Golf Fitness Made Simple: Exercises to Improve Your Game by Ian Schenkel of Newport Beach Published on: 10/17/2025
Every golfer dreams of hitting longer drives, improving balance, and staying strong throughout a full round. While skill and practice are vital, golf fitness is equally important for achieving better performance. Building strength, flexibility, and stability helps every golfer gain power and control while reducing the risk of injury. You don’t need a gym membership or fancy equipment to improve your golf game — just a few simple exercises done regularly can make a big difference, as suggested by Ian Schenkel of Newport Beach. The foundation of golf fitness begins with core strength. Your core muscles — the abs, obliques, and lower back — control your rotation and help you maintain balance during the swing. One of the most effective exercises for building core power is the plank. Hold your body straight with your elbows under your shoulders and your toes on the ground. Start with 30 seconds and increase the time as you get stronger. Strong core muscles help you keep stability from the backswing to the follow-through, improving both accuracy and distance. Flexibility is another key part of golf fitness. Many players struggle with tight hips and shoulders, which limit their swing motion. Simple stretches, such as shoulder rotations and hip twists, can help loosen up your body before a game. Performing gentle stretches for your neck, back, and legs before and after practice can help prevent stiffness and maintain a smooth swing. Yoga-inspired moves, such as the standing twist or cat-cow stretch, also improve flexibility and body awareness. Leg strength plays a crucial role in generating a mighty swing. Squats and lunges are simple exercises that strengthen your thighs and glutes, which drive your swing. When your lower body is strong, you can stay balanced through impact and transfer more energy into the ball. Even bodyweight squats performed a few times a week help improve stability and endurance on the course. Balance training is also vital for better control and posture. Standing on one leg for 30 seconds at a time challenges your body to stabilize, improving your coordination. You can make it harder by holding a golf club across your shoulders while balancing. Practicing this regularly will help you maintain a steady footing during uneven lies or windy conditions. Finally, don’t forget endurance training. Walking the course for 18 holes requires a significant amount of energy, so cardiovascular fitness is also crucial. Simple activities like brisk walking, cycling, or light jogging help you stay strong and focused through all rounds. Consistent cardio work builds stamina, allowing you to finish as strong as you started.