An Overview of Common Golf Injuries

Although golf is not typically thought of as a physically dangerous sport, there are still some potential risks involved. Here are some ways that golf can be physically dangerous:

• Repetitive strain injuries: Golf involves a lot of repetitive motions, which can lead to overuse injuries like golfer's elbow, tennis elbow, and rotator cuff strains.
• Sun exposure: Golf is typically played outdoors, which means players are exposed to the sun's harmful UV rays. Without proper protection, this can lead to sunburns, skin cancer, and other health problems.
• Golf carts: Golf carts are a convenient way to get around the course, but they can also be dangerous. If a driver is inexperienced or reckless, they can cause accidents and injuries.
• Flying golf balls: Golf balls can travel at high speeds and can cause serious injuries if they hit someone in the head or face. Players and spectators should always be aware of their surroundings and wear appropriate protective gear.
• Hazards on the course: Golf courses are designed with hazards like sand traps, water hazards, and trees. If a player is not careful, they can slip and fall on wet grass, get stuck in a sand trap, or hit a tree with their club.

Overall, while golf may not be as physically dangerous as other contact sports like football or hockey, it still carries some risks. Players should take proper precautions to avoid injury, such as wearing sunscreen and protective gear, being aware of their surroundings, and using caution when driving golf carts or playing shots.

What Are Some Common Golf Injuries?

While golf is not often thought of as a dangerous sport, there is the potential for injury. Here are some common golf injuries:

• Back pain: The twisting motion required in a golf swing can put a lot of stress on the lower back, leading to back pain or even herniated discs.
• Golfer's elbow: This is a type of tendinitis that causes pain and inflammation in the tendons that attach to the inside of the elbow. It is often caused by overuse and can be aggravated by gripping the golf club too tightly.
• Shoulder injuries: The repetitive motion of a golf swing can lead to shoulder injuries, such as rotator cuff strains or tears.
• Knee pain: Walking around the golf course for several hours can put a strain on the knees, especially if the course has hills or uneven terrain.
• Wrist injuries: Golfers can experience wrist pain or even fractures from hitting the ground or other hard objects while swinging.
• Sunburn and skin cancer: Spending several hours in the sun without proper protection can lead to sunburns and an increased risk of developing skin cancer.
• Dehydration: Golfers may not realize how much they are sweating, especially on hot days, leading to dehydration and other related health problems.

It's important for golfers to take precautions to avoid injury, such as stretching before playing, using proper technique, wearing appropriate footwear, staying hydrated, and protecting their skin from the sun. However, injuries can happen as these next examples illustrate.

Examples of Injuries During Golf

Several famous golfers have experienced injuries while on the course. Here are a few examples:

• Tiger Woods: Tiger Woods has experienced several injuries throughout his career, including knee and back injuries. In 2017, he underwent back surgery and had to withdraw from several tournaments as a result.
• Rory McIlroy: In 2015, Rory McIlroy ruptured a ligament in his ankle while playing soccer with friends. He had to withdraw from the Open Championship as a result.
• Phil Mickelson: Phil Mickelson has experienced several injuries throughout his career, including back and wrist injuries. In 2021, he had to withdraw from the Players Championship due to a calf injury.
• Brooks Koepka: Brooks Koepka has had several injuries, including a wrist injury that forced him to miss several months of competition in 2018.
• Dustin Johnson: Dustin Johnson has experienced several injuries throughout his career, including a back injury that forced him to withdraw from the Masters in 2017.

These are just a few examples of the injuries that famous golfers have experienced while on the course. Despite the risks, golfers continue to play the sport at the highest level, and many take precautions to avoid injury and stay healthy.

This is just some general advice and examples of golfing injuries. While this general information is helpful it is always best to consult a qualified consultant to get bespoke physical preparation, and injury rehabilitation advice. If you are after a physiotherapist or sports massage therapist or chiropractor you can search for them and other sport performance specialists, including coaches, on our directory. You can search for the sport performance specialist you need by location or specialism.