Wondering how to practice golf in the winter?
Improving and maintaining your golf swing during the winter months requires a bit of creativity and commitment. This is especially true if you're in a climate that doesn't permit year-round outdoor play … such as Northeast Ohio.
From indoor golf lessons to video games, here's a list of 7 ways to keep your game in top shape even when the weather outside is less than favorable.
1. Professional Indoor Golf Lessons & Workshops
Golf coaches and pros often provide indoor golf lessons, clinics and workshops during the winter season when they too are stuck indoors. These pros can help you refine your technique and provide personalized feedback.
At 1899, we have a talented team of PGA Members who have success in working with students of all ages and skill levels. Our crew has the experience and tools necessary to help you achieve your goals—in the winter and beyond. Explore our indoor winter golf lessons.
2. Join an Indoor Golf League
Just because you’re stuck indoors through the winter doesn’t mean you can’t still hang out with your golf buddies. Form a team and join a winter indoor golf league at a facility like 1899. You’ll keep your competitive edge while getting regular practice—and maybe even win some prizes.
The advanced technology of indoor virtual golf not only mimics real golf courses around the world but also provides feedback on your swing and other data. You use real golf clubs to hit real balls, so you’re not missing anything.
(Don’t want to join a league, but still want to try indoor golf this winter? Choose from one of our individual membership levels to keep your game going all season long. You’ll save some cash on simulator time, get exclusive invites and member-only discounts, receive a welcome package and more.)
3. Practice Your Swing at Home
On really cold, windy, blizzardy days, you’ll probably want to stay cozy indoors. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t practice your swing.
Investing in swing trainers will help your swing tempo, grip and muscle memory. Set up an indoor net in your basement or garage to safely practice full swings. If you’re still concerned about damaging your home, use foam balls or birdie balls. They mimic the flight of a real golf ball but are designed for use indoors or in limited space.
Mirror work is another good, simple tactic to practice at home. Use a full-length mirror to work on your swing posture and alignment. Watching your swing (sans golf ball) can help identify any swing faults and improve your overall technique.
Finally, we can’t forget the most classic choice to practice at home – putting mats. These simple products allow you to maintain your feel and touch on the greens. This is especially true when the mats include contours and alignment guides to assist with accuracy and consistency.
4. Adjust Your Fitness Training
If you have a fitness training regimen – or are interested in starting one – winter is a great time to focus on exercises that build the muscles used in golf.
Core strength is essential for golf. Engage in exercises that strengthen your abdominal, back, leg and arm muscles, which are all integral to a powerful swing. (Strength training will also help reduce the risk of injury.)
Work on mobility drills that enhance your hip, shoulder and thoracic spine mobility. The related muscles and joints are key for a fluid and powerful golf swing.
Hand-eye coordination drills are easy to do at home or to incorporate into your training. Maintaining and improving hand-eye coordination can be beneficial when you’re back on the greens, such as when you need to bounce a golf ball on a wedge.
And don’t forget about yoga and Pilates. They are great for improving flexibility, balance and core strength – all of which are important for an efficient golf swing.
Finally, use grip strengtheners or exercises to maintain the hand and forearm strength necessary for a firm, controlled golf swing.
5. Watch Instructional Videos
Have a spare 10 minutes? Watch instructional videos from golf professionals to learn new techniques and drills that can be practiced indoors.
You can find many free online tutorials or invest in specific courses that focus on new techniques and drills that you can practice indoors.
6. Home Golf Simulators
If you have the budget, invest in a golf simulator for your home. (Or simply visit us at 1899 Indoor Golf.)
If you don’t, perhaps “borrow” your kids’ Wii console and get in a few rounds of golf on Wii Sports. Sure, it’s not as effective as real practice, but golf video games can help maintain hand-eye coordination and timing.
7. Visualization & Mental Practice
Hey—don't knock it ‘til you try it!
Mental practice can reinforce muscle memory and boost confidence. Use visualization techniques to imagine playing your favorite courses and making good swings.
These exercises are not only fun, but they also keep your swing thoughts sharp.
And, if that isn’t enough, try recording your swing. Set up your phone to record your swing so you can analyze your progress and identify areas for improvement.
How Many Will You Add to Your Winter Routine?
By incorporating at least one of these activities into your winter routine, you can emerge from the off-season with a refined and possibly even improved golf swing.
At 1899, we have memberships, leagues, lessons and of course daily indoor golf simulator play time at all three of our locations in Northeast Ohio.
Visit us in Canton, Twinsburg or Shaker Heights this winter so your golf game doesn’t dive into a bunker over these cold months.