Doug Morgan, Canadian P.G.A.

Head Professional
The Redwoods Golf Course

I have played competitive golf since the age of twelve.  As an amateur I competed at both the Provincial and National level.

Since turning pro, I have played several Canadian Tour events, won a Regional Qualifying stage for the U.S. Open and played in the inaugural Greater Vancouver Open.

After narrowly missing my Tour Card at the 1992 Fall Canadian Tour Qualifying School, I decided that the “Tour Life” was not for me and chose to pursue a career as a Club Professional.

I still love to compete and strive to improve all of my skills.  I continue to take lessons, try to squeeze in two or three weekly visits to the gym to work on cardio, flexibility and strengthening.

I’m not much different than the average weekend golfer.  I have a day job, a family and home to care for.  A good month of practice would include a weekly or bi-weekly visit to the range and an hour of putting, pitching and chipping.

My 2005 playing schedule was less than stellar, due to an ankle sprain at the beginning of May and subsequent six-week lay-off.  This injury took place on the golf course during a playing lesson with a student.  Looking back, I remember that I was especially stiff that morning and did not complete any type of warm-up.

I spent a number of hours at physiotherapy and the gym rehabilitation this injury.  It occurred to me that if I was going to spend this much time on rehabilitation, I should continue working out with a golf specific trainer.

Jenny Grills was referred to me by one of my students.  We spoke over the summer and committed to a fall training program.

We started at the beginning of October with an assessment of my tension levels and range of motion.  Jenny explained how these results would affect my golf swing.  The comment that stuck in my mind was “the body sacrifices stability for movement!”  Which, from an instructor’s point of view, explains why so many of my students cannot get to certain positions or maintain a repetitive motion.

She then prescribed a series of simple stretches and as my flexibility improved, added core strengthening and upper back exercises.

It has been eight weeks since starting Jenny’s program.  I am pleasantly surprised that I do not have any lower back pain or stiffness after practicing or playing and I am especially happy that I do not have any aches or pains when getting out of bed in the morning.

I am glad that I made the commitment to start this program now.  I know that I will be better prepared both physically and mentally when next years tournaments start.

I would strongly suggest if you are serious about game improvement, that you get started with Jenny’s as soon as possible, so that your body is ready when the weather and course conditions improve.