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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday June 30, 2007 - 23 Pre-game warm up is the key to enjoying the golf season Golf season ishere and whether you're a veteran to the game or stepping up to the tee for the first time, pre-game preparation is the key to a solid ­ and safe ­ season. People are so anxious to get out on the course, they often don't take the time beforehand to properly prepare themselves. Suddenly, a strained muscle or sore back keeps them off the course for weeks afterward. Before playing your first full round, hit the range with a bucket of balls ­ but just one bucket. A slow start is a good start to the golf season. One must also be warned against grabbing the driver first, no matter how tempting it may be. Instead it is recommended that you lead off with half wedges, then full wedges, and then work your way up from a nineiron to driver. Once you've made it to the first tee, be sure to stretch ­ good advice for every round and not just your first of the year. Pre-game stretching helps loosen muscles to prepare your body for the task at hand; it improves your driving distance and swing power, and will help to minimize any stiffness you might experience the next day. Here are three easy, on-the-course stretches to get you game ready. Back Rotation - Standing with your golf club behind your back and across your shoulders, slowly rotate your upper body to one side as far as comfortably able, keeping your hips square and feet flat on the ground. Hold for 10 seconds then slowly rotate in the opposite direction and hold for another 10 seconds. Repeat three to five times. Trunk Side Bend - Holding your golf club at each end, above your head, slowly lean to one side. Hold for 10 seconds, then slowly lean to the other side and hold for another 10 seconds. Repeat three to five times. Hip Abduction - Holding onto a golf cart, cross the leg closest to the cart behind you. Keeping your back leg straight, slowly lean your hip toward the cart. Hold for 10 seconds, switch sides and hold for another 10 seconds. Repeat three to five times. - News Canada Oakville's Best Kept Secret Every golfer should know... · When lifting your golf bag, bend your knees and lift using your legs. · Always warm up with a few minutes of aerobic activity, such as brisk walking and stretch the muscles in your back, abdomen, legs and shoulders before your game · Use clubs that are the correct length, so you don't have to bend or overextend your back · Wear soft spikes on your shoes for cushioning and shock absorption · Use a cart; don't carry clubs · Take some lessons on how to swing and choose the correct club. · Occasionally practice swinging in the opposite direction to balance the stress on the muscles in your back · Bend your knees and use a golf club for support when stooping to retrieve your ball · Always stretch to cool down after finishing a game If you experience pain during or following your game, seek treatment immediately. - News Canada Bordered By The Scenic 16 Mile Creek Mon-Thurs $33, Fri $35, Weekends $45 OAKVILLE EXECUTIVE GOLF COURSES 4414 Fourth Line at Lower Base Line (Eglinton Ave.) Call for tee times 905.875.3932 (Exec) www.oakvilleexecutivegolf.ca Signature Golf Courses Designed by Rene V. Muylaert, One of Canada's Premiere Golf Course Architects