While Golf isn’t that conventional contact game, there’s every chance that you might get hurt while playing on the greens. They might not be always flashy injuries but can still play a crucial role in keeping you off the Golf course.
If you do not wish to ruin your chances of producing a superlative performance on the course, it’s imperative to keep the Golf injuries at bay. Here’s a closer look at some of the tips that can help you evade injuries while teeing off on your fave Golf course:
To complete a golf turn, the entire body is used. The movement not only requires a heavy amount of coordination, it is also quite complex too. When this movement is repeated on a frequent basis, it results in a substantial level of stress being placed on the same muscles, tendons and joints, time and time again. Fatigue in these areas can lead to injury over time.
It’s important to have an idea of what you can do to lessen the risk of injury, which includes the following:
It’s a swing, not a hit!
We’ve all seen those players out on the course and the range who swing at a million miles per hour as if they’re trying to hit an arctic lorry into orbit! Those are the players you need to not emulate. By swinging in this manner, you’re leaving your joints susceptible to excessive stress. Instead, try to relax, use technique instead of strength and swing through the ball; it’s a swing, not a hit!
If you’re struggling, try and remember to swing while saying; ‘one, two, back and through’, in your head.
By standing with your feet shoulder-width apart, slightly pointing outward, and having your knees bent as if you’re anticipating a gentle nudge, you’re setting up a nice foundation to build upon.
Hold your spine relatively straight, with your trunk tilted forward, without stooping over the ball. Most of the movement should come from your hips, so, as we said, avoid hanging over the ball, and this will give you a better chance of picking up neck and back injuries.
You may think that the power of a swing is through the arms and hands as you hit the ball with the club. But, in fact, the main power of a golf swing comes as a result of force being smoothly transferred through all the muscle groups, starting at the ankles and channelling all the way up through the body to your wrists, like an electrical current.
If you are a golfer who is reliant on a single part of your body to provide ball-striking power, you’re leaving yourself more open to injuries.
Basic Injury Prevention Guidelines to Follow:
It’s not just about the swing. You can help keep injury off the radar by bearing these pointers in mind:
Get yourself warmed up
Whether you’re at the range or about to play on the course, give yourself 10 minutes to get loosened up. Dynamic stretches are a great idea, followed by some static stretches. If you start with static stretching, you could pull a muscle, so avoid this.
Give arms and hands, shoulders, back, and knees particular attention. If you stretch one area, make sure you stretch the opposing muscle. For example, if you are stretching hamstrings, stretch quads so that they’re equally loosened. Give your club a few easy swings, increasing range of motion and then you’re all set to begin your session/round.
Build gradually
Putting in hours of practice is what the pros do, and golf does need an awful lot of it, but if your body isn’t conditioned for the repetitive strain, then the reoccurring practice of the same movement can do more harm than good. Work up to your desired level of activity instead.
Get stronger
We’re not saying that you should look like Arnie, quite the opposite, in fact, because if you’re too big it’ll restrict your range of movement. Completing conditioning exercises will give you stronger muscles, which will give you increased club speed. This isn’t the only perk, as stronger muscles are also good for lessening the risk of injury. For best results, do more weight training during the off-season and then movement-based, light conditioning during the season.
Flexibility
After exercising or playing, incorporate regular stretching routines that cover off all areas. This will assist in increasing your range of motion and help to give you a smoother swing. You can use a foam roller to iron out those tight spots, which is important if you play regularly, to avoid injury.
Club transportation
The golfers who like to carry their clubs on the course are at an increased risk of shoulder and back injuries compared to those who use trolleys. That being said, you should always try to push a trolley rather than pulling it as this can lead to shoulder and back injuries too. Slowly remove your golf bag from the car as well, and remember to bend at the knees while keeping a straight back for best practice or you’ll be out of the game before the first shot is taken!