Troon Values: Humbly Prosperous with Ben Hongo
Ben Hongo, PGA
PGA Teaching Professional, Kapalua Golf Academy, Maui, Hawaii
Troon Value: Humbly Prosperous
As we celebrate January Wellness Month at Troon, Ben noted how his passion for overall health and wellness is intricately woven into the fabric of the Kapalua Golf Academy programs. Recognizing the profound connection between fitness and golf, his approach goes beyond incorporating fitness into the routines of existing golfers; he aims to introduce those dedicated to fitness into the exhilarating world of golf.
“For individuals already engaged in sports, fitness, strength training, or cardio, the transition to golf becomes seamless. Their well-developed muscle tones and heightened physical awareness serve as a solid foundation for exploring the nuances of golf. Think about retired professional athletes who, after hanging up their primary sport gear, excel in the world of golf. The hand-eye coordination challenge that newcomers face becomes more manageable for those who are already athletically inclined and fitness enthusiasts. Their familiarity with their body’s movements and strengths often makes them less susceptible to injuries.
As a TPI certified instructor, I’ve witnessed the significance of core strength and balance in golf. A simple exercise of standing on one leg with closed eyes reveals that TOUR players, with their emphasis on core strength, can maintain balance for more than 25 seconds compared to regular players, lasting about 15 seconds.
When it comes to maintaining a healthy diet, I firmly believe that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Each person’s body is unique, and finding a balance that suits individual body types is crucial. While I have a love for both golf and good food, I emphasize being strategic with your intakes during your round. Drawing inspiration from A-Rod’s mental performance coach, I advocate for consuming proteins before a round to set the stage for optimal concentration during the four-hour game.
Personally, I adopt a routine of waking up three hours before my tee time and eating one hour before hitting the course. A combination of proteins and carbs provides the necessary fuel. Your intakes including hydration choices are critical to replenishing electrolytes, potassium, and proteins to keep your body at peak performance state during your round. Peanuts, a popular choice among TOUR players, are a staple in my bag, along with other essentials like a peanut butter sandwich and a banana.
Before hitting the course, I prioritize warming up both physically and mentally. Parking farther from the clubhouse, I incorporate a walk to get my endorphins flowing and muscles warmed up. Using the golf cart strategically, I engage in various stretches targeting the upper body, shoulders, chest, hips, ankles, and hamstrings. I incorporate pigeon pose for hip flexibility, either on the ground or leaning against the front of the cart when wet. To stretch ankles, I ‘write the alphabet’ with my toe and roll a ball under my foot. Lastly, employing lighter weighted clubs I swing a little bit to ensure my swing is primed before hitting any golf balls.
Observing the routines of players during the Sentry event hosted by Kapalua, it’s fascinating to note the similarities in their warm-up sessions despite diverse coaching styles. A typical routine involves hitting wedges and irons on the range, followed by focused time with the driver. The range session concludes with wedge shots. Subsequently, players spend about 45 minutes ending with honing their putting skills on the green.
Recognizing that not everyone has ample time for an extensive warm-up, I tailor recommendations based on the available time. Whether for a mere five minutes or a more generous ten, my advice for students is to make the most of it – chipping with a sand wedge, assessing green speed, and getting a feel for their swing become the priority. As we embrace Wellness Month, let us continue to intertwine the realms of fitness and golf, fostering a holistic approach to both physical and mental well-being on the green.
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