But stretching for better golf takes a different approach. One that takes a look at the biomechanics of the swing. The main movement in the golf swing is rotation. As golfers get older, this rotational component diminishes and performance goes with it.

With just a little effort, you will be amazed at the difference on the course. You will be making a full backswing with no tension, resulting in longer, straighter drives. Is that worth the time you’d be putting into it?

I would never discount the importance of stretching your hamstrings, or other areas that are not rotational, but the biggest bang for your buck will be rotational stretches by far.

The better you can rotate your upper body with minimal lower body activity, the longer your drives will be, and the more the will penetrate the elements like wind and even rain.

As you can see in the picture, I’m doing a backswing stretch with a wide stance. I have the wide stance for a reason. The wider the stance, the less the hips will rotate, forcing most of the emphasis on core rotational flexibility.

This is just one of many stretching for better golf movements you can do that will make a difference where it counts. On the course!

Mike Pedersen is an internationally known golf performance expert. He is Golf Magazine and GolfIllustrated.com’s Golf Performance Expert; has been featured on pga tour golf talk radio shows, as well as the founder of the first online golf fitness exercise membership site over 6 years ago. Take a look at his just released golf stretching dvd at Perform Better Golf