There are many benefits to golfing. It involves body movements and walking, which benefits a person’s health. The benefits include muscular endurance, cardiovascular fitness, and stamina. Still, golfers are at risk of injuries as with any other sport, but the risk is lower than the alternatives.

Whether playing for fun or as a pro, you must know the risk factors and ways to stay healthy while golfing.

What are the risk factors?

The types of injuries in golf differ from those that other athletes face in their respective sports or professions. Back pain and golf foot injuries are the most common challenges golfers may face.

Here are the risk factors when golfing:

• Playing time. Playing golf for a prolonged period of time isn’t advisable, as your injury risks increase with the more time you play. Professionals spend a maximum of six hours engaging in competitive golf to avoid overworking their bodies, which will likely lead to injuries.
• Wrong golfing technique. Using a bad technique is a common cause of injuries. It could be swinging the hands wrongly or hitting the ground when making a shot. Learning the proper golfing technique significantly reduces the chances of golf injuries.
• Unsupervised training. Amateurs and children need supervision when on the golf course. Someone could injure themselves by maintaining a bad posture or get hit by the golf club by standing close to a player. 
• Not warming up or cooling down. Your routine before and after playing golf determines your performance and injury risks. It is essential to warm up before playing to prepare your muscles for an intense workout and to cool down after golfing to minimise injury risks. Also, stretching is critical in preventing damage to tissues and tendons 
• Existing injury. Whenever you feel pain in the back, heels, or shoulders, it is essential to get it checked out before playing golf. Having an existing injury will affect your performance and increase your chances of injuring yourself further. Also, you risk causing further damage to the area and may require a longer time to recover.

Tips for preventing injuries while golfing 

Here is what to do to avoid injuries while golfing:

• Use standard golfing equipment, including a golf club, apparel, and shoes. 
• Protect yourself from the sun by wearing sunglasses or sunscreen while on the golf course. 
• Include insect repellent in your golfing supplies to prevent bites from bugs and insects. 
• Ensure you hydrate properly before and after playing golf. You can carry water and other fluids to the golf course while avoiding drinking alcoholic drinks before playing.
• Learn golfing techniques and the best practices to stay safe. No one should stand nearby when swinging. 
• Follow the safety rules when driving the golf cart to prevent accidents.
• If the climate is harsh, you should not play golf.
• You should always supervise children on the golf course and avoid putting hands in holes.

David Radar, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.