Oregon Drift

By Kevin Wheeler, Forest Hills Country Club Golf Pro

One of the most important parts of the game is to warm up. Golfers need to putt, chip and, if possible, hit 10 to 15 balls on the range.

Normally, golfers run down to the first tee with no warm-up, hit the ball and go. We find our warm-up period extends from No. 1 to the third hole, making shots we don’t want to occur and ending up many strokes over par.

If the weather is bad, dress appropriately. Layer yourself and stay dry. Wear winter boots or waterproof shoes, carry extra towels and carry a set of Gore-Tex rain gear to keep dry. This will help the warm-up process and ensure you stay dry.

If the weather is sunny, carry a cap, water and sun screen for protection.

Finally, learn to stretch out on the putting green or the first tee. Take two clubs and swing like a baseball player around your waist, starting slowly, then accelerating. Then place one club behind your shoulders and turn just like the golf swing (when doing this, keep your head very quiet — don’t bounce around), picking out a spot on the ground where the ball would be, and moving the shoulders around the spine.

This should help you warm up and have a better round.