BEN WALLS
At 71 , Dick Mast remains a regular contender in the State Open of Virginia .
Maintaining muscle mass is important as well . Besides using dumbbells , my favorite machine to use for general muscle building is the old , Chuck Norris-endorsed , Total Gym . I have had mine for over 15 years and use it multiple times a week .
I also try to eat healthy . For me , that ’ s limiting the amount of sugar I consume . My diet is typically made up of proteins , fruits , and nuts . Breakfast is usually a couple of eggs , followed by a protein shake . My go to snack on the course is an apple
Main keys to my longevity in the game
Warming up with a heavy , weighted club helps me loosen up and stretches out my golf muscles , helping to avoid injury .
Maintaining muscle mass . Besides using dumbbells , my favorite machine to use for general muscle building is the old , Chuck Norris-endorsed , Total Gym .
Eat healthy . My diet is typically made up of proteins , fruits , and nuts . I also take supplements to ensure I am getting all the nutrients I need to perform at the highest level .
or banana and a handful of mixed nuts . I also take a number of supplements to ensure I am getting all the nutrients I need to perform at the highest level .
When it comes to playing the game and preparing to perform your best , I believe there is a hierarchy of importance . Putting and chipping are numbers one and two , followed closely behind by driving , and then iron play . You can never hit the ball well enough to avoid needing a good short game .
In my career on tour , I was always known as a good putter and short game player . Making putts and having great touch around the greens takes pressure off your long game . This leads to making lots of birdies and having good offense .
To best accomplish these skills , you need to develop a good practice routine , and always practice with a purpose . I enjoy playing games with friends , like putting and chipping contests with a little something on the line . Games like these will help sharpen your skills and simulate the competitive environment of on-course play .
In practice or on the course , a golfer should visualize and really picture the shot being attempted . Most golfers would also benefit from developing a shot they are most comfortable with ; my go-to shot is a slight draw . I will play this shot the majority of the time unless the situation calls for creativity .
In the early 1980s , I was the leading money winner on the Space Coast mini tour with over 25 wins in five years . One of the reasons I was so successful was the way I prepared . I made two strategies for each hole : the percentage play and the aggressive play . For me , I would only use the aggressive play when I knew I needed to make up ground , or if my game was particularly “ on ” that day . The percentage play would give me the greatest margin for error on any given hole . Having a plan of attack would allow me to be patient , since I knew that I had a number of “ birdie ” holes that were still out there in which I could get momentum for the round .
For the senior golfer in particular , there are a few technical moves that could help you perform your best . The first is the right foot . Most senior golfers ( right-handed ) would benefit from turning the right foot out slightly at address to help facilitate a better turn . The second is focusing on turning the right hip out of the way on the backswing . This accomplishes two things : it helps make a better shoulder turn , and it allows for better arm depth at the top of the swing . These keys allow the path of the swing more to the right , which in turn helps a player hit a draw and therefore get more distance .
Last , and most importantly , remember that golf is a game to be enjoyed . Have fun playing the game , and be thankful for the endless challenges and opportunities this wonderful game provides .
vsga . org N OVEMBER / D ECEMBER 2022 | V IRGINIA G OLFER
35