than to come up short in a bunker.
Adjust Your Expectations on the Greens
Cold weather affects putting in ways most golfers don’t consider. The ball is harder and doesn’t roll as smoothly. Your hands are cold, making it harder to feel the putter. And if there’s any moisture on the greens, they’ll be slower than normal.
Ko mentioned that she still sometimes reads the greens wrong at Lake Nona despite being a member for years. Cold weather makes that challenge even tougher.
Action item: Hit putts more firmly than usual. The ball needs extra speed to hold its line on cold greens. Take a few extra practice strokes to get a feel for the speed before you putt.
Embrace the Mental Challenge
Hull said something interesting about cold weather golf: “I like the mental toughness of it.”
That’s the right attitude. Everyone on the course is dealing with the same conditions. The player who stays patient and doesn’t get frustrated by the extra difficulty will come out ahead.
Action item: Lower your expectations by a few strokes. If you normally shoot 85, accept that 90 might be a good score in 40-degree weather. Focus on solid contact and smart decisions rather than perfect shots.
Warm Up Longer and Smarter
This might be the most important tip of all. Cold muscles are tight muscles, and tight muscles get injured easily.
World No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul revealed she’s been protecting a wrist injury that bothered her late last season. Cold weather makes those kinds of injuries more likely if you don’t prepare properly.
Action item: Spend at least 20 minutes warming up before your round. Start with stretching, then hit easy wedge shots before working up to your driver. Keep moving between shots on the course to maintain body heat and flexibility.
The pros at Lake Nona this week will adapt and compete at the highest level despite the cold. You can do the same at your local course by following these tips and keeping a positive attitude.
PGA Professional Brendon Elliott is an award-winning coach and golf writer. You can check out his writing work and learn more about him by visiting BEAGOLFER.golf and OneMoreRollGolf.com. Also, check out “Playing Through” now on R.org, RG.org’s partner site, each Monday.
Editor’s note: Brendon shares his nearly 30 years of experience in the game with GolfWRX readers through his ongoing tip series. He looks forward to providing valuable insights and advice to help golfers improve their game. Stay tuned for more tips!
Brooks Koepka is back on the PGA Tour, and whether you love him or hate him, the guy knows how to win when it matters. After his LIV Golf stint, the five-time major champion returns this week at the Farmers Insurance Open.
What makes Koepka fascinating? He doesn’t fit the mold. His swing isn’t textbook. He doesn’t obsess over mechanics. Yet he’s won three PGA Championships and two U.S. Opens, regularly making it look easier than guys with prettier swings.
So, what can average golfers learn from someone who treats the game so differently? Quite a bit.
Stop Overthinking Every Shot
Koepka describes his approach as “reactionary” rather than mechanical. While most tour pros grind over swing thoughts, Brooks sees the target and hits it. No mental checklist.
This might be the most valuable lesson for weekend golfers who’ve watched too many YouTube swing videos.
How to actually do this:
On the range, hit five balls where you stare at the target for three seconds prior to addressing the ball. Don’t think about grip or stance. Just burn that target into your brain. You’ll be shocked at how pure you hit it when your brain focuses on where the ball is going instead of how you’re swinging.
Next time you play, give yourself a rule: Once you pull the club, you’ve got 15 seconds to hit. Koepka is one of the fastest players on tour because he doesn’t give his brain time to sabotage him.
If you feel tension in your hands at address, you’re trying to control too much. Koepka’s grip pressure is famously light. Loosen up until the club almost feels like it might slip, then add just enough pressure to hold on. That’s your swing thought: soft hands, see the target.
This approach works better under pressure. When you’re standing over that shot with water left and OB right, the last thing you need is a mental checklist. See it, feel it, hit it.
Play to Your Strengths (Even If They’re Not Pretty)
Koepka uses a strong grip that wouldn’t pass muster in some teaching circles. But he’s built his game around what works for him, elite driving distance and recovery skills. He doesn’t try to be someone he’s not.
Here’s how to build your game like Brooks:
Look at your last five rounds and figure out where you’re actually gaining strokes. Bombing it off the tee, but can’t hit greens? Lean into it. Play courses where distance matters more than precision. On tight holes, grip down on your 3-wood instead of trying to thread a driver through a keyhole you’ll miss seven times out of ten.
