Golf Nut, how can I keep from getting so rusty during the winter? I live up north and usually by spring, my golf swing is in such rough shape that it seems to take forever before I am hitting the golf ball well again in the new golf season.

Well, other than moving to Florida and living next to Tiger, there are no easy answers. But here are a few golf tips that I have picked up over the years that may help.

First is conditioning. Many of us, especially as we get older, pick up a few extra pounds every winter when we aren’t as active and can’t get to the golf course. So as much as you hate to hear this, if you don’t have an exercise routine, get one. If you have one, mix it up in the winter to prevent boredom and falling off the wagon. And believe it or not, I am a believer in weight training year round. I’ll talk more about that in a minute, but it won’t kill your golf swing if done correctly.

Stretch, stretch, stretch. This should really not be just a winter time thing to help your golf swing. Flexibility is so key and most golfers don’t stretch much at all, any time of the year. Get with your doctor or a physical therapist and get a stretching routine that you can do every day. You will be amazed how much better you will feel and it will help your golf game as well.

Weight training. Light weight training on a consistent basis, I believe, just helps you stay in shape and keep the weight off. Working on your core muscles and legs is also great for your golf game. I will have a separate post about weight training for golfers coming up.

Now both of these don’t necessarily sound like winter specific things and they aren’t. But I have found that most golfers either don’t do these things, or if they do, quit doing them during the winter months. The key is to keep it up so that you don’t come into the new golf season 10 pounds overweight and stiff as a board. It is very hard, in my opinion, to get your golf swing back in shape and your body at the same time.

Last, I believe in golf training aids. I would recommend getting something that you can swing in a basement or garage. Something like the Momentus weighted club or the Kallassy Swing Magic swing trainer. Swinging one or both of these, combined with exercise and stretching, can have you ready for the tee box when the snow first melts.

Just remember, golf season is almost here!