Player Profile: Tom Lehman

Jul 11

Player Profile: Tom Lehman

Posted In: Features By: admin 0 Comments

After a successful first round at this year’s Arnold Palmer Invitational PGA Tour Tournament, Tom Lehman took a quick breather to talk to Golf Fitness Magazine about how it feels to walk off the course after a great round; his newest endeavor, the Triple Threat Challenge; and his thoughts on golf fitness.

In 1996, Tom Lehman was named the PGA Tour Player of the Year. The year, also proved to be one of his best, winning the 1996 British Open , being named the recipient of the Byron Nelson Award, and receiving the Vardon Trophy were all milestones in what has been a very impressive career since he turned pro in 1982. Perhaps, though, the biggest achievement for Tom was in 2006 when he was the US Ryder Cup Team Captain, which leads us to our first question.

Golf Fitness Magazine: Of all the wins and titles you have held—do you consider your “Captain” title one of your favorites?

Tom Lehman: Yes, it was quite an honor to play with such an amazing group of talent.

GFM: What did you do as a team to prepare, warm-up and incorporate golf-specific fitness into your day?

TL: Mainly everybody had their own routine and their own way of warming up, working out and stretching—what was amazing was that everybody did something. Although not always as a group, there were specific routines that were followed.

GFM: Tell us a little bit about your golf fitness routine.

TL: To be very honest, I have peaks and valleys. When I am training really hard, I train really hard and give it my all. When I am not, I at least implement cardio into my day to get my heart rate up. I have to say that a lot of times I listen to my body. If I need to work on putts more than on my work-out, then I work on putts. I enjoy Pilates, working with bands and a combo of having the right balance which can really benefit your game.

GFM: What did you do today to get ready for your first tee shot?

TL: A lot of stretching. That is always a must before playing-sometimes I can stretch and warm-up on the range, other times I know I need to hit the fitness trailer and get warmed up that way—I just listen to my body.

GFM: What do you see different today than you did when you first turned pro in the early eighties?

TL: I see golf-specific fitness. Back then, you would occasionally see some players doing the bike and some weight lifting, but mainly that was for football players, not golfers.

GFM: Tell us a little bit about the Triple Threat Challenge and why you are going around and speaking to people about this?

TL: I have teamed up with Merck and the Triple Threat Challenge because of my family history of cardiovascular disease. Teaching people about their lipid numbers, and their risk of cardiovascular disease, good cholesterol (HDL) and bad cholesterol (LDL) is something that I do not take for granted and I feel it is important for everyone to understand the risk factors involved in developing heart disease. In golf it is important to perform well in the three fundamental aspects of the game: driving, iron play and the short game. Similarly, it is important to focus on all three components of your lipid profile to assess your risk of developing heart disease: your HDL, LDL and triglyceride levels.

GFM: What would you tell young players today about the importance of golf fitness?

TL: I would stress how important it is on the longevity of their career as far as injury prevention is concerned. Specific routines will help each golfer operate well within the margin of injury—meaning that increased strength and flexibility will create a buffer zone for injury prevention on the course and help sustain a longer career.

Most importantly though, just like the Golf Fitness Magazine motto, I too believe that in order to play your very best, when your very best is needed, you need to do whatever it takes to make yourself the best you can be, so that you can play the best golf you can play. This is the essence of a true competitor and ultimately “competitive greatness.” Because, what might be the best for you and your game, is not necessarily the best for someone else. I believe this holds true on all aspects of life, not just on the course.