Rory McIlory…. body builder or athlete? 
By Rachael Tibbs, Golf Physical Performance Coach, Oulton Hall 

There has been a bit of a social media frenzy this week surrounding Rory McIlroy and the amount of work and weight lifting that he has been doing in the gym. 

Golf Channel analyst, Brandel Chamblee voiced concerns on Twitter over McIlroy’s “extensive weightlifting” and taking the same path as Tiger Woods; who we all know has suffered in recent years with knee and back injuries as well as multiple surgeries which are currently preventing him from competing. 

Rory quickly responded to the comments, posting a video on Twitter of him back squatting some 120kg in the gym. Support for Rory’s ‘lifting’ and ‘squatting’ was then shown from Gary Player; renowned fitness fanatic, as well as several respected strength & conditioning coaches working within the sport of golf.

So does Chamblee have real cause for concern? Could McIlroy really be doing more harm than good and potentially face injuries like Tiger, later in his career? 

Well scientific research, studies and S&C/fitness coaches would disagree.

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We would like to remind our members that the golf season is just around the corner. Membership renewals are soon approaching. If you have any questions about your membership please feel free to give us a call.  

 

The greenkeepers have been working as hard as ever with the course looking fantastic. Everything is in great shape for the season ahead.   

A warning from the golf police 

Hands up who's got three points on their licence for getting caught driving on bald tyres. We'll spare you the lecture, it's not for us to warn you about the dangers of not replacing your tyres when they're running low on tread. However, golf grips that are worn and shiny… now that is our area of concern. 

Your grip is the only point of contact between you and your club, so it stands to reason that if you can't get the traction you need, you'll struggle to produce a fluid swing; cue hook, slice, thin, top. Over the next few weeks we encourage you to read our features on why it's so important to re-grip your clubs and how we can help find grips that are right for you.

Do you play a lot in the wet weather? 
Are your hands bigger than the average person's?

There are so many options, and given the chance to try a new grip you'll be amazed by the difference you feel straight away. Playing with worn grips is one of the biggest equipment failures in the amateur game. We can help fix this destructive problem in no time at all, just come and speak to us in the shop.