Koepka knows he can scramble, so he’s not afraid to miss greens. If you’re deadly from 50 to 75 yards, start leaving yourself those distances on the par 5’s instead of going for them in two every time.
Know when to take your medicine. Koepka in the trees at the PGA? He’s punching out to 100 yards, not trying to bend a 6-iron around three oaks. You’re in the rough with a flyer lie and water short? Hit your 8-iron to the middle and move on. That’s not playing scared, that’s playing smart.
Save Your Best for When It Counts
Here’s a wild stat: Koepka’s putting average in majors is often more than a full stroke better per round than in regular events. He elevates when pressure is highest.
How does an amateur tap into that gear? It’s not about trying harder, it’s about caring differently.
Here’s what actually works:
Decide which rounds matter to you. Club championship? Member-guest? That annual trip with college buddies? Circle those dates and treat them differently. Koepka doesn’t care much about regular tour events, but majors? That’s when he locks in.
Two weeks before your big round, change your practice. Stop beating balls mindlessly. Play nine holes in which every shot has consequences. Miss the fairway? Hit from the rough on the next hole too. Three-putt? Twenty push-ups. Koepka’s practice intensity ramps up before majors because he’s rehearsing pressure, not just swings.
Develop a between-shot routine that resets your brain. Koepka is famous for his blank expression after bad shots. Try this: After any shot, take three deep breaths while walking, then find something specific to notice, a tree, a cloud, someone’s shirt. That’s your reset button. By the time you reach your ball, the last shot is gone.
The Bottom Line
Brooks Koepka’s return reminds us there’s no single path to success in golf. His “substance over style” approach proves that results matter more than looking good.
You don’t need a perfect swing; you need a reliable one that holds up under pressure. You don’t need to hit every shot in the book; you need the shots you can count on. And you don’t need to play great every time; you need to play great when it matters.
Welcome back, Brooks. Thanks for the reminder that golf is ultimately about getting the ball in the hole, not winning style points.
PGA Professional Brendon Elliott is an award-winning coach and golf writer. You can check out his writing work and learn more about him by visiting BEAGOLFER.golf and OneMoreRollGolf.com. Also, check out “Playing Through” now on R.org, RG.org’s partner site, each Monday.
Editor’s note: Brendon shares his nearly 30 years of experience in the game with GolfWRX readers through his ongoing tip series. He looks forward to providing valuable insights and advice to help golfers improve their game. Stay tuned for more tips!
Blades Brown made a big impression last week in the California desert, and not just because he’s only 18. He put up numbers that would catch any weekend golfer’s attention. Most of us won’t hit 317-yard drives or find 86% of our greens in regulation, but there’s a lot to learn from how Brown managed his game at The American Express.
Here are three practical lessons from his performance that you can use on your own course this weekend.
Step 1: Give Priority to Accuracy Over Distance Off The Tee
Brown’s driving stats are impressive. He averaged almost 318 yards off the tee, ranking 12th in the field. More importantly, he hit 76.79% of his fairways, tying for fourth place in the tournament.
Think about that ratio for a second. Brown could have swung harder, chased more distance and tried to overpower the course. Instead, he played smart golf and kept his ball in play.
Your Action Item: Next time you’re on the tee box, ask yourself a simple question before pulling the driver. Do you need maximum distance here, or do you need to be in the fairway? If there’s trouble lurking or the hole doesn’t demand every yard you can muster, take something off your swing. Grip down an inch. Make a three-quarter swing. Do whatever it takes to find the short grass. Brown’s approach illustrates that fairways lead to greens, and greens lead to birdies. He made 22 of them last week, along with an eagle.
The math is simple. When you’re hitting three out of every four fairways like Brown did, you’re giving yourself legitimate looks at the green with your approach shots. That’s when scoring happens.
Step 2: Commit To Hitting More Greens
This is where Brown really separated himself. He hit 62 of 72 greens in regulation, an 86.11% clip that tied for first in the entire field. Read that again. An 18-year-old kid tied for the lead in one of the most important ball-striking statistics in professional golf.
How did he do it? By keeping his ball in the fairway (see Step 1) and giving himself clean looks with mid-irons and wedges.
