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While traditionalists may not have seen the value in golf fitness historically, the modern trend to improve all aspects of physical fitness has certainly transcended into the world of golf.
Once a sport played at a casual pace, golfers were seen as being experts of their craft, rather than the physical specimens that operate on the PGA and LPGA Tour in the current climate.
Fitness carries plenty of meanings and is a broad sweeping term that can be applied to both the physical and mental aspects of the game but with an embarrassment of financial riches available to those at the top end of golf, finding the finite margins is key.
The once associated drinking culture of golf is a distant memory, while images of players smoking cigarettes whilst looping the most iconic courses on the planet have been consigned to memory.
Professionalism has seen the game of golf move on leaps and bounds and physical fitness within the game is very much part of that.
This is a facet that has been latched upon by sports betting sites and punters alike, with fitness levels having a direct impact on the distance players can strike the ball, the amount of spin they can get on approach shots and being able to recover quickly when landing in rough or bunkers.
All online golf betting sites offer odds on the biggest tournaments on the planet and bettors are always looking for in-play bets and niches that can be exploited, with fitness often playing a big part.
As an unquantifiable entity, how important fitness is in professional golf will never be measurable. However, with every player now using physical training and fitness in order to achieve their goals and get the best outcome when out on the course, it carries plenty of weight in the modern game.
Here is a look at how and why fitness became crucial for modern golfers:
Professionalism
With roots dating back centuries, the game of golf has evolved exponentially but the way in which the last four decades have developed in global golf have been unmatched.
Riches across both the men’s and women’s game are barely matched in any other sports and those at the top end of tour events can pick up life-changing prize money, seemingly every weekend.
Consequently, the stakes are higher and as has been seen with plenty of other sports, those participating are taking things more seriously.
Marginal gains in the form of nutrition and fitness have come to the fore, with golf fitness experts also on hand to provide insight and advice to those competing.
From the likes of Seve Ballesteros driving the fitness train back in the 1970’s and 1980’s, to the ever changing quest for physical fitness from Tiger Woods, all the way through to the innovative Bryson DeChambeau – golf fitness has become an essential part of the game.
Marginal Gains
With caddies on hand to provide advice and expert insight and analysis on hand from every professional golf tournament, the modern day golfer has heaps of data to analyse.
As a result, they are always looking for the small percentiles which can propel them to a better finish or an improved result in any given tournament.
Ball striking is the key currency in both the men’s and women’s game and being able to hit the ball longer is always hugely appealing for players.
Increased muscle mass and strength translates into a faster swing speed, which should in theory, give a player a better chance of hitting the ball further.
Obviously, control comes into the equation alongside driving accuracy but consistently hitting the ball further is a huge strength for any player.
Once in play, ball control comes to the fore with spin and being able to create more revolutions on the ball when pitching or using irons, can also have a big impact on the way in which professionals play.
Spin comes from club head speed and players being able to cut through the top layer of grass and dig down onto the ball, again a facet that comes easier to players if they are physically stronger and fitter.
Mental Focus
Under the microscope from the first shot to the last at any tournament, mental strength is required for all golfers, and this is extenuated at the highest level.
Being able to get into the ‘zone’, which so many successful players talk about, shut out the background noise and produce clutch golf when it matters, is the ultimate aim for every professional.
Possessing a strong level of physical fitness, regardless of the terrain or weather conditions, can help players keep their laser like focus, for long periods throughout any round.
Avoiding distractions from players in the same group, the crowd and/or the speed play is essential and players must be at the top of their game for up to five hours at a time when out on the course.
Obviously, being physically and mentally fit is a key part of that and it can help players make smart decisions, if their body is up to the rigours of professional golf.
Image Rights
With the PGA Tour giving out extra returns and dividends to players with the biggest social media following and every player looking to step into Tiger Woods’s footsteps in terms of financial endorsement deals, upholding a public image is key for modern golfers.
On both the men’s and women’s tours, some of the biggest global companies from the world of finance, fashion and food bet big on golf being a platform for them to gain increased brand exposure.
Most professional players have deals with golf manufacturers for equipment but also with clothing brands for their apparel when playing.
Upholding strong fitness levels improves performance on the course, which in turn enables players to access bigger and better sponsorship deals, which inevitably yields bigger financial purses for them.
