15-20% of golfers report an injury during the year.
Research shows the order of prevalence of golf injuries is as follows:
- Low back pain
- Golfer’s elbow
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Knee Pain
- 5. Shoulder pain
These injuries are mostly due to overuse, but some traumatic injuries can occur on the course, e.g. hitting the ground on the down swing and jarring the whole body!
Research shows recreational golfers tend to sustain more injuries then professional golfers and older golfers sustain more injuries as the joints and tendons are less able to with stand stress.
It is vital for any age golfer to warm-up all these areas prior to play.
Try getting to the course 30 minutes early for a specific warm-up, including stretches for all these areas. Then some practice swings in the nets/driving range, starting with irons and working up to woods and drivers. Putting is also an important part of the warm-up. Good posture, of course, in the golf address and putting position will help to minimize stress on joints and muscles.
A regular strength and flexibility program and some cardio fitness is a must for all golfers at any age.
You will be amazed how much better your score will be!
And you can continue on for many more years!
