For many people, golf is a game that allows enjoyment of the outdoors combined with physical activity that can improve health. Due to the slowed pace at which golf takes place as compared to other more physically demanding sports such as hockey or football, golf can be enjoyed by people of all ages including those who are elderly or have disabilities. However, that is not to say that golf does not come with its own set of health risks and injuries.

Healthy Golf

For the diehard golfer, the winter off-season can be all too long. The warmth and beauty of spring make it very tempting to call in sick from work and spend the entire day playing at a local course. This may be fun while it lasts, but such a sudden overuse of the muscles used in the golf swing can be the starting point of many injuries. As is best in most physical activities, it is best to ease into golf. Golf professionals recommend that the average player begin the new season by visiting their local driving range and hitting a modest number of balls before going head over heels into an all day golf binge.

Play Correctly

Although golfers may not have the physical bruises that boxers and hockey players endure, there are injuries that plague golfers more than others. These injuries include, rotator cuff problems, wrist injury, elbow inflammation, and back pain. The most successful way to safeguard against such injury is to take a lesson from a golf pro in order to develop a fundamentally sound swing. Learning proper golf form will allow for better play and a decreased risk for injury.

Golf Equipment

There are various types of clubs designed to aid golfers who are injury prone. These clubs usually have graphite shafts that absorb the shock associated with striking a golf ball. Golf gloves provide protection from blistering and offer the player a better grip on the club. Golf shoes have spikes that provide extra traction and reduce the amount of slippage that could lead to injury. There are special rain suits designed to keep golfers dry and help reduce the risk of getting ill after playing in adverse conditions. Golfers are also advised to not play during thunderstorms as many golfer are struck and killed by lightning every year.