Instruction -
Avoiding Golfing Injuries
Golf players are less susceptible to
injuries than most other sports participants are, but there is still the
chance that you can end up with a painful or even serious injury if you
don't know what to look out for.
The most common injuries that golfers
incur are to the head, elbows, wrists, shoulders, lower back, and the
eyes.
Here are the Top X Tips for reducing
your chances of getting a golf-related injury.
1. Warm up and Cool Down
Take the time to do some light
stretching exercises before you head out to play. Your muscles
appreciate the advance notice of impending activity and they respond by
being less likely to tear or cramp up when the going gets tough.
Likewise, give your body a chance to
dissipate the built up heat that playing golf generates. Take a short
walk after the game before you climb into your car.
2. Wear the proper clothing
Not only do most courses require
regulation golf shoes, but they're safer for you as well. Make sure that
they fit properly to avoid blisters or twisted ankles.
Wear a hat to keep from suffering
sunstroke, sunburn, or heat exhaustion. Sun glasses will protect you
from eye strain.
3. Drink plenty of non-alcoholic liquids
during the game.
Stay away from soft drinks as well. Your
body loses a lot of moisture during a round of golf. Drink water or
sports-formulated beverages to avoid dehydration.
4. Leave the course immediately if a
storm threatens.
Lightning will strike the tallest object
and, on the rolling hills of the golf course, that tallest object could
be you. Remember, thunder does not have to be present in order for
lightning to be a threat. Lightning can strike from storms that are
still several miles away.
5. Stay alert for critters
Depending upon where you live, your
favorite 18 holes could also be home to venomous snakes and spiders,
scorpions, alligators, bears, coyotes, fire ants, and other creatures
who'd rather bite now and ask questions later.
6. Play nice
While you're busy protecting yourself
from injury, don't forget to look out for the other players as well.
Never throw your clubs, and be sure to yell 'fore' before taking a shot.
7. Watch your back
Make sure that your club bag is
positioned properly to avoid injuring your shoulders or back. Be
especially careful when picking the bag up and setting it down.
8. Bend from the knees
Knees are much better at bending than
waists are, so always bend your knees when picking up your ball.
9. Watch your heart
Heart attacks strike without warning.
Take your time and don't over exert yourself. If you feel a tightness in
the chest, which may or may not be accompanied by shortness of breath
and pain down the left arm, get medical help immediately.
10. File a "golf plan"
Just like pilots and mariners file
flight and float plans, always let someone know where you will be
playing and what time you are expected home. That way, if something does
happen to you, somebody will know that you're missing. Carry a cell
phone with you and make sure that it's fully charged.
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