At Glance
‣ Increasing distance off the tee is identified by PGA Tour pro Michael Kim as the most effective way for recreational golfers to lower their handicap, emphasizing that significant gains in distance are achievable with training and diligence.
‣ Kim highlights the importance of general strength training over golf-specific workouts, mentioning exercises like Trap bar deadlifts, Bulgarian split squats, and core work as essential for improving driving distance and ensuring back health.
‣ The golfer also points out the role of technological advancements in equipment, particularly drivers, in gaining confidence and distance. However, he stresses that a change in mentality, informed by strokes gained/stats and course design, towards maximizing distance is equally crucial.
My avg ball speed my rookie yr was 162 and max was 170. Now my avg is 172 and max is 180-182. With enough training and diligence, you can absolutely get longer, and not just 5 or 6 yards, 20-30 yards like I have. Distance is the lowest hanging fruit to lower ur handicap
— Michael S. Kim (@Mike_kim714)
Ever felt like your golf game’s stuck in the sand trap? You’re not alone. Every amateur dreams of shaving points off their handicap. But, oh boy, where do you even start? The sea of advice is vast and confusing.
Enter Michael Kim, a beacon of hope. This PGA Tour pro isn’t just climbing the ranks; he’s sprinting up the leaderboard. Since getting his Tour card back in 2022, Kim’s been on fire. Four top-ten finishes last season? Check. A sixth place at the American Express in January to kick off 2024? Double check.
But Kim’s not just about racking up personal victories. Nope. He’s on social media, dishing out nuggets of wisdom. Sharing the highs and lows of life on Tour. And, get this, he’s also dropping tips on how to up your game. Specifically, he’s been all about driving lately. And the results? They speak for themselves.
Kim’s driving distance has skyrocketed. Since turning pro in 2016, he’s added a whopping 20 yards to his drive. “My average ball speed my rookie year was 162 and max was 170. Now my average is 172 and max is 180-182,” he boasts. That’s not just hot air. It’s a testament to hard work and dedication.
And here’s the kicker: Kim believes you can do it too. Not just add a measly 5 or 6 yards. We’re talking 20-30 yards. Imagine that. “Distance is the lowest hanging fruit to lower your handicap,” he tweeted. And in a world where tweets are often just noise, this one’s pure gold.
But how, you ask? Kim’s got answers. In another tweet, he dives deeper. It’s not just about swinging harder. It’s about smart training, maximizing speed, and fine-tuning technique. And guess what? Golf-specific workouts aren’t his jam. He’s all about general strength training. Think trap bar deadlifts, Bulgarian split squats, and core work. Because a healthy back is a golfer’s best friend.
Speed, though, that’s the real game-changer. “In order to actually gain speed, you have to train for it,” Kim says. It’s not a gift bestowed at birth. Anyone can get faster with the right training. Age is just a number.
Technology’s played its part too. Drivers have come a long way, baby. But don’t be fooled. A new driver won’t magically add yards to your drive. It’s not about the gear. It’s about the grind.
And here’s the real gem from Kim’s treasure trove of advice: mentality. Understanding the game, the courses, the stats. It’s about hitting it as far as you can, as long as you can get it to the green in regulation. That’s the secret sauce.
So, there you have it. A glimpse into the mind of a pro. Michael Kim’s not just playing the game. He’s changing it. And maybe, just maybe, with a bit of his wisdom, you can too.
