It’s been another incredible year in the game of golf, and as 2022 draws to a close, we’re taking a look back at the stories you felt were the most important — at least those you felt the need to click on.
For the final week of the year, we’ll offer up a snapshot of the top 10 stories from each of Golfweek’s most popular sections — including travel, the PGA and LPGA tours, instruction and equipment.
In what’s becoming a tradition we’ll start with fitness, which is headed up by our guru, Averee Dovsek.
Without further ado, here are the top 10 fitness posts of the year, as clicked on by you, our readers:
10
Single-leg deadlift for better stability
Ever lost your balance after making a golf swing? Make a subtle recovery step hoping your playing partners didn’t notice?
We’ve all been there. The solution to that problem awaits you in the gym.
9
Stretch with an elastic band
Many amateur golfers get to the range and just start hitting balls, or drive up to the first tee and fire away.
For better results, stretching before golf will go a long way.
8
Stir the pot for a stronger core
Stability is king when it comes to the golf swing.
If you’re unbalanced, it will be tough to hit consistently good golf shots.
Averee works with our Director of Instruction Steve Scott to demonstrate an exercise called ‘stirring the pot.’
7
Justin Leonard gives his fitness tips
Averee sat down with Justin Leonard on Instagram Live to chat with him about his golf fitness, The Presidents Cup and his plans on the Champions Tour.
6
Bent-over dumbbell rows for longer drives
Length off the tee is as important as it’s ever been in golf, and gaining distance starts in the gym.
Averee and Steve demonstrate a bent-over dumbbell row. This exercise is great for building upper body strength, which in turn will result in more speed in your golf swing and longer drives.
5
Jason Kokrak's 'odd stretch' with his wedges
Jason Kokrak admitted to Averee that he fell out of the workout routine a few years back, but he now insists that cardio and stretching have helped him climb up the rankings and stay consistent.
As part of a new partnership, Kokrak said his strength off the tee comes from his 6-foot-4 stature, not powerlifting.
4
A great back stretch
Stretching your back before your round won’t only have you feeling more loose but it will help to prevent injury.
Averee demonstrates a great back stretch to perform before you play a quick nine or 18.
The best part about this one is you only need a bar, nothing else.
3
Single-arm cable pull and twist
Staying committed in the gym is key if you want to become a better golfer. However, making sure that the exercises you’re doing are golf-specific may be even more important.
Averee has an exercise to increase strength and mobility in the golf swing.
The single-arm cable pull and twist mimics the move you make in the backswing, making it a perfect addition to your gym routine.
2
Increased abductor strength can help with weight shift
If you’re not using the ground throughout your golf swing, or if you’re not transferring your weight correctly, you’re leaving a lot of distance on the bone.
And everyone wants to hit it farther, right?
1
Stretch your hips for a better backswing
For many amateur golfers, making a full turn starts with opening up your hips, allowing your weight to transfer to your right side (if you’re a right-handed golfer). However, many golfers lack hip mobility.
Averee offers up a great stretch to increase your hip mobility.
This will, among other things, help increase speed in the golf swing, resulting in more distance — and who doesn’t want more distance?
