It’s hard to admit, but for many golfers the offseason is drawing close. For some, it’s here already. Sure, some of us hit the geographic-jackpot and can play golf year-round, but most of us will have to hang up the sticks sometime soon. It’s time to assess the past season, and make a plan to come back better in 2026. For many of us, one big opportunity for improvement is to get into better shape for golf. There are a number of huge benefits to your game of gaining muscle, shedding fat, and improving your overall health.
Gaining Clubhead Speed
You might feel modern golf has become overly obsessed with distance, and maybe there’s some merit to that perspective. The fact is, there’s no better way to lower your scores and play better golf than to hit the ball farther. Consider that your Greens in Regulation (GIR) percentage correlates very strongly with your score and overall handicap. The most effective path to improving your GIR is to have shorter approach shots, and that comes from longer drives via increased clubhead speed. That speed pays off again on the approach shot too. Now you’re hitting a higher-lofted club into the green, and as loft goes up so does forgiveness. The bottom line: gaining clubhead speed WILL lower your scores.
Walking vs Riding
Many courses in the US are not set up for walking. The distance from a green to the next tee box can literally be over the river and through the woods, and you’d kill the pace of play if you insisted on walking. That’s a shame, because our game is best enjoyed to its fullest when you’re walking. This game is intended for you to walk up the fairway to the green, not to pull up beside it. It’s one of the reasons many resort courses like Bandon Dunes or Sand Valley don’t have motorized carts: because that’s not how the game is supposed to be played. What’s more, walking might be better for your score too. In his acclaimed book Unconscious Putting, Dave Stockton opines that you’ll putt better when walking versus riding based on a better ability to appreciate the contours of the green as you approach it from the fairway.
Sure, some of us have joint issues or any number of reasons why we have to ride. Or, our home track is one of those courses that’s not conducive to walking. But if walking your rounds is the goal, and it should be, now’s the time to get after some cardio work to make walking in 2026 a reality.
Finishing Strong
Ever have one of those rounds where you’re striping it, the putts are falling, and a personal best is within reach, only for the wheels to fall off on the back nine? There are a number of factors that can impact your game as a round wears on. Don’t let fatigue be one of them. Golf may not resemble the tempo of more high-demand sports like soccer or basketball, but don’t be fooled into thinking a round doesn’t take a physical toll. 18 holes represents a 4-mile walk, 50 or so intermittent ballistic movements, a lot of time on your feet in total, and potentially some demanding weather conditions. A solid exercise regimen could be what separates those with the ability to get a good round into the clubhouse from those who can’t. Use this offseason to make sure you are the former.
Stay on the Course
We’ve all heard the saying, “Golf is a game you can play your whole life.” That’s true, but only as long as you’re physically capable of doing it. Sure, father time is undefeated, but consistent dedicated exercise and a proper diet are the best ways to fight him off as long as possible. There are scores of golfers who would play a lot more if they had the time, and one day they’ll retire with aspirations to finally get all those rounds in. The real goal should be to retire with the ABILITY to play, not just availability. Invest the time and effort now to keep yourself strong, mobile, and explosive. That investment will pay off in the ability to play to your full potential for much much longer.
It’s the offseason. Rather than turn the page on golf until spring, spend the time now to make a plan for how you’ll come back better next season. For most of us, improving our physical capabilities is one of the best means available to shooting lower scores next season. It’s time to hit the gym!
‘