Mid-Season Slump? How to Snap Back and Finish Strong
It’s late July and golf season is in full swing – literally. For many golfers, league playoffs are right around the corner. Wouldn’t it be great if you could make a push for the championship, or even just to end the year on a high note? For some, their game gets better throughout the year, and for others, the mid-season slump hits HARD. Starting to slice for whatever reason? Starting to feel some aches and pains in your knees or your low back? You're not alone.
What Is a Mid-Season Slump?
A mid-season slump is a common occurrence among recreational and competitive golfers alike. After months of repetitive play, often with limited warm-ups or proper recovery, your body and mechanics can start to break down.
Common signs include:
Loss of distance or power
Increased soreness or fatigue after rounds
Inconsistent ball striking
New or recurring pain in the back, shoulders, or hips
Mental fatigue or lack of focus
Why Does It Happen?
Golf is a repetitive, one-sided sport. Without proper recovery and body maintenance, imbalances accumulate. Add to that a summer schedule packed with rounds, leagues, tournaments, and of course the craziness that summer brings in general (camping, outdoor sports, yard work), your body doesn’t get a chance to catch up.
Common culprits:
Cumulative fatigue: You’ve been playing hard without rest.
Tight hips and thoracic spine: These restrict your swing arc and follow-through.
Weak core and glutes: These can cause compensatory movements and swing faults.
Neglected recovery routines: Not addressing post-round tightness or inflammation leads to chronic issues. Lack of sleep and proper nutrition.
3 Proven Ways to Reset Without Missing Tee Times
You don’t need to pause your golf season you just need to take a smarter approach to maintaining your body and swing.
1. Hands-On Recovery for Tension Relief
A mid-season tune-up can be incredibly helpful to relieve tension and restore movement mechanics. Some techniques that can help include:
Cupping
Graston Technique
Therapeutic Massage
Manual Stretching
Electrical Stimulation
Ice Massage
2. Targeted Mobility and Strengthening
A 10-15 minute reset routine focused on thoracic spine rotation, hip mobility, and core stability can go a long way.
Try this daily circuit routine each morning:
Side Plank – 2x30s each side
90-90 Hip Drops – 10 reps each side
A-Frame Stretch – x5 each side, hold for 10s
Bird Dogs – x10 each side
Dead Bug with Resistance Band – 10 reps/side
3. Rebuild Tempo and Timing
Tempo, in my opinion, is one of the most overlooked golf swing factors for recreational and amateur golfers. Working on tempo can improve swing speed, ball contact, and consistency while putting less stress on the body. Here’s some ways to do just that:
Metronome Training
Use of Kettlebells, Medicine Balls, or Fitness Hammer
Swing to Music
Breath Sequencing
When to See a Golf Rehab Pro:
If you’re dealing with any of the following, don’t push through:
Pain during or after play
Continued miss-hits even after simple modifications
Loss of distance despite solid contact
Trouble rotating or finishing your swing
Decreased stamina mid-round
These are signs your body needs intervention, not more reps.
Don’t wait until the season is over!
If any of this resonates with you, keep these tips in mind and finish the season strong. Constantly being in the rough off the tee, topping your iron shots, and consistent back pain with each swing isn’t fun, especially when your friends and family are straight down the middle, or on the green. Do yourself a favor and take action so you can enjoy the rest of your golf season.
If you are a part of a golf league, reach out and let us know. Until September of this year (2025) we are doing a 30% DISCOUNT to golfer’s that are a part of ANY LEAGUE for their first of the following services:
Golf Swing Analysis
Fitness Orientation/Assessment
Physical Therapy Treatment Session (Stretching, Cupping, Therapeutic Massage)