Why has fitness for golf all of a sudden become so popular?

One word. . .Tiger. More relevant, though, for us amateurs is the relatively new evidence-based conclusions that most swing faults are the result of muscle deficiencies. These deficiencies (muscle tightness, weakness, and imbalances) detract from swing efficiency and therefore are primarily responsible for poor swing mechanics, loss of power and distance, and increase risk of both acute and chronic discomfort/injury. This all leads up to poor performance and player dissatisfaction.

The absolute must in any golf fitness program is that the golfer's deficiencies need to be identified before a personalized exercise program can be designed. Without this assessment component, the golfer is flying blind and will not optimize his/her time nor improvements. As a matter of fact, by not knowing the weaker links, you may actually be making worse an existing deficiency! Lack of an initial assessment is the main problem with most of the generic golf fitness programs being sold on the market, and until a few years ago, the individual components of the assessment were known mainly by movement and rehab specialists.

A truly effective golf fitness program will bring to light the golfer's problem areas and then design an exercise program to correct those deficiencies. In doing so, you'll better the body to better the swing and improve performance.