Weather hints time to practice

     By Clay Meininger
     View columnist
      Judging from the weather outside, we may mistakenly think winter is leaving us.
      This means that it's time to get our golf games into shape.
      Many players take a break during the winter months and rush out to play a round at the first sight of warm weather. Too often, these players fail to properly warm up or stretch out before swinging a club.
      If you don't properly warm up and stretch before a round of golf, you risk serious injuries to your muscles.
      Try these techniques when preparing to play a round.
      When warming up, always stretch your muscles before heading to the driving range. Hold a club behind your shoulders and gently twist from side to side. Do not try to turn all the way on the first few rotations, just gradually extend your twisting until you can comfortably make a full shoulder turn, similar to that of a golf swing. This will loosen up your muscles of your upper and lower back making them ready for the workout they will receive during the round of golf.
      Next, stretch your quadriceps -- the leg muscles in front of and above the knee -- by reaching behind and grabbing your foot with your hand. Gently pull up on your foot until you feel a stretch on the front of your leg. You want to feel a slight stretch.
      Put your feet very close together and cross the left foot over the right. Bend down toward your toes and try to touch them. You will feel a stretch in your calf muscles as you gradually reach toward your toes. Then switch feet to stretch the other leg.
      After stretching, take some time to hit a few balls on the driving range.
      Start by pitching a few shots about 20-30 yards to feel the weight of the club and to gradually continue stretching your golf muscles. After a few shots, increase your distances to three-quarter swing, then to a full swing.
      Make sure you spend some time on the driving range before your round of golf as well. It will make the first few holes a little easier.
      These stretching techniques should help you prepare for the upcoming season.
     
     Clay Meininger is director of golf for The Revere at Anthem golf course. He can be reached at 259-4653 or at meiningc@delwebb.com.