My biggest fear is injuring myself early in the golf season. I have, unfortunately, did this before and it makes for a long road to recover because of the amount I want to play. Given the challenges of a rusty swing and very wet terrain, the possibility of injury increases so I must be wary to avoid potential injury scenarios. Well, my second round of the year was one of those scenarios I need to avoid!
The worse injury I ever had was golfer’s elbow for two years in a row. I injured myself early in the season and it too months to recover. This injury did slow me down and as a result I had to cut back on the number of rounds and practice time to allow healing to occur. Of course, I cannot compare myself to someone like Tiger Woods who has recovered from 24 reported injuries throughout his career (not to mention the number of minor injuries unreported), but as an amateur, any injury sucks.
On Saturday past, I played my second 9 holes of the year. The course was in good shape, but still very wet. My swing was not in good shape, but the rust is slowly being knocked off. As I made my way around the course, I found that I was digging in with my irons more than normal and as such cause additional stress on my elbows. Well, around the 5th hole, I pulled something on the inside of my right elbow and it bothered me for the rest of the round. Fortunately, if I did not dig in too deep, there was less pain so I figured my injury was not as serious as I feared.
On a side note, I wrote about golfer / tennis elbow before. It is something that many golfers are aware of and try to avoid…..right Brian Penn?
After my round, I could notice some pain when rotating my arm. So, I took it easy that night and rested it on Sunday (although it was the best weather of the year) to ensure my injury had a time to recover. It is the smart think to do because I want to be able to play for the entire season, not just a few early rounds.
I seems that back injuries is the most common. But, it is not the only one:
Avoiding injuries early in the golf season (well actually any time) is important to us players who have a short season. Not only does it limit your playing time, but it hurts your handicap index because of the higher scores. Taking things slow and easy in early stages of your season is a great first step to enjoying your entire season. This is what I plan to continue doing; how about you?
Do you try to avoid golf injuries? If so, how?
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
The Grateful Golfer 
Jim,
I have been there before too with an early season injury. Or mid season. Or late season. Lol. So far my additional fitness and visits to my Chiropractor and Physiotherapist over the off-season and into this early season has helped me play injury free so far. Hope to keep it going.
Cheers
Josh
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Josh
I am good to go now. Keeping fit definitely reduces injuries. Here is to an Injury free season!
Cheers Jim
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Jim,
I’m only 21 and don’t have much of a injury history, however I always try to stretch before each round. Anyone reading this comment I highly advise you to stretch beforehand as well, even if it’s a few minutes. What you don’t want is halfway through your round you become stiff as a board.
Sebastien
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That is great advice Sebastien. Thanks.
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Jim, oddly enough I’ve injured myself more off the golf course than on. As you mention, the elbow tendonitis was the worst but that was fine for a couple years until I hurt it the weight room. Got enamored with my progress and added too much weight for an exercise.
Otherwise I stretch and do lightweight resistance every morning for a couple months leading up to and during golf season. Works pretty well but I still have to watch the off course activities that work muscles not usually used.
Good luck and stay safe!
Brian
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Brian
I understand completely. I try to avoid injuries, but sometimes they just are hard to avoid. I agree that doing a little something everyday is important and I definitely do that. What that something is….well that is a different story.
Cheers Jim
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I do stretching exercises 3 times a week at least. I learned the hard way and ended needing 6 weeks of therapy to get past bursitis in the left shoulder. Doc said it was typical of golfers so beware and stretch out slowly.
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Also, I didn’t realize the elbow was suseptible in golf. I gave up bowling from elbow strain, but golf hasn’t caused any issues there at all thankfully. Take care. Your season is too short to miss any time.
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Kevin
Golf elbow is a huge thing. I am better now, but you earlier statement about stretching is very valid
Cheers Jim
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Thanks Kevin.
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