By: Austin Kitteringham, CSCS, FAFS, Titleist Performance Institute Power 2 Certified professional
Most golfers have felt that shift. The body starts to feel a little tighter; rotation does not come as easily, and swings that felt smooth early in the round takes more effort as fatigue builds. Or maybe, they are beginners that can’t quite figure out why hitting balls in the range feels great, but nothing is landing during their round.
This change usually is not about just having a bad playing day. It is tied to how well the body is prepared to rotate, stay strong and stable, and move repeatedly throughout a round.
Golf places steady physical demands on the body. When those demands are not supported, the swing often changes in ways that golfers notice more as the day goes on.
What the golf swing asks of your body
A golf swing is a full-body movement. The hips and torso need to rotate smoothly, the lower body needs to stay stable, and the body needs to transfer force efficiently from the ground through the club.
When those pieces work well together, the swing feels connected and controlled. When one area starts to struggle, other areas often take on more work. That can change timing, increase effort, and make the swing feel less consistent as the round continues.
These changes tend to show up gradually, which is why many golfers feel fine early and frustrated later.
Why preparation matters before the first tee shot
Many golfers warm up by stretching briefly or hitting a few balls and easing into the round. That routine does not always prepare the body for repeated rotation and force over several hours of play.
Preparation that reflects the movement of the golf swing helps the body get ready for what it is about to do. Rotational movement, weight shift, and stability all play a role in how well the body can support the swing as fatigue builds.
When those elements are addressed early, the body often moves more freely and consistently throughout the round.
What that preparation can look like
Watch the video to see exercises created by Austin Kitteringham, Spooner East Chandler Personal and Performance Trainer with a Titleist certification. They focus on rotation, balance, and controlled weight shift, and help the body move better during a golf swing.
Your preparation routine for golf should be simple and practical. Many golfers can perform them near the cart or on the range before teeing off, and do not need to require much time or equipment. The goal is to help the body feel ready to move, rather than stiff or restricted once play begins.
Looking for More Tips to Help You Move and Feel Better on the Course?
If you find these exercises helpful, they are part of how Austin Kitteringham works with golfers as a personal and performance trainer at Spooner East Chandler. Austin is Titleist Performance Institute–certified and has developed a full golf performance program that combines strength training, mobility, and golf-specific movement to support how the body moves throughout the round. Registration for Austin’s full golf performance program will be opening soon.