This is more the case with part time golfers but for those players looking to get an edge on their competition, whether it be playing once a week or on a more regular basis, exercise should be a vital component of your game.

It just makes sense. A strong fit body is going to make more of an impression on a long distance drive than a body out of shape. On the other hand, getting fit for golf is different than preparing for a running marathon.

Golf Swing Technique - Total Body Involvement

Next time you shape up to drive, take note of the parts of your body being used to execute the shot. You'll be surprised. From the neck to the torso all the way through the legs and to the feet.

So getting fit for golf means exactly that. You need to work the muscle areas which play an important part in your overall swing. Each of these areas should be worked individually.

Golf Swing Technique - Using weights

Light weights are effective in strengthening muscles around the neck and shoulders. Light dumbbell weights are great to work the arms while squatting-style exercises are effective on the legs.

If you are a regular golfer, then walking won't be a problem especially if you are on the course several times a week. But for those of you who get out on a course infrequently, walking just 3-4 times a week is a great exercise, not just for the legs but for promoting overall health.

While going to the extent of using light weights might sound a little over the top for occasional golfers it would still be foolhardy to ignore exercise as a part of golf swing technique.

Golf Swing Technique _ Injury Toll

Occasional golfers still need to loosen up and some simple stretching exercises should suffice. The general rule of thumb is to warm up for at least 15 minutes before you play your first shot. Areas under threat from injury from lack of warm up exercise include the back,shoulders and neck.

The interesting aspect of golf injuries is on many occasions, you won't see a player go down in a "screaming heap" such as you would on a football field but golf injuries tend to develop over time. In other words, golf injuries act a little like stealth and when they arrive, they can be quite serious, especially back-related injuries.

Include exercise as part of your golf swing technique starting today.