Let’s explore how COVID might have affected your swing and what you can do to get back on track.

The Impact of Reduced Practice Time

One of the most significant changes during the pandemic was the limited access to golf courses and practice facilities.

With many courses closed for long periods, even avid golfers were forced to cut down on their practice routines.

A consistent swing is built on repetition, and without the ability to regularly practice, it’s easy for golfers to lose their rhythm.

• Muscle memory fades: Golf swings rely heavily on muscle memory, and when you don’t practice regularly, those fine motor skills can begin to fade.
• Loss of touch: Shots that require a delicate feel—like chips, pitches, and putts—tend to suffer the most when practice time is reduced.

Physical Fitness Declines

Many people, golfers included, found it challenging to maintain their fitness routines during the pandemic.

Gyms were closed, and the shift to a more sedentary lifestyle impacted overall physical health.

• Strength and flexibility: A powerful and consistent swing depends on core strength and flexibility. With less physical activity, many golfers experienced a loss in both, leading to weaker or inconsistent swings.
• Posture and balance: Reduced physical fitness can also affect your posture and balance, both crucial elements of a good golf swing. Poor balance can lead to mishits, while bad posture can throw off your entire swing plane.

Mental Hurdles and Focus

Golf is as much a mental game as it is physical, and the pandemic undoubtedly took a toll on many players’ mental focus.

Stress, anxiety, and general distractions related to the uncertainty of the time could make it harder for golfers to concentrate on the course.

• Loss of focus: Worries about health, family, and work during COVID could lead to a lack of concentration during your game, resulting in poor decision-making and sloppy swings.
• Pressure to perform: After months away from the game, many golfers felt pressure to perform well when they finally returned to the course. This added pressure can create tension in the swing and lead to inconsistent results.

Adjustments to Social Distancing

The pandemic also brought changes to the way the game is played.

With social distancing measures, many golfers found themselves in situations they hadn’t experienced before, like reduced contact with playing partners, fewer shared equipment options, or playing solo more often.

These adjustments, while necessary, might have subtly affected a golfer’s routine and rhythm.

• Playing alone: Solo rounds, while peaceful, can sometimes make it harder to stay sharp without the competitive edge or feedback from playing partners.
• Altered pre-shot routines: Social distancing measures, such as limiting time on the practice green or altering how clubs are shared, can throw off a golfer’s pre-shot routine, leading to inconsistencies in swing preparation.

How to Rebuild Your Swing Post-Pandemic

Now that courses are fully open and golfers are returning to the game, it’s time to focus on rebuilding the swing.

Here are a few tips to help you regain your form after the long break:

• Gradual reintroduction: Don’t expect to jump back into the game at the same level you were pre-pandemic. Start slow and focus on the basics—grip, stance, and alignment.
• Focus on short game: The short game is often the first area to suffer after time off. Spend extra time on chipping and putting to regain your touch and feel around the greens.
• Stretch and strengthen: Incorporate stretching and strengthening exercises into your routine to improve flexibility and core strength, both key components of a strong and consistent swing.
• Mental practice: Visualization and mental preparation can be just as important as physical practice. Spend some time visualizing your swing and thinking through course strategy to help get your mental game back in shape.

Addressing Swing Mechanics

If you’re struggling with specific swing mechanics after returning from a break, consider working with a coach or taking a video of your swing.

Sometimes, all it takes is a small adjustment to get your swing back to where it needs to be.

• Check your fundamentals: Make sure your grip, stance, and posture are in the right place. Small changes in these areas can cause bigger issues down the line.
• Focus on tempo: One common issue after a long layoff is rushing the swing. Focus on maintaining a smooth and steady tempo to regain consistency.
• Don’t be afraid to rebuild: If your swing feels completely off, don’t hesitate to go back to basics. Working on simple drills can help you rebuild muscle memory and get your swing back on track.

Final Thoughts

The COVID-19 pandemic may have disrupted your golf routine, but it doesn’t mean your swing has to suffer permanently.

By focusing on rebuilding your fitness, regaining your mental focus, and paying attention to your fundamentals, you can quickly get your swing back in shape and even come back stronger than before.

The key is to be patient and persistent—getting your swing back to its pre-pandemic form may take time, but with the right approach, you’ll be back to playing your best golf before you know it.