Amanda Ehrlich is a TPI-certified former collegiate golfer who competed for four years at the NCAA level. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science with a minor in Athletic Coaching and recently attained her master’s degree in Health and Human Performance from Oklahoma State University. There, she has worked closely with the men’s and women’s golf teams, conducting performance research through the Golf Research, Innovation and Performance (GRIP) Center within the Kinesiology Department.
Amanda Ehrlich on the importance of preparation prior to a lesson:
Physical warm-ups, often referred to as performance primers, ensure golfers are physically and mentally prepared to absorb information, respond to coaching cues and get the most out of a lesson. A proper warm-up is more than a pre-practice or playing routine, but a tool for improving swing efficiency, reducing injury risk and supporting long-term performance and player development. Research consistently demonstrates that warm-ups improve athletic performance, yet many golfers still step onto the range and begin swinging without any physical preparation. While this approach is common, it may limit a player’s ability to move efficiently, make swing changes and perform at their highest level. Physical readiness is key to a productive lesson. The purpose of an effective warm-up is to increase blood flow, raise heart rate, activate key muscles, mobilize joints and prime the central nervous system. Together, these responses prepare the body and brain for learning, movement and performance. In nearly every other sport, warming-up is considered essential. Golf, however, has long carried the misconception that a warm-up is unnecessary. Many golfers view hitting balls on the range as their warm-up, believing that swinging the club is sufficient preparation for a lesson, practice session or 4 1/2 hour round of golf. Changing this mindset starts with the people golfers trust the most — their coaches. Swing coaches have a unique opportunity to influence player habits, improve lesson quality and help golfers arrive physically prepared to learn and perform.
Amanda Ehrlich on the business impact of preparation prior to a lesson:
When a golfer is physically prepared, he or she can more easily achieve the positions being coached, better understand what they are feeling and more effectively transfer instruction into movement. This allows coaches to spend less time helping a player “loosen up” and more time making meaningful swing changes. A quality warm-up increases heart rate, improves blood flow, mobilizes joints, activates key muscle group and primes the central nervous system. These physiological changes prepare the body to move efficiently while simultaneously preparing the brain to learn. Many coaches and players focus on the physical benefits of warming up, but the cognitive benefits are just as important. Golf is a game that requires concentration, decision-making, body awareness and the ability to process information. Whether a golfer is working through a technical change during a lesson or trying to execute a shot under pressure, the brain plays a critical role in performance. When the nervous system is activated, communication between the brain and body becomes more efficient. Golfers often experience improved body awareness, greater control of movement and a better understanding of how a swing change should feel. As a result, they are more likely to respond to coaching cues, make adjustments and retain the information being taught. Simply put, a warm golfer learns faster than a cold golfer. When both the body and brain are prepared, the student is better equipped to absorb instruction, execute movement changes and get the most out of every lesson.
If you would like to email the author of this Best Practice directly, please email Amanda.ehrlich@okstate.edu.
