| Like any other sport, physical fitness, practice and | | | | magazines, and reading the newspaper with your |
| etiquette play an important role. This article will cover | | | | black coffee are all excellent mental exercises. Mental |
| a more holistic view of playing golf and improving | | | | fitness requires a daily regimen as well. Meditation, Tai |
| your game. | | | | Chi, spending time with family and friends all help |
| Fitness: - You'll never be a great golfer unless you | | | | reduce stress and will improve your game. Don't |
| keep you body and mind it shape. I know the truth | | | | underestimate this important step. |
| hurts. But all the great players will devote a good | | | | Practice: - You need to develop a practice routine |
| portion of their schedule at the gym. Besides the | | | | that is consistent and regular. Just playing the game is |
| obvious health benefits, you'll be able to enjoy the | | | | not enough. Try out new techniques, new clubs or |
| game long after you retire. | | | | improve on existing techniques. Your brain will |
| - Eat right. Stay away from high fat and sugar loaded | | | | develop new pathways and muscle memory that will |
| foods. Don't have that doughnut and coffee in the | | | | carry over into your game. A rule of thumb is to |
| morning. Have a glass of juice with some high fiber | | | | practice twice as much as you play. |
| cereal. If you must have coffee, try to drink it black. | | | | - Take classes or sign up for a lesson or two with a |
| The antioxidants and mild caffeine in coffee have | | | | more advanced player. You'll always learn something |
| been shown to be beneficial to your health. Avoid | | | | new and will level up your golf skills. Do this at least |
| loading your coffee with creamers and sugar. Also | | | | once per year. It takes dedication to become a |
| avoid artificial sweeteners. | | | | better player and to improve year after year. |
| - Exercise regularly. Include a cardiovascular regimen | | | | Etiquette - Golf is a gentlemen's game. Become |
| to help you get around the course and it's great for | | | | familiar with the rules of conduct and practice them in |
| your heart. Walking, jogging, biking, take your pick. | | | | your head and on the course. Being a great player |
| Swimming is also a great way to improve your | | | | doesn't always mean having the lowest score. Being |
| breathing and overall body fitness since it targets all | | | | able to enjoy golf with other players, whether on |
| your muscle groups. Add weight training to improve | | | | your team or just on the course, is just as important |
| your power strokes. | | | | as the game itself. |
| - Exercise your mind. Crossword puzzles, reading golf | | | | |