Well today is a big landmark.
1, I've started this site GolfTribe.com
2, I headed back to the driving range
I've only played golf once in the last three months. Unfortunately this one time was six weeks ago and I managed to hurt my back which I imagine is down to being out of condition and not warming up properly. During the round I didn't feel anything, but the next day I was in agony with the bottom of my back being really painful. I couldn't lean down to tie my shoe laces never mind swing a golf club! This is the first time I've had any problems with my back and it was a bit of a shock! Not being able to do simple things without being in pain was really worrying. I made the decision to take a complete break from golf for a short period of time, and this was well timed as the weather in the UK turned really bad and I had a work trip to Seattle anyway.
For quite a while things didn't improve even though I was doing plenty of stretching to try and make things better. Over the last few days however things have improved enough that I felt it was time to brave the driving range and hit a few golf balls. No matter how things feel when you are doing normal day to day things it isn't until you actually hit a ball that you will know if your body is ready. I only got 40 balls at the range as I knew I didn't want to over do things, and only took my PW and 7 iron to make sure I kept the swings nice and gentle.
Overall, I was happy with how things went. I did a good warm up before hitting a ball and kept the shots to gentle chips and pitches. During the practice my back felt good - although now I am back home it is a bit painful again. I've decided I've got to bite the bullet now and get on with the practice and playing again as the new season will be upon us before we even know it. Some Ibuprofen and an appointment with the physio this week will allow me to get back to practicing and playing which I'm really excited about. It has been hard over the last three months not playing - I'm eager to get back out there now, have a few rounds and then begin working on the plan for domination next year!