Better golf at personal best

With the Golf Season just around the corner, its vital that you prepare your shoulders, hips and spine for season ahead. Having discomfort or disfunction in just one joint or muscle can make 18 holes seem like 108. During an average round, with practice swings included, you will probably swing your club 70-100 times and that’s no fun when you are carrying an injury!  High profile professional golfers suffer from injury, but the amateur player may be more at risk than Rory Mcllroy or Tiger Woods.  Poor technique, inadequate stretching prior and post-match and incorrectly carrying heavy golf bags are the main contributors to pain and discomfort. However, following a few simple tips can help solve the problem allowing you to play golf better, with less effort and have more fun at the same time.
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• The pressure points – The lower back, shoulders and wrists are the most obvious joints at risk for golfers through the repetitive nature of the golf swing but carrying a golf bag can also place an enormous strain on your neck.  Take advantage of the latest golf accessories specially designed to help such as lighter bags and dual harness straps over shoulders to distribute weight evenly.
• Warm up – Golfers often don’t warm up properly before playing – if muscles are not prepared by a good stretching routine, this can lead to a lack of flexibility and injury.  Spend two or three minutes warming up before teeing off.  Stretch hamstring, quads, chest muscles and shoulders.
• Drive – make the most of your swing; warm up on the driving range.
• Don’t forget that, like any sport, a good post-event stretch is also required.
• When picking up golf bags, bend carefully from the knees.
• Contrary to popular belief, trolleys are not the best way to caddy clubs as this builds unnecessary pressure from pulling and bending in the wrong positions.  A power or electric caddy is the safest way to go around.
• Wear proper shoes for stability and to help avoid twisting the back and hips.
• Pain is a warning sign – do not ignore it.  If you injure yourself, use ice rather than heat and if the pain persists, seek advice from your doctor or chiropractor.