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How do you build upper body strength in golf?

Author

Daniel Moore

Published Jan 08, 2026

Improve Your Golf Strength with an Upper Body Program from PGA Coach Stephanie Molloy

  1. Single-Arm DB Rows (3 sets, 8-12 reps)
  2. Upright DB Rows (3 sets, 8-12 reps)
  3. Military Pull-Ups (3 sets, 8-12 reps; assisted if needed)
  4. T-Y-Is (3 sets, 8-12 resp; lightweight progression 2-5 lbs)

Does upper body strength help in golf?

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.

How do you strengthen your muscles for golf?

5 Exercises That Will Improve Your Golf Game

  1. Side Step-Ups. The first exercise in this program is the side step-up. ...
  2. Lunges with Rotation. ...
  3. Medicine Ball Core Rotations. ...
  4. Cat Camels. ...
  5. Sword Draws (Shoulder External Rotation)

How do I strengthen my arms for golf?

Biceps curls are a basic exercise to strengthen the front of your arm, working the biceps and forearm muscles. Stand or sit holding a dumbbell in each hand or a barbell with your hands shoulder-width apart and your palms facing up. Bend your elbows and bring your hands toward your shoulders.

What upper body muscles are used in golf swing?

The most active muscle in the upper body during this phase in the upper body on the left side is the rhomboid (68% MMT) and middle trapezuis (51% MMT). On the right side, the most active muscles are the pectoralis major (64% MMT) and upper serratus (58% MMT).

42 related questions found

What muscles help you drive longer?

The 5 Best Exercises for Longer Golf Drives and a Stronger Back

  • Strengthens: the chest, core stability.
  • Strengthens: glutes, hamstrings, lower back.
  • Strengthens: hips, torso, arms.
  • Strengthens: hips, core.
  • Strengthens: shoulders, core.

Does golf tone your body?

Playing golf regularly can help you: stay fit. improve muscle tone and endurance. lose weight and body fat.

Are 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.

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 help golf?

For golfers, deadlifting activates the glutes and encourages more athletic movements to be initiated from the hips. It also creates a more stable base for your swing, helps correct early extension and encourages hip first rotation. Deadlifts are a great exercise that will help your golf swing in the gym.

Are pull ups good for golf?

Pull ups are a top notch exercise to build strength in the lats, forearms, shoulders, and even work the abs. All things that golfers need. By having strong lats and shoulders golfers will have more control, and be able to swing harder.

Do squats help golf?

Squats are a great exercise that work different areas of the body, particularly the trunk in keeping an upright position using the back extensors, and also the big powerful muscles of the quads and the gluts, which are really important in the golf swing.

Which hand should dominate in the golf swing?

The left-hand dominant golf swing is known to be very powerful, and it will help correct some misses golfers have in their game. If you are a player who wants power and you like the classic methods of pulling the golf club through your swing, then left-hand dominance is the right idea for you.

Should I keep my left arm straight in the golf swing?

This starts with the left elbow, as it is the hinge in your arm that controls its bend throughout the golf swing. The left elbow should be kept as straight as possible during the golf swing before hinging after impact in your follow-through.

How do I stop my left arm from bending in golf?

If you're someone who has a tight, locked left arm, then it's likely doing your swing far more harm than good. Focus on removing the tension from your arms and allowing a little bend at the top of your backswing (in unison with a full hip and shoulder turn) and you'll quickly see improvement in your ball striking.

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.

Can you build muscle from golf?

Golf is good at working the buttocks, lower back, and abdominal muscles. This will improve your balance and give you greater strength, mobility, and flexibility. Good core exercise will also take the strain off other muscles and reduce back pain.

Is hitting golf balls exercise?

Conclusion – Hitting balls is most likely light exercise, but certainly not intense “golf exercise”. It probably falls into the 150 minutes of moderate activity that the American Heart Association recommends per week.

How many golf balls should you hit a day?

How many balls should you hit in a day? For the short game (including putting), double the amount of shots on the range! So if 60 is the number on the range, then 120 should be the number on the chipping and putting greens!

How do you train for a long drive in golf?

Long-drive champion Kyle Berkshire's 4 workout tips to gain major yards off the tee

  1. Speed stretches. Simple back-bend stretches increase your spine's range of motion, allowing you to get your hands higher on your backswing — one of my trademark power moves. ...
  2. Train your power muscles. ...
  3. Sprint for speed. ...
  4. Go for broke.

Do you need to be strong to drive a golf ball far?

Golf can be more fun when you learn and practice the skills necessary to hit the long ball. Playing consistently good golf requires building a swing that delivers both power and accuracy. Not being able to hit the ball very far makes every course longer and puts more pressure on your short game.