Get Back On The Green: 5 Ways To Get The Rust Off This Spring

The weather isn’t the only thing that needs warming up. Spring is imminent in New England, which means it’s time to retire your winter coats and head back onto the green. If you’re anything like us, your off-season hibernation may have left your body a little worse for the wear. Luckily, we’ve consulted our New England golf pros to provide tips and tools to help you get into golf shape.

Take It Easy

Just as there’s no crying in baseball, there’s no competing in spring golf. Though you may be tempted to roll straight through 18 holes your first day, the experts agree that to get into golf shape, you’re going to need to take it slow. Justin Bonnet of Lake Morey Resort explains: “My advice on staying loose and knocking off a bit rust is to swing at 70-80%. This will not only help you warm up those muscles left in hibernation, but it will also allow you to make better contact with the golf ball.” Like a baby taking your first steps, you’re going to need to take it slow lest you want to take a tumble in your training.

Put the Fun in Fundamentals

The bright side of taking things slow? More time and energy to return to fundamentals. While your form may have been flawless in the fall, chances are your winter sojourn left more than your muscles a little forgetful. Luke Salvatore at Cranwell Spa & Golf Resort recommends using this warm up period to “focus on solid club-to-ball interaction without concern about distance and direction.” Hit the driving range or the putting green to work on infusing your muscles with all the good golf habits they may have let loose in the off-season.

Embrace Your Short Game

Speaking of the putting green, don't forget to think small as you get into golf shape this spring. As satisfying as it is to lob the ball into next Tuesday, a strong short game will be the key to lowering any embarrassingly high scorecards. Take a shot at Golf Digest's "Short Game Reboot." Through these exercises, you can take it back to basics and hone your short game shots.

Give Some Love To Your Clubs

When we talk about getting the rust off this spring, we mean it literally. While your body was taking it easy this winter, your clubs and equipment were probably collecting dust (or rust) in your basement. To wake them up this spring, just follow the advice of Christine Rowe, Director of Golf at the White Mountain Hotel & Resort. “A good beginning is to clean your grips using a wet, soapy towel," she says, "or bring them to your local pro shop to have them re-gripped.” On the golf course, you and your clubs act as one, so get in golf shape this spring by giving your extended arm some TLC.

Get Into Golf With a Weekend Away

After a full day on the green, your weary bones will surely need some pampering. We suggest combining your rust removal with a stay at a relaxing New England inn or resort for a full body renewal. Stop into a spa for a post-golf massage or simply kick your feet up in your comfortable room. Before you know it, you’ll be knocking off 18 holes (and you won’t even need to ride in the cart).

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