With the Ryder Cup set to entice more people out onto the golf course, experts are urging golfers to take the proper precautions and avoid injury, writes Hélène Hofman
Golf is already one of Ireland's most popular sports, with 268,426 players of all ages, according to the Golfing Union of Ireland (GUI).
"People are playing at 85 or 95 years of age, as well as starting as young as eight. Anyone can play and once you've got the bug, that's it," says Teresa Thompson of the GUI's Leinster branch. "With the Ryder Cup I'd say there are a lot of people who haven't played in a while who will go back out and get that bug."
However, the increase in numbers has also resulted in more people needing treatment for golf- related injuries, particularly to the back, neck, shoulder and wrist. Most are caused by over-use, but others result from poor technique.
"We are seeing more and more golf injuries, especially in women," says Dr Pat O'Neill, chairman of the Royal College of Surgeon's Faculty of Sport and Exercise Science at the annual scientific meeting, which took place last Saturday. "This is most likely because the numbers playing golf have increased in the past few years, and there are far more women taking up the sport."
"The back tends to be one of the biggest problems because of the rotational movement involved in the swing," says O'Neill. Golfer's elbow, which is pain on the inner elbow, and tennis elbow, which is pain on the outer elbow, are also common injuries.
But there are a number of ways to cut down on injuries, including staying active off the course to maintain the strength and flexibility of muscles.
"The first thing for anyone playing golf is to be reasonably fit, and in a generally good physical condition. Then you need to check that your biomechanics and technique are right - that your stroke is in line. Then, it's important to maintain the flexibility of your hips and pelvis," says O'Neill.
According to Orlaith Buckley, chartered physiotherapist with the Golf Physiotherapy Clinic and the GUI, a simple warm-up to get your heart rate up before a game is also essential.
"Even just walking on the spot or taking a quick lap of the car park can warm you up and limit the risk of muscle damage," says Buckley.
She also recommends that anyone starting out or returning after a period away take at least two or three lessons from the club professional.
"People say Tiger Woods has a natural swing, but there really is no such thing. It's not something you're born with, it's a learned movement," says Buckley.
"With more people heading out onto the golf course, with business partners or husbands and wives, they're being taught by someone who has never taken a lesson themselves.
"It's important to get basic tuition from a PGA professional to get the fundamentals right and reduce the risk of injury."
Paul Thompson, a provincial coach with the GUI and professional with the Powerscourt Golf Club, agrees. "You have a better chance of preventing problems if you get lessons," says Thompson.
"It's something that must be done in an individual way and you need someone to tell you 'stand like this' and understand that some movements will put strain on your body.
"You can't get that from a textbook, it must be tailored to your personal limitations and aims.
"Injury limitation is always bottom of the agenda with players, because most players don't see any immediate benefit.
"It's something we're trying to get across in the union to young lads starting out.
"People are trying to get Tiger Woods's fast swings without realising how much work he puts into it and the physical training he goes through," Thompson says.
However, golf is ideal exercise for people of any age, and carries all the benefits associated with physical activity. "Injuries are the down side but not a reason to stop playing," says O'Neill.
"The positive side is the fact that you are active and then there's the social and recreation side. Better to have these injuries than a coronary artery disease because you never did anything. So we generally say 'take your injury and get on with it'.