|
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.
Doug Morgan, Canadian P.G.A.
Head Professional
The Redwoods Golf Course |
