Even those not normally interested in golf, usually recognize the name Annika Sorenstam. Her acclaimed position in golf has come to Annika for many reasonsskill, persistence, determination, fortitude, and more. Another highly discussed reason for Annikas success is her dedication to fitness and conditioning.

Just as Tiger with his emphasis on golf fitness training, Annika has paved the way enticing more and more female golfers to add a regular golf fitness routine to their arsenal for competing on the course. One look at the chiseled arms of Annika Sorenstam -- the player considered the gold standard for fitness on tour -- is enough to understand that muscle is not just for football and baseball players anymore. Golf-specific programs are designed to target muscles most often used in the swing, involving both building lean muscle and increasing flexibility to incorporate that new strength.

Fitness for golf is becoming much more functionally designed to accommodate movements required for the golf swing. Muscles are targeted in a way that uses similar motions involved in the swing. This helps with neuromuscular coordination as well as strengthening and increasing flexibility.

All women golfers, amateur or pro can benefit greatly by using Annikas model of commitment to fitness to achieve lower scores on the course. No longer are women scared of bulking up. Were better educated to the physiques of women and how best to optimize the strength and flexibility of our bodies by committing to regular fitness and flexibility training.

The benefits of her dedication to golf fitness can not be overlooked. All golfers can benefit from what she has proven about the effects of fitness on the golf swing and her ability to consistently end up at the top of the leader board. Make plans to begin your fitness regimen today. Youll love the results!

Susan Hill

Susan Hill is the President of Fitness for Golf, a website dedicated to helping golfers improve through golf specific programs.

Susan has earned national certifications as a fitness trainer with several organizations including the National Academy of Sports Medicine, the International Sports Science Association, and the American Council on Exercise. She currently trains golfers of all levels at the Sunriver Resort, a top U.S. golf destination resort in Sunriver, Oregon.

As a Chek certified Golf Biomechanic and Sports Performance Nutritionist, she is now among an elite group of golf fitness experts nationwide. Susan has worked with hundreds of golfers ranging in skills from beginners just taking up the game of golf to collegiate, amateur and tour players looking for a more competitive edge.

She is a contributing writer to Golf Illustrated, a guest speaker at private and public golf clubs, and a published writer on topics of health, fitness and golf. She was selected as one of the top three trainers as the Trainer of the Year 2003, having been chosen among over 85,000 trainers across the country.

Her work has also been featured in SELF magazine and on ESPN radio.