Your Action Item: Start tracking your greens in regulation. You don’t need a fancy app or a statistics degree. Just mark down whether you hit the green in the regulation number of strokes. Par 3s in one shot. Par 4s in two shots. Par 5s in three shots.
Once you know your baseline, set a goal to improve it by 10%. If you’re currently hitting five greens per round, aim for six. The beauty of this approach is that it forces you to think strategically about club selection and shot shape. Brown’s strokes gained approach number was positive (0.179), meaning he was better than the field average. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be on the dance floor more often.
When you hit more greens, you eliminate the need for heroic short game shots. Brown only had to scramble 10 times all week, and he got up and down 70% of the time. That’s solid, but the real story is that he rarely put himself in scrambling situations to begin with.
Step 3: Minimize Mistakes And Stay Patient
Here’s the stat that jumps off the page: Brown made only three bogeys all week. Three. In four rounds of professional golf against the best players in the world.
He also made just one double bogey. That kind of clean card doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when you play within yourself, avoid the big miss and trust that pars are never bad scores.
Your Action Item: Before your next round, decide that you’re going to play boring golf. No hero shots over water. No driver on tight holes just because you can. No aggressive pins when there’s a safe side of the green.
Brown’s performance shows us that consistency beats flash every single time. He didn’t lead the field in any single strokes gained category, but he was solid across the board. That’s how you post numbers and cash checks.
Give these three steps a try. Your scorecard will thank you.
PGA Professional Brendon Elliott is an award-winning coach and golf writer. You can check out his writing work and learn more about him by visiting BEAGOLFER.golf and OneMoreRollGolf.com. Also, check out “The Starter” now on R.org, RG.org’s partner site, each Monday.
Editor’s note: Brendon shares his nearly 30 years of experience in the game with GolfWRX readers through his ongoing tip series. He looks forward to providing valuable insights and advice to help golfers improve their game. Stay tuned for more tips!
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deadlift exercise sets
Apr 15, 2014 at 12:13 am
There are certainly lots of particulars like that to take into consideration. That could be a nice level to bring up. I provide the thoughts above as common inspiration but clearly there are questions like the one you convey up the place a very powerful factor can be working in trustworthy good faith. I don?t know if finest practices have emerged around issues like that, however I am certain that your job is clearly identified as a good game. Both boys and girls really feel the influence of just a second?s pleasure, for the rest of their lives.
Deanna - Tee To Table
Mar 27, 2014 at 12:56 pm
Love your newest article Dave! It’s great to see the exercises you have been teaching me published for everyone to take advantage of!
My driving distance really increased after our few weeks of sessions. Can’t wait to get fit and see what I can really do!
Mark Stephenson
Mar 24, 2014 at 12:21 pm
Dave,
In a past life I was a nationally ranked power lifter who excelled in deadlifting. I injured my back along the way and now have chronic sacroiliac joint issues that take me off the course for weeks at a time even though I follow a physical therapy exercise program. Is this type of deadlift something I could try to incorporate with a neutral back without any hypertension at the finish or would you suggest something else?
Dave davis
Mar 25, 2014 at 5:33 pm
Mark, the deadlift is a great exercise for the body, but because of your past history with the injury, I would suggest doing the movement without weights. I would also suggest to be supervised by a certified strength and condition specialist i..e. USA weightlifting or NSCA certified. Also, no hyper extension should ever be used in any movement because of the compression that is placed on the lumbar spine.
Mark Stephenson
Mar 25, 2014 at 7:51 pm
Dave,
Thank you for the input and advice. I’ve found a multi level certified TPI trainer within an hours drive and will make arrangements to visit his facility.
Thanks again,
Mark
Large chris
Mar 23, 2014 at 3:14 pm
Rack pulls are definitely the Fashion in my gym at the moment. My suggestion for golfers, particularly those who haven’t done much gym work in the past, is to mix this exercise in with stiff leg dead lifts, these can be done from the same rack / platform. Learning these two exercises and the difference between them will help reinforce each movement, how to hold the back straight, and the difference between hip extension and pelvic tilt.
Which are really good things for all golfers to feel and understand in the setup.
