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Golf injuries: Why it pays to play it safe

Golf injuries are common. Protect yourself by understanding the mechanics behind your golf swing and the importance of overall conditioning.

By Mayo Clinic staff

It's been a few months since your last golf outing. You're at the first tee, shaking the rust off your golf swing. What better training, you think, than getting out there and playing? Don't take a swing just yet, though. While golf isn't a contact sport, it puts significant demands on your body — which can easily lead to golf injuries. Follow these tips to stay in shape on the course.

Adjust your swing

Understanding the mechanics behind your golf swing can help you prevent golf injuries:

  • Use proper posture. Think about your posture before and during your swing. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and distribute your weight equally on both feet. Avoid hunching over the ball, which may contribute to neck and back strain.
  • Stay smooth. The power of a golf swing comes from force transferred smoothly through all the muscle groups, from your ankles to your wrists. If you depend on one part of your body for your hitting power, you may be more prone to golf injuries. For example, overemphasizing your wrists during your swing can lead to golfer's elbow — a strain of the muscles on the inside of the forearm.
  • Don't overswing. If you swing the club too hard or too fast, you may stress your joints. Relax and take a nice, easy swing at the ball. The best golfers have consistent — not necessarily fast — swing tempos.

If you want to reduce the risk of golf injuries, consider taking lessons. What you learn about your golf swing may even help you shave strokes from your score.

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References
  1. Gluck GS, et al. The lumbar spine and low back pain in golf: A literature of swing biomechanics and injury prevention. The Spine Journal. 2008;8:778.
  2. Fradkin AJ, et al. Golf injuries — Common and potentially avoidable. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. 2005;8:163.
  3. Prevent golf injuries. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00137&return_link=0. Accessed Jan. 14, 2010.
  4. Keep golf injuries from sending you to the clubhouse. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://www6.aaos.org/news/Pemr/releases/release.cfm?releasenum=693. Accessed Jan. 14, 2010.
  5. Study: Consistency the key to successful golf. American College of Sports Medicine. http://www.acsm.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Search&template=/CM/HTMLDisplay.cfm&ContentID=4172. Accessed Jan. 14, 2010.
  6. Brandon B, et al. Training to prevent golf injury. Current Sports Medicine Reports. 2009;8:142.
  7. Bayes MC, et al. Upper extremity injuries in golf. The Physician and Sports Medicine. 2009;37:92.
HO00075 May 1, 2010

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