Carl Pettersson's Golf Game 'Got Worse' After Losing 30 Pounds

Posted Jul 29, 2009 9:23AM By Shane Bacon (RSS feed)

Filed Under: PGA

It's a new era in golf. No more pudgy guts and post-round high-balls or heading to the first tee with a little bit of a fuzzy head because you were out late the night before. This is the time when water cooler talk is actually done around a water cooler, not a bar. Basically, the physiques of Tiger Woods and Camilo Villegas are all you need to know about golfers' fitness in 2009.

Don't tell any of that to Carl Pettersson. The 31-year-old Swedish golfer who won three PGA Tour events since 2005 was never going to model for Hollister, but after his 2008 season, Pettersson decided he wanted to lose some weight from his 220-pound frame. Now, he's blaming the 30-pound weight loss on his struggling golf game.

From the Charlotte Observer:

A former N.C. State golfer, he noticed he was feeling tired after playing golf last year and felt he was too young for that. When the season ended, Pettersson embarked on an aggressive program that included more exercise and healthier eating.

From more than 220 pounds, his weight dropped to around 190. In the process, his body shape changed, and so did his golf game. [...]

"I lost 30 pounds after last season thinking I was going to work out and get better. I got worse."

Saying his golf game changed is an understatement. Pettersson has been downright horrendous this season. From March 22 to May 10, Pettersson had a scoring average of 74.5, missing the cut in six straight events before withdrawing from the Players Championship after the first round.

Since TPC Sawgrass, he hasn't been much better, making just three of eight cuts. His last two rounds have been identical hockey sticks, with a 77 in the second round at Turnberry to miss the cut and a first round 77 at the RBC Canadian Open which lead to a WD.

Pettersson is the type of golfer that never uses an instructor, but it might be time to find someone to help his game. That, or he could just gain back all that blubber.

After winning the Wyndham Championship last year, his victory dinner included a stop at McDonald's on the drive home.

Then he was off the fast food for a while.

"I'm back there now," Pettersson said, smiling.

I guess you could say Mr. Pettersson is not helping the argument about golf being a ridiculously athletic sport.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

7-29-2009 @ 2:23PM

Mike Clark said...

Hey Carl,

If your going to lose that amount of weight, there may be changes in your swing. In which case you will have to practice more to retrain your muscles. Getting together with a pga pro instructor may do you some good. Unlike, when most guys get older there body frame changes and so does there swing. Keep an open mind be willing to accept change and stay focused. You got a taste of how that feels. I say keep the weight off and work at it.

Good Luck!

Future golf Instructor

7-29-2009 @ 2:42PM

Joey said...

Carl has already gone through this a couple years back, he gained the weight back and got back to his old self.

7-29-2009 @ 2:47PM

Bubba said...

Same thing sorta happened to David Duval a few years back after he bulked up with muscle. He couldn't swing the club the same way & that may be part of Wood's problem this year. He looks bigger than last year & that has to change the way you swing a club

7-29-2009 @ 3:06PM

salpuki said...

David Duvall & bulked up with muscle in the same sentence ??????????????????????? The only thing he's bulked up is the firestone tire around his middle. Muscle ..... give me a break.

7-29-2009 @ 6:48PM

Paul Jr. said...

Salpuki....you're not listening.

7-29-2009 @ 3:07PM

shanebacon said...

Actually, Bubba is right. Duval tried to do the muscle thing, and it messed up his golf swing (or so he says).

7-29-2009 @ 3:16PM

lordhavlock said...

I hope he goes to see a doctor. I lost similar amount of weight and was execising regulary and feel great. If you did same and are very very active and feeling sluggish and out of gas you may have another problem (I hope not) that should be checked out.

7-29-2009 @ 4:08PM

rickahight said...

Several years ago Duvall did bulk up and changed his body. If they don't match extensive stretching with the gain in muscle the golf swing will definitely be different.

I lifted weights for almost 20 year benching over 300, squating 400 and deadlifting 500 clean, no steroids. If I had it to do over I would never have gotten that strong. It took a toll on my joints and even spine. Even if they are "doing reps" as they say, they are taxing their wrists, elbows,shoulders,knees and discs. I have many friends that did the same thing some using steroids, some not that are paying a physical price in their 50's and older.

One more thing about Duvall is I remember he was having virtigo issues caused by inner ear problems. If it was as bad as written then that alone will completely destroy your equlibrium. Unfortunately I also have Meniers' disease/syndrome (inner ear disorder) which is a life long battle for balance and nausea. I am in a constant state of mild nausea.

The fact that Duvall is still competing is a testimant to his resolve because those two issues are life changing.

Cut him some slack. He is trying.

7-29-2009 @ 4:14PM

edgarton said...

If you are going to lose weight you have to go to booze - and lots of it. Skinny people get uptight

7-29-2009 @ 4:24PM

stanlee said...

lost lbs - he needs to work with a pro(trainer) the weight loss probably shifted his cog and it needs adjusting

7-29-2009 @ 4:52PM

DJ Jayito NYC said...

Phil Mickelson's game also seemed to suffer after putting on some muscular bulk - last season. His short game was especially hurt.

7-29-2009 @ 6:27PM

psyber said...

He Just needs time to adapt to his weight loss. Gosh people are so impatient now a days.

7-29-2009 @ 8:01PM

Welcome said...

He can still destroy me in golf. I agree with choosing good health. Maybe he needs a few pounds back. Some kind of balance may help him. Then I say give a little time. I am sure he has been at golf since a child and his gift has survived many body changes. I bet his gift is still there. Go Carl. Way to lose the weight!

7-29-2009 @ 8:07PM

You're right rick Duval does or did have that problem & I can certainly agree with how that will definately screw up anything anyone is doing never mind participating in a sport. I also think he had other physical & a few personal issues that kept him away from the tour. I also agree that all he needs is time to get back into that groove. I don't know if he'll get back to where he was but I beleive he will be able to compete at a level where he will be a factor in most tournaments he's in.

7-29-2009 @ 8:03PM

David said...

Perhaps he is so obsessed with food he can't concentrate on his swing. Seriously though, early in his career, Jack Nicklaus was much heavier than what you saw in the 70's and 80's. He commented that it did effect his game some and that in particular, hitting shots out of the rough was more difficult. Perhaps Carl needs to stay in the fairway.

7-29-2009 @ 9:50PM

tomjustlizrob said...

I think bulking up messed up Tiger's swing. Muscle bound athletes don't necessarily do things better. A muscle bound baseball player does not swing better. Unless you're Barry Bonds.

7-31-2009 @ 9:08AM

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