Home About Us The Instructors Clinics Private Lessons Junior Golf Instructional Tips Oak Marsh Golf Club Phone: 651-730-8886 Fax: 651-730-6711 institute@wpgolf.com Spring Has Sprung! New Golf School & Clinic Schedule - April 2004 By David La Pour As I watch the WP properties and Minnesota golf facilities open up, I'm noticing a little rust on some of the swings out there. First be encouraged that you haven't forgotten how to hit the ball. Your range of motion, strength, and muscle memory may have changed over the winter so I'd like to suggest some ideas on how to get that swing back as soon as possible. Below is a brief outline of what we teach in our golf schools, clinics, and private lessons early in the golf season:  • It's never too early to start stretching. Do drills to loosen up your hamstrings, back, shoulders, arms, and wrists.  • Exercise/Strength/Nutrition all seem to be related to the game of golf. Swimming, treadmill, light weights, and eating better will help you get back up on the golf bicycle quicker. I may sound like a hamster but I eat a lot of fruits, veggies, and whole grains.  • Start hitting balls from the hole back. In other words start with your putting then work into your chipping, wedge swing (half swing), and finally full swing. It may take me a week or two to hit a full swing driver. By the way, your touch/feel is usually the first thing to leave and last to come back so get started right away on your feel. You may also want to consider getting a tune up through one of our golf schools or private lessons. Golf schools are being offered at all 5 WP Golf properties:  • Oak Marsh Golf Club, Oakdale May 7-8  • Lost Spur Golf Club, Eagan May 14-15  • Willow Creek Golf Club, Rochester May 21-22  • Mississippi National GC, Red Wing May 28-29  • St. Croix National GC, Somerset, WI June 4-5 I hope these suggestions help and remember the sooner you get rid of the rust the sooner you can enjoy your summer! Good luck and I'll see you on the course. MORE TIPS Home / Putting / Short Game / Full Swing / Mental / Health / Other "It's never too early to start stretching. Do drills to loosen up your hamstrings, back, shoulders, arms, and wrists."