Three To Get Ready Before You Tee Off

A pregame warmup is important in all sports but possibly more so in golf because the action, undertaken from a stationary position, gives the muscles such a sudden, violent wrench. If you are to hit good golf shots, your muscles must be properly prepared. I start my warmup by using a wedge for the trio of exercises shown here. These are designed not only to give the hands a sense of "feel" but also to limber up the wrist, forearm and upper and lower back muscles. No player should tee off without some such warming-up routine.

Most golfers do not have the time or the facilities to hit any practice shots prior to playing; but, when it is possible, here is a sensible system to follow after the initial warmup. Begin by hitting a few wedge shots, then use the eight-iron, the five-iron, the two-iron, the three-wood and finish up with the driver. It is better, when time is limited, to hit the eight-iron six times than to hit the nine, eight and seven twice each. Conclude your preround preparations with some chipping and putting at the practice green.