Fit for golf

Most golfers can be effective for 13 holes, but it’s those last five holes on the course that strength and conditioning coach Erin Carson wants her students to truly consider. “Not only do you need to be aerobically fit to play those last five holes, but you also must avoid getting mentally fatigued, losing your posture or becoming super tired,” she said. “I coach golfers the same way I’ve been able to help endurance athletes, with the belief that if we can create healthier humans, they will be better at their sport.” Carson knows all about excelling as an athlete. She grew up playing basketball and softball in Abbotsford, British Columbia, about two hours north of Seattle. By 15, the lanky shooting guard had grown to 6 feet and was selected to play on the Canadian women’s national basketball team.

There was a caveat, however. She could run for days and nail her three-pointers with ease, but the Canadian national team coach told her that if she didn’t get stronger and add more muscle to her lithe frame, she would not be playing inter...