Why Every Golfer Should Be Strength Training
- Matt Scott
- Aug 6
- 3 min read
Introduction
When most golfers think about improving their game, they focus on lessons, range sessions, buying new equipment, or perhaps walking a little more to improve fitness. But there's one area that's often overlooked and can make a significant difference to both performance and longevity in the game: strength training.
Whether you're playing in weekly competitions or simply enjoying a weekend round with friends, how you train your body away from the golf course has a direct impact on how you perform on it.
Why Strength Matters in Golf
Strength training isn't about becoming a bodybuilder or spending hours in the gym. It's about developing the physical qualities that allow you to swing the club faster, maintain your posture throughout 18 holes, and reduce your risk of injury.
As we get older, we naturally lose muscle mass and strength if we don't actively work to maintain it. This loss doesn't just affect your golf—it can also make everyday activities more difficult over time. Regular strength training helps slow this process while improving balance, movement quality, and overall health.
From a golf performance perspective, strength allows you to produce force more effectively. More force generally means greater clubhead speed, which can translate into more distance. It can also help you control your swing more consistently, particularly during the closing holes when fatigue starts to creep in.
Understanding the Strength Continuum
Strength isn't just one thing. It exists on a continuum, with maximal strength at one end and strength endurance at the other. Think of it like comparing a 100-metre sprinter to a marathon runner. Both are strong, but they're strong in very different ways.
✅ Maximal Strength
The ability to produce as much force as possible. This is typically developed with heavier weights and lower repetitions. For golfers, increasing maximal strength has been shown to improve force production, which can contribute to faster clubhead speeds and greater driving distance.
✅ Strength Endurance
The ability to repeatedly produce force over a prolonged period. This is generally trained with lighter loads and higher repetitions. It helps maintain posture throughout your round, improves muscular stamina, and provides an excellent foundation for more advanced strength training.
Which Type Should You Focus On?
The answer depends on your goals, training experience, and current level of fitness.
If your primary goal is to increase clubhead speed, then developing maximal strength is likely to have the biggest impact. However, if you're new to resistance training, spending some time building a foundation of strength endurance first may be the smarter approach.
On the other hand, if your goal is to stay healthy, maintain muscle as you age, improve your movement, and continue enjoying golf for years to come, then strength endurance may be your main priority. That doesn't mean maximal strength has no place—it simply means your programme should reflect what's most important for you. The key is that there isn't a single "best" type of strength training. The most effective programme is one that's tailored to your needs and progresses over time.
Getting Started
The good news is that you don't need an expensive gym membership or fancy equipment to get started. With just a few pieces of equipment and two or three well-planned sessions each week, you can make meaningful improvements from your garage, spare room, or living room.
Ready to Improve Your Golf Fitness?
If you're not sure where to begin, check out the link below.
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