Do you need upper body strength to golf?
Sarah Smith
Published Jan 20, 2026
Just like lower body strength, upper body strength matters for the golf swing. One of the big takeaways for upper body strength is developing acceleration or increase club head speed with the arms. Other improvements from upper body strength is improved rotational power from the mid back/thoracic spine and shoulders.
Do you need strength to play golf?
The weakest part of most golfers' bodies is the part they need most: the core. Without strong, pliable muscles in your stomach, hips, butt and lower back, you can't make a golf swing that is both powerful and technically sound.
What muscles need to be strong for golf?
The back, neck, shoulder, core and hip muscles are all pivotal in creating a powerful golf swing. How you use these muscles dictates your power and accuracy and could be the difference between a birdie and bogey. With that in mind, here are 5 exercises to improve your golf swing power.
How do you build upper body strength in golf?
Improve Your Golf Strength with an Upper Body Program from PGA Coach Stephanie Molloy
- Single-Arm DB Rows (3 sets, 8-12 reps)
- Upright DB Rows (3 sets, 8-12 reps)
- Military Pull-Ups (3 sets, 8-12 reps; assisted if needed)
- T-Y-Is (3 sets, 8-12 resp; lightweight progression 2-5 lbs)
Do you need arm strength for golf?
For golfers looking to add distance to their drives, technique can only take you so far. Ultimately, any golfer should also focus on strengthening their upper body, particularly the arms and shoulders.
44 related questions foundAre biceps good for golf?
Building your bicep muscles can certainly add strength to your body and help you hit the golf ball much farther. In order to do so, exercising and working out weekly is very important. Exercising is not just for your overall health but also to have a better core and upper body strength.
Are pull ups good for your golf swing?
Exercises for golf #5: Pull-Ups
Buchan says that pull-ups guard against physical imbalance and challenges the upper back musculature. This, he says, is vital for developing correct posture and transferring power during the golf swing. “The Pull-Up is also one of the best core exercises.”
Is golf a good arm workout?
Furthermore, the key to a better golf game is a great off-the-course fitness program that creates strength and mobility for your upper body particularly the arms; to execute a perfect swing. Casual golfers focus on strengthening the core muscles alone.
Does golf build muscle?
Swinging a golf club, in and of itself, is not very difficult from a strength training point of view. However, as discussed above, golf courses typically have lots of hills and valleys. Walking up these hills is sure to work the quadriceps and hamstrings, which help to make up the muscles of the lower body.
What muscles make you hit the golf ball farther?
Deltoids, forearms, legs, back, chest, and core muscles all have a considerable effect on how far you can hit a ball. Focus on these muscles and flexibility to add power and provide consistency to your game.
How many hours do golf pros practice?
In a day, the average tour pro spends about three to four hours concentrating on the full swing and an equal amount of time on the short-game. But tour pros are not just beating balls or blindly rolling putts.
How good is golf for fitness?
Golf can be good for your health and your heart. Walking an average course for a round of golf can be between five to seven kilometres. If you walk 18 holes three to five times a week, you'll get an optimal amount of endurance exercise for your heart.
How do I strengthen my left arm in my golf swing?
Hold the squeezed position for two seconds and slowly release during a four-second count. Slowly release the contraction and repeat for up to two sets of ten repetitions. A second helpful exercise for keeping a straight, firm left arm during the swing is a “Downward Arm Pull”.
Does lifting weights affect your golf swing?
Adding weight to the golf swing changes the entire sequence and balance of the movement to accommodate the added resistance. It might look like your golf swing in the mirror, but you'll wind up sending your brain mixed signals about the timing and sequence of your swing.
What workouts are bad for golf?
5 Exercises That Are Bad for Your Golf Game
- Leg Press Machine. ...
- Seated Leg Extension Machine. ...
- Machine Hamstring Curls. ...
- Biceps Preacher Curl. ...
- Standing external shoulder rotation with dumbell.
Should I workout before playing golf?
Some players such as Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy have taken weight training to an extreme, but you don't need to be as muscle bound to help your golf game. So spend a little time loosening up your body before you start your round rather than doing a few twists and turns with your club or iron before your first shot.
Is swimming bad for golf?
So how can swimming impact negatively on a golfer's swing? Because the overhead arm movements used in swimming can affect the pattern of movements needed to play golf, it is not recommended that you swim immediately prior to teeing off.
Is golf a rich person sport?
Because golf is considered a 'rich man's sport' owing to the high cost, it has a reputation as a premium sport. Golf courses can cost as much as $500 a round, depending on the course.
Is walking 18 holes of golf good exercise?
Walking golf is a great exercise for children and adults who love playing this invigorating sport. People who forgo the golf carts and hoof it on foot can find themselves burning off between 1,000 to 1,500 calories when playing all 18-holes. You can burn off more calories by carrying your clubs.
Is golf actually exercise?
Golf offers both cardiovascular and strength exercise. A full round normally equates to around 3.6 to 3.8 miles, depending on where and how you play. Granted, again, a cart user will walk a bit less but they will still get plenty of exercise and certainly more than you would sitting on the couch.
How many balls a day do the pros hit?
How Many Range Balls Do Pros Hit A Day. On average, professional golfers hit around 500 balls per day when they're not playing a tournament. The majority of these balls are hit either around the green or on the course, while only 50-100 would be hit at the driving range.
How long does it take to be decent at golf?
It can take up to six months for a beginner to even master hitting the ball the right way. Yes, you read correctly, six months. The reason is that hand-eye coordination required for golf is severely underrated.
How many golf balls can a PGA Tour player carry?
Under the Rules of Golf, a golfer can carry as many golf balls as they want in their bag. Really, they can carry as many golf balls as they're willing to carry around themselves or their caddie is willing to lug around for them. Most PGA Tour golfers carry in the area of nine golf balls in their bag per round.
How far should you hit a 7 iron?
A standard amateur golfer can hit a 7 iron from 128 yards to 158 yards. The lower range will be for women and senior golfers. To hit the ball over 150 yards in total distance with a 7 iron club, an amateur golfer will have to have a good swing and be physically fit.