What can I do to improve my game, when I can't swing a club?

[Jcp907]

In January, I had a knee operation. I played a bit in February, which the Dr. said was okay, and my knee is now worse than ever. It even swells after sitting in the same position for a short period of time. After a second opinion from another surgeon, I am on crutches for the next 2 weeks, and may not be able to take a full swing for some time.

In January, I read Hogan's Five Fundamentals, Pennick's red book, and am currently reading mind over golf. I have learned a great deal from each thus far. In February, my swing was much improved due to two lessons as well as the studying and practice. My latest struggle is related to my hand releasing early, and a reverting to a steep swing when I tire.

My question is what do you suggest I consider doing while I can't walk, that can improve my game when I get back to it, even though I can't swing a club for the next three weeks or so?

Some thoughts might be certain books to read, or videos to watch, etc. Inexpensive is good. For instance, I have watched the Legend of Bagger Vance, Tin Cup, read a bit, etc.

Thank you in advance!

[denver_nuggs_15]

Can you stretch or do some core work? If it doesn't hurt and won't harm your knee, I say do that. They are very important to golf and IMO are overlooked by way too many players. Other than that, I don't see much that you can do golf related if you're on crutches.

I'd suggest a balance drill by standing on your good leg with correct golf posture, but if you lose your balance, you may have an issue.

[TheLauncher]

Visit this site.

Putting? Chipping?

The core exercises are a good idea.

And be sure to eat healthy and get good sleep to ensure a speedy recovery.

[Jcp907]

Denver,
Great point on the core work, I will definately work on that!

TheLauncher...what site is that?
As the knee heals, I will start with putting and chipping for sure!

Thanks for the input so far! Please keep the ideas coming!

[Smokewagon]

I would do alot of back and shoulder stretching. Work on flexability.

[TheLauncher]

Visit this site.

You know, www.thesandtrap.com

[Jcp907]

Visit

lol, I have issues with the obvious sometimes.

[Dub]

Partner....I share your pain....pun intended!!!!

Knee problems suck outright!!!!!


I won't bore you with my knee issues only to say that it's not a bad to putt and chip as soon as you are able to. A frequent routine of short chipping and putting sessions will keep your edge more than you may think.

Crutches for now....hmmm.....pretty much limits you to reading and watching the tube. I highly recomend the works of Dr. Bob Rotella[/ B]...."Golf is not a game of perfect" etc. Don't confuse him with the fluffy haired Dr. Bob flake from the Golf Channel snippets. Rotella is the real deal . He'll get you really thinking about your preshot routine and attitude about managing your game. I promise you can shave strokes by delving into his work and firmly establishing some of these good habits while your are on the mend.


Check out Amazon.com for his books and CDs. I've been hunting around my house lately trying to find my copies. I need to read them again and re-committ to a better routine.

Good luck with the knee.

I've been wearing a hard core knee brace on my left as well as pointing my left toe open a few degrees. This has greatly helped limit the pain/damage and hopefully will prevent reinjury.

[Jcp907]

Partner....I share your pain....pun intended!!!!

Thanks for the luck and the recommendation on the book, I just ordered it. I wish you the best with your knee as well.

[DBeane]

This is a very sad thread, injured and cant play golf...how terrible.

Be careful ingesting too much swing info. I have taken months off before and read a thousand ideas. Then finally got back to the range and couldnt draw the club back I was so confused.

If you can stand at all I am a big fan of the Hogan slow motion drill with a weighted club.

If your looking for books to read. Steve Elkington's "The Five Fundamentals" has a great "golf specific" workout in the back. There are many low impact exercises you could do that would keep your knee out of the equation.

Also read "Hogan" by Curt Sampson, that one will get you motivated.

Also, when I was down once I used google earth to make yardage books for courses I played a lot.

Best of Luck,

Beane

[Dub]

Thanks for the luck and the recommendation on the book, I just ordered it. I wish you the best with your knee as well.

Best wishes on the recovery and return to playing. Please...please take extreme precautions and protect that knee even after it's feeling good. Take nothing for granted. Even a neopreme wrap offers loads more protection than bare.

Rotella will likely help a good deal. Goodl, applied common sense based on your own desires and ability.

[Jcp907]

I would do alot of back and shoulder stretching. Work on flexability.

Thanks for the advice. I will get the motivation up to stretch daily, and work out my lower body as my Dr. advises.

This is a very sad thread, injured and cant play golf...how terrible.

Yeah, this absolutely sucks!

Thank you for this advice regarding too many swing thoughts. I make notes regarding swing thoughts that I want to enforce, and try to ignore the rest. I review these notes with my instructor to determine whether they are worthwhile or not. Slow motion drill...great idea. Will do as soon as I can take full weight on my knee. Thanks for the titles of the books. I will look into them! Course books...neat idea...I like data...hmmm...make a laptop mount for my computer in the golf cart? Imagine all the data that can be entered when there is slow play...lol...or is that against the rules?

[lumpuckeroo]

Work on the mental side, sounds kind of corny but it has worked for me. I do this as I am falling asleep at night but you could take a few minutes anytime. I close my eyes and see myself playing a couple stretches of holes, all I can get before I fall asleep.

I don't see myself as superman (or Tiger), I just play my way but do everything perfect, great drive in the fairway, nice shot on the green, roll in the putt. You will be amazed at how much it will boost your confidence when you actually get to the course to play.

Get well soon.