We tend to only think of injury in a reactionary way. An injury occurs, then we deal with it. In many cases, especially as it pertains to the most common injuries in golf, we could very much prevent them from happening through both knowledge and practice.

As I was exploring injury prevention for golfers, I was connected with Dr. Michael D. McCleary of the Orlando Orthopaedic Center, who is board certified in Pediatrics and Primary Care Sports Medicine.

Below, Dr. McCleary points out some of the most common golf injuries, as well as some tips golfers can take to avoid them. 

Dr. Michael D. McCleary of the Orlando Orthopaedic Center with the center’s foundation lead Andy Reber and his son.

What are the most common injuries seen in golfers? 

Dr. McCleary: Overuse injuries are the most common. Pain in the lower back (muscle strains, disc injuries), hip, knee (especially meniscus injuries), elbow (“golfer’s elbow,” which involves overuse of the tendons near the elbow), wrist (tendinitis), and shoulder (including rotator cuff injuries) are all problems golfers experience. On the course, strains, sprains, and fractures can occur from falls while walking on uneven terrain. Environmental conditions can also result in sunburn, heat illness, and dehydration, especially in warmer climates.

David Donatucci working with Juniors on exercises during a youth clinic. (Photo by Montana Pritchard/The PGA of America)

What injuries do younger golfers have the potential to experience? 

Dr. McCleary: Younger golfers are also susceptible to overuse injuries, but often for different reasons. Children are typically still growing, and their growing bones contain growth plates, which are more vulnerable to injury than soft tissues (ligaments, tendons), so they may have growth plate injuries to the elbow, shoulder and wrist. In addition, younger athletes rarely experience disc issues in the low back, but commonly develop stress fractures in the growing spine. One area of concern for younger golfers is golf car injuries, the majority of which occur while riding as a passenger and falling out of the car. Not keeping feet fully inside the cart can result in ankle and leg injuries, too.

A Wisconsin Section PGA Professional works with a junior golfer on her form during a youth clinic. (Photo by Montana Pritchard/The PGA of America)

What are three preventative measures golfers of all ages can take to avoid injury in golf? 

Dr. McCleary: No. 1, since the majority of golf injuries are due…