Best Warm-Up Routines Before a Round of Golf

Every golfer knows that warming up before a round can make all the difference between a solid performance and a shaky start. But not all warm-up routines are created equal. Whether you’re playing a friendly 9 holes or competing in a club championship, a focused pre-round warm-up can help boost confidence, loosen your muscles, and prepare you mentally.

Here’s how to structure the perfect warm-up routine:

Arrive Early

Give yourself at least 45 minutes before your tee time. Rushing creates tension – and tension is the enemy of a smooth golf swing.

Start with Light Cardio

Get the blood flowing with 5–10 minutes of light cardio: brisk walking, gentle jogging, or even a few jumping jacks. This raises your heart rate and preps your body for movement.

Stretch Key Muscle Groups

Focus on dynamic stretches over static ones to warm up the muscles without limiting your mobility.

Areas to target:

Shoulders and arms (arm circles, shoulder rolls)

Torso (trunk rotations, side bends)

Hips and legs (lunges, leg swings)

Wrists (flex and extend gently)

Hit the Practice Green

Start with putting – it’s where you’ll take the most strokes during a round. Spend about 10 minutes rolling a variety of short, medium, and long putts. Focus on feel and distance control.

Then move to chipping and bunker shots for another 10 minutes. Get a feel for the turf and how the ball is reacting.

Visit the Driving Range

Don’t just start with your driver – build your way up. Take 10–15 swings each with:

Wedge

Mid-iron (e.g., 7-iron)

Hybrid or fairway wood

Driver

Focus on rhythm and tempo rather than power. Save your best swings for the course.

Finish with Visualisation and Focus

Close your warm-up with a few minutes of quiet focus. Picture yourself hitting strong tee shots, making smart decisions, and enjoying the round.

Bonus Tip: Stay Hydrated and Fuelled

A banana and a bottle of water can go a long way in keeping energy levels steady during the front nine.

Need help planning the ultimate golf experience – from warm-ups to world-class tee times?

Contact us via email at [email protected], give us a call at +44 28 7032 6707, or let’s get on a Zoom Call to discuss it further by clicking HERE.