Ways to improve your golf game

Teeing off to play a round of golf can be a lot of fun, but the game requires a great deal of strength, stamina and cardiovascular fitness.

Assistant Director of Recreational Sports Amanda Jillson recommends running, biking or walking for at least 20 minutes to improve your cardiovascular fitness before you take to the course. She says it could even improve your game.

“You don’t necessarily have to be in cardiovascular shape to have a good golf game, but it is really important to be able to have that stamina to walk 9 or 18 holes,” said Jillson.

Jillson also recommends stretching before and after a game of golf and also during the week before you even think about going to the course. Strength training exercises like chest presses, shoulder flies, push-ups and neck extensions are also important.

“In recent studies it has been shown that it’s really important to strength train between 8 to 10 repetitions of your workouts,” said Jillson.

Developing muscular strength and power is essential for generating club head speed, a determining factor in how far you can hit the ball.

For more information about improving your golf game contact Amanda Jillson at ajill2@uis.edu.

Alternative workout options and sport clubs

Putting variety into your wellness routine is very important to your health. It gives you confidence as well as alternative workout options.

“It kind of spruces things up and makes them more exciting,” says Amanda Jillson, assistant director of recreational sports.

Jillson recommends playing a pickup game of basketball, participating in racquetball or enjoying the outdoors by participating in sport clubs like Club Baseball at UIS.

“It’s a good time and keeps you active. It helps you get to know other people,” said Jim Johnson, a junior chemistry major on the club baseball team.

Club Baseball has 17 members this year and on average plays 15 conference games a year, with more added as the season goes along. They play other colleges and university club teams from around the state and beyond.

The team has a four game home series coming up and invites people to come watch their games at Hobbs Park in Springfield.

Upcoming Club Baseball at UIS home games:
April 11 – UIUC – (Double Header) Noon @ Hobbs Park
April 17 – SIUC – 7:30 p.m. @ Hobbs Park
April 18 – SIUC (Double Header) – Noon @ Hobbs Park
April 24 –SIUC – (Double Header) Noon @ Hobbs Park
April 25 –SIUE – (Double Header) Noon @ Hobbs Park