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By Rick Cassano

Staff Writer

The subject of fitness in golf will produce a variety of opinions, just as you can see all shapes and sizes at any course on any given day.

How serious a golfer are you? The answer to that question will likely determine your stance on fitness.

"If you're talking about playing the pro tour or college golf, you definitely have to be in a fit-type mode," said John Small, the professional at Twin Run Golf Course in Hamilton. "But you don't have to be perfectly fit to play. Golf is a universal-type sport. For the average golfer, in my opinion, you can play at any stage of fitness. You might not be playing the tour next year, but you can come out and play and actually enjoy yourself."

Certainly most golfers care enough about how they play to at least consider fitness. Local professionals will tell you that your average golfer needs to focus on stretching.

"Everybody just goes to the tee and starts whacking away," said Tom Barnhart of Heatherwoode Golf Club in Springboro. "I stretch probably half an hour before I play, and it makes a huge difference. If you can have five to 10 degrees more of rotation, it's always going to pay off. You don't have to be Mr. Fitness, but a little bit goes a long way."

Dave Hartman from Fairfield Greens South Trace in Fairfield estimates that only about 10 percent of golfers at his course do stretching exercises before playing.

"It's hard to get yourself to do," Hartman said. "We're all creatures of habit. We've kind of been playing forever and never set aside 10 or 15 minutes to stretch. But stretching is the most important thing you can do. Increasing your flexibility helps you out in all aspects of golf."

Barnhart touts the benefits of lifting weights on a limited basis, though he realizes most casual golfers won't go to such lengths.

Tad Frederick of the Harmon Golf Club in Lebanon said golf fitness can be as simple as putting one foot in front of the other.

"I think people should walk instead of riding in carts," Frederick said. "Whenever you walk, it's worthwhile."

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2194 or rcassano@coxohio.com.

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