Dave Davis
Mar 22, 2014 at 8:08 pm
Dr D, great question about the core and rotational core strength. Us TPI guys consider the gluteus “the King” (because it is the power source) and the core “the queen” (because it is the bridge for the power to transfer through the body to the clubhead and finally, into the ball. But the side muscles “internal and external obliques” are very important also. Based on a study that was published in Strength and Conditioning Journal in October last year, the side muscles of the core play a huge part in compression which is critical for distance. I will discuss that more in the next article as well as the key exercises needed.
J Evans
Mar 22, 2014 at 11:41 am
Great article. Really appreciate how you incorporated technology (K-Vest) into the discussion of how the deadlift from blocks mimic the golf swing posture at address. Also like how your set/rep recommendation allows for greater transfer into a BETTER golf swing….that’s what it’s all about, improvement!!
Thanks Dave, looking forward to the next article.
Dr. D
Mar 22, 2014 at 6:49 am
Great article by the way Dave. Thanks!
Dr. D
Mar 22, 2014 at 6:48 am
I have always heard from the pros that rotational and side to side core strength should be the most important fitness related goal for golfers. What are some things I can do to accomplish this?
Dave Davis
Mar 21, 2014 at 11:20 pm
James, your frequency of every other day is perfect. This will allow proper rest and recovery. Continue with your core, cardio and free weight program and start to add the exercises that will be listed in my future articles to replace your current exercises that are not golf specific. The next article I will deal with the exercises that will help a golfer increase compression, thus hitting the ball longer.
James
Mar 28, 2014 at 1:51 pm
Thanks for the reply!
Dave Davis
Mar 21, 2014 at 11:12 pm
Thanks Bobby and Steve, those are some good resources and the 5×5 plan is a plan that I am currently coming off of now and moving into my golf conditioning program to get me ready for the golf season.
Bobby Bottleservice
Mar 21, 2014 at 6:52 pm
Everyone should be incorporating deadlifts and squats into their workout regimens. These two compound workouts are the most beneficial movements for proper development of the glutes, hamstrings, and back. These movements have the potential to correct poor posture which eventually causes disc issues. This makes me wonder if Tiger has not incorporated these movements into his workout plan, or is simply not performing them correctly. Regardless, any golfer that wants a more stable swing with more power driving from the hips needs to incorporate these movements. It is essential and cannot be understated.
I highly recommend the Strong Lifts 5×5 workout plan. Working out should not be as complicated as it is made out to be. This workout regimen simplifies working out for those that are new and incorporates movements that target the largest muscles in the body.
steve
Mar 21, 2014 at 1:35 pm
Anyone interested in learning good deadlift form should check out Starting Strength, especially if you’re a beginner.
Mike
Mar 21, 2014 at 1:26 pm
I like that golfwrx does these exercises for golfers, but I wouldn’t recommend doing deadlift the least bit. This type of lift can cause severe problems for people without knowing the proper technique and knowing how to practice it. A lot of athletes step away from this lift because it is more injury prone both during and not during the lift.
As you have said “when done right” and 9/10 people don’t do it right. I wouldn’t recommend this lift. There are better ways of developing this strength where you are less likely to damage your back.
Bobby Bottleservice
Mar 21, 2014 at 6:58 pm
There is no harm in performing the deadlift as long as it is performed properly with correct technique. To say that deadlifts should not be incorporated is an extremely bold statement. The benefits of the deadlift strongly outweigh the risks. If someone is concerned about injuring their back, they can jdeadlift a standard olympic bar which is approximately 45 lbs. Deadlifting doesn’t have to be a strong man competition.
The risk for injury is minimal because of the low weight, but they can still exercise the muscles that are important for building a strong frame. I will say that someone who is planning on incorporating the deadlift in their workout regimen should view many YouTube instructional videos that teach proper deadlift form.
Since incorporating the deadlift my lower back pain has subsided because my lower back is stronger, and therefore, can better support my upper body and maintain a more erect posture.
James
Mar 21, 2014 at 10:38 am
Hello Dave, I find these golf oriented exercise articles great. Just started in with the fitness training and am not very knowledgeable on the subject but am hoping to reap a few advances in my golf game this season. In fact I incorporated this exercise into my routine right after reading it. I am looking forward to the rest of your articles on spring training. As rule, what frequency should these exercises be done? I am currently just doing basic cardio, core and free weight exercises every other day but would love to focus on golf specific training. Should I change my pattern to a few days in a row with a couple days of rest or is my current exercise regimen beneficial?
