Sports Injury Prevention | Golf

Golf is a game of precision, focus, and physical skill that’s enjoyed by millions of people of all ages. While it’s generally considered a low-risk sport, young golfers can still experience injuries, especially from repetitive motions or improper technique.

Golf isn’t considered a risky sport, however, the strain of practicing the same swinging motion again and again can lead to overuse injuries.

• Golfer’s elbow (or tennis elbow), inflammation from repetitive swinging
• Lower back pain often due to poor swing mechanics or weak core muscles
• Shoulder pain caused by overuse or strain during the swing
• Growth plate injuries from overtraining, which can damage the developing areas of young bones
• Stress fractures in the foot from hours of walking or improper footwear
• Sunburn and heat-related illness from extended time in the sun without protection

Golfers are also at risk of sunburn and heat stroke if they spend several hours in the hot sun without protection.

Golf may look smooth and relaxed, but it demands strength, balance, and flexibility, especially during the swing. Injuries often result from:

• Poor technique, which puts stress on the back, shoulders, wrists, and elbows
• Improper equipment, such as clubs that are too long or short
• Overtraining, particularly in athletes with growing bones
• Lack of warm-up or stretching
• Flying golf balls and swinging clubs; while rare, getting struck by a ball or club can cause significant injuries

• Use the right equipment:
  • Clubs should be the right length for your height.
  • Golf shoes with spikes provide traction and stability and can prevent players from slipping during the swing. The shoes should fit well and be flexible. Let them dry completely between rounds.
  • Golf gloves can prevent blisters and may improve your grip.
• Take lessons from an experienced coach or trainer. Proper technique reduces the risk of injury and can improve your game.
• Stretch. Even if you’re just hitting some practice balls, stretching out your back, legs, elbows, and wrists beforehand limbers up the muscles you use most.
• Work up to a full swing each time you play. Try hitting shots with wedges and short irons before moving up to irons and drivers that require a full swing.
• Pay attention to your surroundings. Flying golf balls can come from any direction. If someone yells “fore!” cover your face or seek protection behind a cart or tree.
• Stay clear of other golfers when they’re hitting their shots. Allow plenty of room to avoid being hit by another golfer’s club during their back swing.
• Protect yourself from the sun. Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and protective clothing, and be sure to bring plenty of water or sports drinks to stay hydrated.
• Take shelter from lightning. If the lightning alarm goes off or if you hear thunder, head inside fast.

As the largest and most experienced pediatric and young adult sports medicine practice in the country, the Sports Medicine Division at Boston Children's Hospital combines personalized care with innovative treatment for each athlete we treat.

Our Sports Medicine team consists of sports medicine physicians, orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, podiatrists, athletic trainers, sports psychologists, dietitians, and many others who collaborate on every aspect of our patients’ care and their recovery.

The Micheli Center for Sports Injury Prevention, part of the Sports Medicine Division, is dedicated to the prevention of sports injuries. Through research and clinical training, we offer practical strategies that help young athletes reduce their risk of injury while enhancing their sports performance. Our rehabilitation and strength training programs help injured athletes return to play stronger and healthier. We also offer 2D and 3D golf swing analysis to assess mechanics, identify areas of stress, and optimize technique for both injury prevention and performance improvement.