While casual observers view golf purely as a leisurely pursuit, the fact is that, at the professional level, the sport has turned into something of a fitness contest. The vast majority of the world’s top players are superbly conditioned athletes who coil their bodies around a strong core to produce enough power to rocket a golf ball over 300 yards in the air. Visualise a golf ball hit from the centre of the ground and still rising as it flies out of the Eden Garden stands. That’s how far the golf ball goes.

So, who are the fittest golfers on the pro tours ?

Based on their workouts, their physique and performance, here are the best four :

Dustin Johnson

1. Dustin Johnson The world number one, at 6 foot 4, has the added advantage of being married to Paulina Gretzky, fitness model and Instagram star, as well as daughter of the greatest ice hockey player of all time, Wayne Gretzky. Johnson’s emphasis is on a strong core and legs. His seemingly effortless swing generates around 192kmph of clubhead speed on impact.

Rory Mcllroy

2. Rory Mcllroy The young Irishman has made up for his height, 5 foot 8 inches, by developing oblique and back muscles, and can easily hit the ball every bit as far as Dustin and the others. He has worked on a tough weight-training regimen that does take a toll, causing injuries once in a while, but his booming drives are proof that even a small guy can power it out there.

Camilo Villegas

3. Camilo Villegas This Colombian native has always been a fitness freak, sporting a six-pack year round. He has been given the nickname “Spider” for his unique crouching style when he gets close to the ground to gauge the slopes on the greens.

Jason Day

4. Jason Day The current world number two has the god-given ability to hit his shots not only a country mile, but also fly them way up into the sky so that they land softly. The Aussie’s classic swinging action, powered by a chiselled physique, gets the job done.

So, the next time you see any of these stars on TV, it will be easier to appreciate just how much hard work goes into creating a swing that can take the ball so far, with accuracy, repeatedly.