Common Golf Course Accidents (and how to prevent them)

Common Golf Course Accidents (and how to prevent them)

It doesn’t take a PhD in sports medicine to know that golf is not a physical contact sport.

What is not understood by many golf novices and non-players, however, is that the game is quite physically demanding.

Accidents and injuries are common on the golf course. If a golfer isn’t careful, he or she could be out injured for some time.

But a simple muscle strain or back pain is nothing compared to someone dying on the greens after being hit with a ball.

So, what type of accidents are common on a golf course, and how do golfers prevent them?

Hit by an Errant Shot It may sound silly, or like something out of Caddyshack, but people are commonly hit by errant golf shots on golf courses.

In some instances, the shot has led to the death of the person it struck.

A ball can strike someone from any distance and kill them.

That is why some experts still believe golfers should shout out “fore” when teeing off to let those around them know a ball in is the air.

Golf Club Head to the Head Similar to being hit with an errant shot, a number of people each year are injured due to being hit with a golf club.

This is typically due to both the person swinging the club and the victim not paying attention.

According to one GolfDigest article, around 40,000 players seek out emergency room treatment each year from injuries sustained on golf courses.

The simple remedy to a golfer avoiding a club upside the head is to pay attention to those around them.

It is also important to give golf partners plenty of room when they are swinging.

Back Muscle Strains Back muscle strains may be the most common golf injury experienced by players.

Due to the rotation that golfers make during a swing, the muscles in the back experience stress and pressure.

During a game of golf, players spend hours bending over and completing the same swinging rotation.

By continually doing the same motion the back muscles and spine become overused.

Once a small back muscle strain occurs, it can lead to bigger injuries that can keep players in the clubhouse.

To prevent back muscle and spine injuries it is important to stretch out the back thoroughly before, during and after a round of golf.

Golfers should do back muscle exercises every day to increase back strength, which will prevent regular injuries to the area.

Golf Elbow Golf elbow, or tendonitis, is the swelling of the tissue in the joint.

The injury affects a golfer’s inner elbow tendon. Experts claim the older the golfer, the more likely they are to experience golf elbow.

However, anyone who plays on a regular basis, regardless of age, may experience the painful injury.

Golfers who suffer from the ailment should rest their arm to allow the swelling to decrease.

Increasing elbow muscle and tendon strength is a way to prevent the injury from reoccurring.

If a player must hit the links while suffering from the injury, taking a few ibuprofen before teeing off could help to reduce inflammation to finish the round.

Knee Pain The knees experience stress throughout a round of golf. Players bend at the knees in their golf stance, and the knee joints experience a lot of pressure when a player rotates to strike a ball.

If a player already has weak knees or is overweight, they may experience excruciating pain.

Each case of knee pain from golfing is different, and players should see a doctor for treatment advice.

For anyone looking to treat themselves, they can use rest, ice and an anti-inflammatory to take down the swelling.
It may sound simple, but it could get a golfer back on the fairways in no time.

Ankles and Feet Injuries A golf swing can be violent as the body whips the club through the motion.
The ankles and feet move in different ways during a swing.

Golfers can become unbalanced while swinging which can cause a strain or sprain as they readjust.
Players may also injure themselves when playing a shot on uneven ground.

Therefore, it is important for players to set their feet and gain their balance before starting a swing.

Having good quality golf shoes and practicing good mechanics can help reduce ankle and foot injuries.

Hip Injuries The hips experience a lot of strain during a player’s swing and pivot.

Although the hips can take a lot of stress while carrying out the swinging motion, injury can occur.
Muscle strain or a muscle pull can be the result of overuse.

It is important to build up the hip, thigh and buttock muscles when golfers are not on the links.

Golf can be hazardous, but paying attention to mechanics, building strength and watching out for errant shots can reduce the dangers on the golf course.

Fore! If want to learn the physical and mental fundamentals of golf, Kesier University College of Golf has you covered.

Contact us today.