The fact that many great golfers are still playing into their 60s and 70s often lulls people into a false sense of security about the game. Golf is not for the infirm, it isn’t a great game for the unfit … and it definitely has potential risks. If you want to make sure that you golf travel doesn’t have any unwanted and unexpected consequences, read these tips on avoiding 5 of the most common golfing injuries.
Avoiding … Back Pain
You don't want to be stuck in your hotel room on a golf vacation. You want to be out there on the putting green, the fairway and right next to the hole (hopefully not in the rough!). Back pain is a common golf injury, and you can avoid it by following a regime of increasing both the strength and flexibility of your back. Ask your local gym instructor which machines to use, and remember to stretch both morning and night.
Avoiding … tennis elbow
Yes, counter-intuitive as it might be, tennis elbow is more common among golfers than golfer's elbow is! Switch to a graphite shaft for your golf club and use low-compression balls to reduce elbow strain. Have a pro look at your grip and swing with you, also.
Avoiding … shoulder pain
You're in Myrtle Beach, with the beautiful sea air on a delicious golf green beckoning and the promise of a delicious dinner that night. But you're frozen on your hotel bed in shoulder agony! Try to keep your swing plane relatively flat, and slow down on your backswing in addition to doing your usual strength and flexibility training.
Avoiding … carpal tunnel
Use larger or softer grips, and reduce your grip pressure on the club handle to avoid carpal tunnel syndrome. General strengthening is also very important.
Avoiding … knee pain
Knee pain could be a result of osteoarthritis or a torn meniscus, each of which require medical intervention. The best advice is to keep up your varied diet and regular exercise to reduce your chance of developing either of these.
