Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Preventing Common Golf Injuries

Going to a golf trip and playing golf are not like going to a court and playing basketball. Although, golfing is considered as less stressful sport and has many health benefits especially to seniors, nevertheless, running and constant repetitive swinging motions can cause pain in specific body parts.


To avoid, know these:


Preventing Overuse Injuries
Overuse injuries are the most common spinal injuries when playing golf. These injuries are due to frequent movement and repetitive golf swings that cause muscles and ligaments strain. One common overuse injury is the neck pain which is a result from powerful swing and overstretching.
To prevent, consider to:
  • Warm up before playing golf;
  • Stretch your back and neck by placing the golf club behind the neck; and,
  • Incorporate some relaxed golf swings to the warm up.


When suffering from overuse injuries, rest is the best remedy. Failing to rest the body can increase the pain and injury. For back pain, put ice on the sore muscles and have some rest until the pain is gone. If pain still persists, consider to have a massage or visit your clinic.


The Power of Proper Swing
A proper golf swing should be smooth and not jerky. The power of a golf swing should come from the transfer of force from all the muscle groups and not just one. If it is done improperly, it could result to forearm pain, chronic golf elbow and muscle sore.
To prevent this:
  • Be conscious of your posture before and after swing;
  • Avoid hunching over the ball;
  • Spread your legs as wide as your shoulders; and,
  • Make sure your weight is balanced on both feet.


If you are a starter, it's beneficial to consult a golf professional to learn the proper golf swing.


Watch Out for Excessive Sun Exposure
Especially in this summer season, it is recommended to stay re-hydrated and to wear some breathable suits while playing golf.
Moreover, carefully check out for signs of dehydration, heat stroke and over exhaustion. If you are experiencing rapid heartbeat, dizziness, lightheadedness and nausea, go back to your golf vacations resort and take some rest and consult a specialist.
To prevent these, make sure to:
  • Wear sunblock (SPF 30 or above is recommended);
  • Bring and drink water and/ or other liquids;
  • Use umbrella and wear hat; and,
  • Wear lightweight and breathable clothes (polyester, nylon or cotton).


Overall, strengthen your lower body and keep it flexible to prevent golf injuries. When playing under the sun, keep your body re-hydrated. Prevention is always a must to have a memorable and painless golf trip.

Monday, August 18, 2014

Walking vs. Riding a golf cart on the golf course


When you arrive at the golf course on your golf trip, you unload your clubs and approach the clubhouse to pay your fees. But as you speak with the cashier, you are suddenly faced with a dilemma: Should you walk or rent a cart?

Whichever you choose, both could benefit and impede your game. Here's how:

Benefits of walking:
  • An ultimate calorie burner.  According to Ron Kapriske of golfdigest.com, an estimated 1,442 calories are burned by walking the 18 holes. Whereas by riding a golf cart, only 809 calories are burned.
  • Helps you prepare for your next shots. Think about it – by walking, you can study the course layout, including the contours of fairways and greens, more easily than golfers who ride. Therefore, you will be able to judge breaks in greens, as well as landing areas.
  • Makes you appreciate the course more. When you put your feet on the ground and walk the hills, you get an appreciation for nature and the beauty of the golf course.
  • Allows you to socialize with your buddies. By walking a course with a friend or loved one, you can converse with them frequently, as you stroll fairways, approach greens, and search for balls together. This one-on-one interaction offers you an entirely different social experience than you will have if you choose to ride in a cart.
Downside of walking:
  • Take up much of your energy. Sometimes, when you haven't been playing or walking a lot prior to the start of the golf vacation season, walking the 18 holes can be an arduous feat.  The energy you have spent on walking can affect the consistency of your swings.
Benefits of riding a golf cart:
  • Golf carts make games more accessible. For the elderly, the frail, the disabled and younger children, golf carts deserve a considerable credit for making the game more accessible. If you're physically unable to tote your own golf clubs (even with a pushcart) or to walk the course, then by all means, hop in the cart and enjoy the ride.
  • Some people believe that golf carts make the game move faster. And certainly many golf course operators love them; some mandate the use of carts and charge extra for the privilege.
Downsides of riding a golf cart:
  • Lessen your focus. After you made your shots, your focus for the next five minutes is on driving the cart and interacting with whomever you’re riding with instead of thinking about your game and your next shot.
  • Riding can slow down the game. Whether you’re parking the cart in poor locations, riding back and forth searching for balls, or walking back and forth to the cart to change clubs, riding could take up much of your time and energy.
For many golfers, walking is highly beneficial. However, some golf courses don’t allow it. So, know before you go. If you think it’s allowed on the golf course, then, walk on your golf trip.