Cheers!
Donnie
Mar 20, 2014 at 11:33 pm
That’s incorrect. A long drive guy can hit it 350 yards for an entire round.
chrispy
Mar 20, 2014 at 11:24 pm
Tiger does tons of dead lifts. That how he got so yoked. And thats also why……….
MIke
Mar 20, 2014 at 7:17 pm
I understand the point of doing 20 reps of a lower weight, but wouldn’t doing a full dead lift motion promote a greater range of motion in the hips/pelvis, while still strengthening all the muscles you mention? I do get that starting in a golf stance promotes the awareness of the muscles you are working, but I would still like to know your opinion on why this would be more effective than a full, correct dead lift?
Dave Davis
Mar 20, 2014 at 9:52 pm
Mike, you are correct about the greater range of motion in the pelvis and hips, but that is designed for offseason training. when in the preseason and in-season of golf, we want to be more specific with targeting and conditioning the muscles that are used and create muscle endurance. Because the muscles will be used within a 5-6 hour window for a round of golf, they need to be condition to make a repeatable movement and not fatigue as much. Yes they must be strong (thats where the full range of motion comes in during the off season) but preseason and in-season the must have endurance to repeat. Thats conditioning. Thats the big difference between a long drive hitter and a PGA tour professional. The long diver could not hit 350-400 yards T-shots for every hole. Their muscles are strong to power a shot but not conditioned to repeat that movement for a long duration. Thats why those guys are very large in frame compared to a tour pro.
I hope that provides some clarity
In the upcoming article, I will discuss how this foundational exercise,”the deadlift” incorporated with the right movement patterns will enhance a golfers distance and consistency.
adan
Mar 20, 2014 at 4:30 pm
Dave, I like using the Hex Bar for my deadlifts. Can I get the same results or should I switch to straight bar?
Dave Davis
Mar 20, 2014 at 9:36 pm
Adan, you should switch to a straight bar. Using the straight bar allows the posture to mimic the address position within the proper ranges. The Hex bar when tested using the Kvest technology provided to large of a range of motion that was not specific to the golf posture. The hex bar would be great for off season because it allows more weight to be used. Thus one can increase their strength with less chance of injury when the weight increases.
Alex
Mar 20, 2014 at 2:37 pm
That’s not a deadlift. Deadlift is from the floor. The video is showing a rackpull.
Devon Compton
Mar 20, 2014 at 12:34 pm
Awesome article! As a collegiate golfer for the University of Michigan I found this article very informative. I have a big personal interest in the fitness side of sport activities and am always looking for great sport specific exercises. This article makes a lot of sense and really works with the law of specificity of training. I’ll be implementing more dead lifts into my training program, thanks for the information!
Nate
Mar 20, 2014 at 12:33 pm
If the bar aint bending, you’re just pretending…
Dave Davis
Mar 20, 2014 at 1:22 pm
Hey Nate, we only bend the bar in the golf off season to create strength and power. We also do a lot of Olympic lifting in the off season. In the preseason (now) we cut the weight down so that we can condition the muscles to engaged more in an endurance fashion to prepare the lumbar for the repetitive golf posture.
Nate
Mar 29, 2014 at 7:28 am
Haha I was just kidding anyway, Dave. I actually thought this was a great article and believe that most golfers out there could greatly benefit from an increased emphasis on strength and conditioning. Direct correlation between power, flexibility, and stamina on and off the course.
Mike D
Mar 20, 2014 at 12:06 pm
Curious if I can get some of the same results from using a kettlebell? I have a 40lb kettlebell and do 3 sets of 25 3 times a week along with Turkish get-ups between sets. I’ve noticed lots of core improvement as well as an improved golf game.
Dave Davis
Mar 20, 2014 at 12:51 pm
Yes Mike, you can get the same results using a kettlebell. Plus the Turkish get-ups is also a great exercise for core engagement. Plus it’s a total body workout.
Mike D
Mar 20, 2014 at 12:58 pm
Thanks for the reply. I’ll keep at it!