Common mistake could damage golfers this winter, expert warns

A leading sports performance expert has issued a stark warning that abandoning golf this winter could prove problematic for your game.

Professor Graeme Close, the head of nutrition for both the DP World Tour and the European Ryder Cup team, argues that just two weeks of not playing – or de-training as it is officially referred to – can have a damaging impact when you return to the fairways.

The nutrition and physiology expert at Liverpool John Moores University has outlined why braving the conditions when you can is absolutely worthwhile during the harsh winter months.

“Lack of practice can have profound effects on physical and cognitive performance in all sports, but golf in particular,” Close said.

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“The loss of strength, power, and coordination, combined with diminished mental focus, decision-making, and confidence, can significantly impact performance.

“For golfers, a sport that relies heavily on both fine motor skills and mental clarity, the effects of de-training can be particularly pronounced, affecting swing mechanics, shot accuracy, and decision-making ability.

“All these factors demonstrate just how important it is to get out on the fairway, whatever the conditions.”

Close’s expert advice comes after Stromberg unveils its Autumn/Winter collection – which allows golfers to attack the fairway in the brutal winter weather.

Even visits to the driving range will also prevent the damaging impacts that Close argues will come from inactivity. Here are Close’s six key warnings to amateurs…

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Decreased power

De-training leads to a reduction in muscle mass and strength. Research suggests that muscular atrophy can start to occur within 2-3 weeks of inactivity. Over a period of four to 12 weeks, this can result in a significant loss of power, which is crucial for explosive movements in sports like golf.

Reduced Aerobic Capacity

Cardiovascular endurance decreases with de-training, typically showing a measurable decline within 2-4 weeks. For golfers, a decrease can still affect overall energy levels, mental stamina, and recovery during rounds.

Precise Control

Golf requires fine motor skills and precise control over movements. De-training can lead to reduced neuromuscular coordination, affecting the ability to execute complex and repeatable motor patterns, such as a golf swing.

Loss of Technique

Over time, athletes may lose some of the technical proficiency they’ve developed. For golfers, this can result in inconsistent swings, poor ball striking, and a lack of precision in shot selection.

Cognitive and Psychological Effects

In addition to physical declines, de-training has cognitive and psychological impacts, which are particularly important in sports like golf, where mental performance is critical.

Decreased Focus and Concentration

Golf requires sustained concentration and mental clarity over extended periods. De-training may lead to decreased cognitive endurance, making it harder to maintain focus throughout a round. Reduced physical fitness also contributes to mental fatigue, which can impair decision-making and strategic thinking.