Would building up my strength give me more distance

[Jesh]

I know the question is pretty obvious, but I mean arm strength only. I'm around 6 foot and 200 pounds, and a lot of muscle, but my arms are lacking. So I was wondering if this winter if I worked on arm strength if I'd gain yardage as well? I'm at around 245 and gaining steadily, probably due to my swing getting much better, but getting stronger in the arms can't hurt...can it?

[kleraudio]

Honestly, I think flexibility is better for club speed.. Distance equals speed, if you can keep your arms nice and flexible, you can really crank that club head speed up.

I'd recommend light weights, with lots of reps, and do some stretches that increase flexibility.

Im a pretty strong guy myself, and when I catch it, I can hit it 285, rare, but it happens...

I dont think its from muscles, I think its from flexibility and being able to get that clubhead far away from my body while staying loose.

I think lots of muscle hurts more than it helps in this game...

Jim

Edit: Come to think of it, if you just do LOTS of back exercises, your bi's are gonna get crushed anyways, and having a strong back, upper and lower, now that will give you some serious distance...

Do a P90x style chest/back workout.... You'll be doing 20 pullups in no time, that is one of the most hardcore chest workouts Ive ever done, and not once did I touch a weight! Look into it man, PM me and I'll give ya the routine.

[wrx_junki]

It wouldn't hurt to strenghthen your arms as long as you're not compromising flexibility. Do a lot of core exercises while you're at it.

[GJac10]

The extra muscle won't hurt, but the key is to maintain your flexibility. Just make sure you are stretching every day.

[R7Player]

Im built like you only an inch smaller. I have
been on par 5's in 2 since I was 18. That was
a long time ago, but I can still send it there
usually at the end of a round I will just loosen up
the whole body, grip is loose, and I just bust one
out of nowhere past 300 on the roll. It's because
you are completely free of all tension. I would work on strength
but more important is the freedom and flexibility to just let go
and send it. You'll get out there I know it.

[Grndslmhttr3]

I'm about 5' 11" and weigh 165. Not muscular at all, but I can hit drives that are occasionally over 300 yds (with roll). Loose and flexible muscles produce a faster swing speed.

[DavidFehertysBike]

Like others have said, flexibillity is the key (assuming proper technique of course) for better distance. But strenthening the legs, back and core can help tremendously. Then you can swing a little harder and not pop out of your posture. I think the two go hand in hand.

[whattaguy]

It wouldn't hurt at all, but the danger would be thinking that the distance will come from your arms. You never want to get "armsy" in your swings. As someone else said, work on your core. I think distance comes from firm stance, a good coil, and flexibility as others have mentioned.

I'm about 5'10" and weight about 220. The last time I consistently worked out was more than 10 years ago. I have strong legs, however. When I "catch" my drives, I can hit them about 300-320yds with the roll.

[kpaulhus]

Look at Tiger.....adding a little muscle over the years never hurt anyone. As long as you know how to use it and stay flexible.

[WUTiger]

Strength and conditioning help with efficiency, and thus distance, in a golf swing. Good core strength helps you maintain posture when you start to get tired, protecting your swing base.

Major issue involves power vs. strength. Power translates as specific strength which helps you hit the golf ball. MyTPI (Titleist Performance Institute) web site talks about golfers who are in overall decent shape, but lack power - muscle strength specifically related to the golf swing. MyTPI gives you:
* Resistance workouts to increase power
* Cautionaries on popular flexibility exercises which may lead to golf injuries

One basic idea: Strength + Speed = Power

Also: Some people are bothered by prior athletic - or life - physical injuries. TPI has a network of certified trainers who can assess your physical capabilities and limitations in relation to a golf swing. These trainers are most attractive, of course, to people with significant "discretionary income."

Other ST blog: Check out this recent thread on golf conditioning next door in Golf Talk :
http://thesandtrap.com/forum/showthread.php?t=29215

[Parker0065]

I know the question is pretty obvious, but I mean arm strength only. I'm around 6 foot and 200 pounds, and a lot of muscle, but my arms are lacking. So I was wondering if this winter if I worked on arm strength if I'd gain yardage as well? I'm at around 245 and gaining steadily, probably due to my swing getting much better, but getting stronger in the arms can't hurt...can it?

Just from a simple workout perspective you should never just work on "one" thing. Back in my younger days I would go through spurts as a Gym Rat and I will say it always improved my golf game and distance. I would work all parts of my body but I think the key was I always worked more on toning more than increasing mass. Basically I would do a lot of reps with relatively light weights and a lot of cardio stuff as well.

As far as the golf swing goes there are some websites out there that can give you specific exercises to work on like this one: http://www.golffitness-magazine.com/public/home.html I would also recommend you get a weighted club and swing it as often as possible or work it into a routine. I swing a weighted Driver very slowly and concentrate on making the proper movements. I've basically taken Harvey Penicks "Slow Motion" Drill and added a weighted driver. This can really add some distance if done properly and frequently! Plus I think swinging a weighted club slowly reduces risk of injury.

[glebert]

So here's what you do. Get yourself a three year old child. Borrow one if you have to. Stand with your feet wide apart. Grab the child by the hands (armpits if they are chubby). Swing the child back and forth while staying centered, getting the child to go as high as possible. Don't worry, the child will enjoy this. Making a "WHEEE" sound when doing this is optional, but is a good time to practice your diaphragmatic breathing anyway. 20 reps three times a day will add 15 yards and make you a pretty good dad.

[R7Player]

That weighted club reminds me that I warm up and
stretch with the 4 and 5 Irons together. They'll seem heavy at first
but after a month they'll get lighter and you'll develop a
stronger core, and forearms and wrist strength.

[safetrip]

That weighted club reminds me that I warm up and

I used to do that too but I got one of those weight rings that you drop and it works much better for me since I can grip it better than two clubs.

[Black Hulk]

Being stronger has its advantages but don't over do it. I would focus on core and overall balance. I'm 6'3 265 and a former bodybuilder and my muscle has never helped me in my golf swing. I'm actually trying to lose weight!
Get a BOSU ball and some resistance bands and you will build appropriate golf muscle!