This is an archive copy of a document originally located at http://www.sport.vic.gov.au/web/srv/srvsite.nsf/pages/research_injury_golf?OpenDocument  all copyright remains with creator.

See other sports injury prevention fact sheets.

• Golf is the third most popular leisure activity and participant sport overall in Victoria
• Men and women of all ages can play
• Golf is becoming increasingly popular with younger age groups and women
• Victorian golfers include: professional, amateur, and recreational players

• Lower back
• Wrist and elbow
• Head and eye

• Mainly males aged between 24 and 65 years that participate for on average six hours per week in social competitions
• Professional golfers involved in high intensity play
• Children up to 10 years

• Overuse/too much practice
• Poor swing style and too much twisting
• Hitting ground or objects other than the ball
• Aggravation of a previous injury
• Hits from a club or ball
• Falls on a golf course
• Safety for Children and Adolescents

Injuries to this group often result from unsupervised play with golf clubs, or because the child has stood too close while observing peers or adults swinging golf clubs. Being struck by a golf ball, often when standing too close to a player hitting the ball.

Safety tips

• All players should ensure their golfing equipment is stored in a secure place away from the reach of children when it is not in use
• A responsible adult should supervise children at all times when golf equipment is being used
• Children, players, and parents should be educated about the importance of standing well clear when others swing golf clubs. People should be at least four club lengths away from the swinging club
• Go-Go Golf is recommended as an appropriate version of the game for young children, subject to the presence of adequate supervision and children remaining clear of swinging clubs at all times

The following tips apply to all players irrespective of their level of play:

What are the problems?

• Overuse injuries and aggravation of previous injuries are common.
• Such injuries typically occur to the lower back, wrist/elbow, knee and shoulder
• These injuries are not always severe but can limit performance in the game

• All players should undertake proper and adequate warm-up procedures before each game. This should include gentle movement and mobility exercises, leg and shoulder stretches, followed by gentle air swings or ball hits using short irons
• All players should undertake general strength and fitness programs including weight training and/or aerobic activities, e.g. walking or jogging (obtain medical advice if necessary)
• Swing improvement, for both injury prevention and performance, can be achieved by taking lessons from a registered Professional Golf Association coach
• All golf equipment (clubs and shoes) should be professionally fitted before purchase
• All players should be prepared to stop playing immediately when a muscle problem/injury occurs
• All injured players, irrespective of how severe the injury is, should seek first aid or prompt medical treatment of their injury
• Injured golfers should not resume playing until they have completely recovered from their injury

• All players should wear sun protection (clothing, hat, factor 15+) at all times. Both sunscreen and an insect repellent and/or relief cream should be carried in a player's golf bag at all times
• Players should drink lots of fluids even before feeling thirsty. Adequate water intake is also important both before and after a game
• Golfers should read carefully and adhere to the local safety rules of the golf course
• All players, irrespective of their level of play, should know and practice the basic rules and etiquette of the game. Check that no one else is standing close before you swing. Don't play until the group in front is out of the way. Shout "fore" to warn of danger to players and spectators. Give way to ground staff and wait until they call you to play on
• All players should lift and carry their clubs safely and preferably use a buggy
• Players should not enter areas which snakes, dangerous insects or animals might inhabit. Nor should players place their hands in areas/holes that they cannot check for snakes/spiders
• When using motorized carts, players should check the local safety rules regarding pathways and feet placement
• Players should move off the golf course when lightning strikes are possible
• Wherever possible, players should carry a mobile phone in case of emergency (Make sure it is not turned on while you play the game)
• When the temperature exceeds 35 degrees Centigrade, players and competition managers should reconsider the playing conditions for further play

Deakin University
School of Health Sciences
221 Burwood Highway
Burwood Victoria 3125
Tel: 03 9251 7777
http://www.hbs.deakin.edu.au/hmvt/

Victorian Golf Association
Tel: 03 9889 6731

Women's Golf Victoria
Tel: 03 9523 8511
http://www.womensgolf.org.au
email: info@womensgolf.org.au

For copies of the printed brochure contact:

Sport and Recreation Victoria
GPO Box 2392V
Melbourne Vic 3000
Tel: 03 9666 4267
Fax: 03 9666 4300

Reference

Sherman C and Finch C. On par for preventing golf injuries - a review of the literature. School of Health Sciences, Research Report No. 97001,
Faculty of Health and Behavioural Science, Deakin University. November 1997.

Acknowledgments

Funding for this project was received from Sport and Recreation Victoria

The following organisations provided information:

Victorian Golf Association
Women's Golf Victoria
Melbourne Golf Injuries Clinic
Australian Golf Union