Pro Tips from Sunriver

SWING INTO THE SEASON

KEVIN ERDMAN IS THE DIRECTOR OF INSTRUCTION FOR THE SUNRIVER RESORT GOLF ACADEMY AND SERVES AS CO-DIRECTOR FOR NIKE JUNIOR GOLF CAMPS AT SUNRIVER.

When it comes to getting back into the swing of things after a long break, Erdman has some tips to help out.

During the pandemic, many people couldn’t practice their golf skills on a course, due to restrictions and shutdowns. Do you have any tips for staying sharp, even when you can’t actually golf?

Stretching is something you can easily do at home, becoming more limber can really help your range of motion. There are many workout routines that can strengthen and stabilize your swing. Especially focus on your core. To improve your putting stroke, you can get a putting mat or use a fine carpet or rug to putt on.

When you step back onto the course after a long break, what do you do to prepare yourself for that first swing back?

I recommend going to the driving range at least once before teeing up on the course after a long layoff. Make sure you have stretched before your first swing, as the last thing you want to do is pull a muscle. Plus, stretching will help your swing. Don’t expect to do great, have fun and be thankful you’re back on the course.

Rust can form when any athlete neglects practice, so do you have any advice for golfers who feel rusty after a long break?

Stretching will free up your body, loosen up tight unused muscles, tendons and ligaments. I like to practice my short game a bit more before I go onto the course after a long break. Your touch and feel normally take longer to get back after a break, so practicing your short game will help. Once you have had a few practice sessions on the range and a few rounds under your belt, then you can start setting goals and expectations.

What are some things that experienced golfers can expect, when they take a long break? How has their game changed?

Experienced golfers understand that practice is essential before they get back to the course after a long break. Most great golfers practice before every round of golf, so if you haven’t swung a club in six months, expect to practice a few times a day before going onto a course.