Play Like the Pros: Physical Therapist-Approved Golf Tips Inspired by The Masters

As The Masters Tournament kicks off and golf fans around the world tune in to watch the best of the best compete at Augusta National, there’s no better time to take a cue from the pros; not just in skill, but in how they care for their bodies on and off the course.

Whether you’re playing a casual round with friends or gearing up for your own tournament season, your performance depends on more than just your swing. As a physical therapist who works with golfers of all levels, I’ve seen firsthand how strategic warm-ups, movement mindfulness, and recovery protocols can improve your game; and keep you injury-free.

Let’s break it down into three key phases of play: Pre-Round, During the Game, and Post-Round Recovery.

Pre-Round Warm-Up: Don’t Skip the Prep

Jumping straight into your first tee shot without warming up is like hitting the gas on a cold engine. You’ll feel tight, sluggish, and more prone to tweaking something.

Before you play:

• Mobilize the joints—especially hips, thoracic spine, and shoulders. These areas are key to a smooth and powerful swing.

• Activate the core and glutes to support trunk rotation and transfer energy efficiently through your swing.

• Dynamic movements like lunges, arm circles, and torso twists are better than static stretching pre-round.

This short video walks you through a golf-specific warm-up you can do in under 10 minutes.

During the Game: Stay Loose & Mindful

Golf is a mental and physical endurance sport; don’t let tension and fatigue creep in.

• Walk tall and breathe deep between holes to reset mentally and physically.

• Use water breaks as a cue to do a quick posture reset or spinal twist to stay mobile.

• Keep muscles warm by gently stretching or swinging an extra club while waiting on the tee box.

Learn how posture impacts your power and how to stay consistent throughout your round.

Post-Round Recovery: Speed Up the Bounce Back

Don’t wait until you’re sore to start recovering. Right after your round, spend a few minutes on:

• Foam rolling your hips, low back, and quads to reduce muscle tension.

• Targeted stretching to unwind from the repetitive motion of swinging.

• Hydration + protein to support muscle recovery and energy replenishment.

Follow along with this quick routine to feel better faster and stay ready for your next round.

Bonus Tip: Core & Hip Strength for Long-Term Gains

If you’re serious about upping your game like the pros at The Masters, strength and stability are your best friends; especially in the core and hips. These areas create the base for a powerful, repeatable swing.

This video shows you how to build long-term power and protect your body from overuse injuries.

Final Thoughts

Watching The Masters is inspiring, but don’t forget; every pro you see has a team of people helping them stay mobile, strong, and pain-free. You may not have a full team (yet!), but with the right guidance and routines, you can play stronger, longer, and smarter.

Need help dialing in your swing from a movement and performance perspective? Book a Golf TPI Assessment and let’s get your body swinging like a pro.