Even though summer has come to an end, there’s still time to get out on the course. One of the fascinating aspects of golf is that there are always changes and improvements golfers can make to improve the power and accuracy of their swings. It’s truly a sport that can take a lifetime to master.
“People forget that hitting balls on the range often is more taxing than going out on the course because it involves a lot of repetitive hitting with little break between shots. Golfers typically will hit more balls on the range than they will in a typical round,” said Amanda Feeney, DPT, OCS, physical therapy lead at Summit Orthopedics. “Be mindful of how many balls you are hitting, especially if you are coming back from an injury.”
As you head out during golf season, here are a few tips to help you improve your game — without injury.
Ways to Improve Your Golf Game
Common Injuries That Hold Golfers Back
Golfers are prone to various injuries. The shoulders, elbows, knees, and hips can all develop injuries from overuse or improper form and technique. This is especially true early in the season, as golfers come back to the game after not playing for a while. Beginning each session with a good warmup, and including stretching and strengthening exercises in your day-to-day activity, is key.
Golf Posture Improvement
Your golf swing begins with your stance, and proper posture is essential for both performance and injury prevention. A lack of alignment or poor weight distribution can throw off your entire swing and place unnecessary strain on your back, shoulders, and hips. One common mistake golfers make is adopting a “C posture” — rounding the upper back and collapsing the chest at setup — which limits mobility and reduces power. Instead, focus on hinging at the hips while keeping your spine neutral and your chest open. This positioning allows for a more fluid and controlled swing. If you struggle with posture or balance during your setup, working with a physical therapist — especially one familiar with golf biomechanics — can help correct movement patterns, improve mobility, and build the strength you need for a consistent swing.
Don’t Over do It: Golf Injury Prevention
Once the weather turns nice, it’s tempting to play a round whenever you can. But some of the most common golf injuries — from rotator cuff strains to the dreaded tennis or golfer’s elbow — are the result of overuse. Start slowly, and build up your stamina. And if pain lingers or worsens after a game, Summit Orthopedics’ walk-in Orthopedic Urgent Care clinics are here to help evaluate and treat injuries before they become long-term setbacks.
Improve Your Range of Motion
Tightness in your muscles and joints can significantly limit your motion, making it difficult to achieve a full backswing or a smooth follow-through. For an effective and powerful golf swing, you need adequate flexibility and the ability to rotate through your shoulders, spine, and hips without restriction. When your range of motion is limited, it can lead to compensations in your swing mechanics—resulting in off-target shots, reduced distance, or even injury over time. Incorporating regular range-of-motion exercises into your routine, especially those focused on the thoracic spine, hips, and shoulders, can improve your flexibility, enhance swing efficiency, and help keep your ball consistently in the fairway.
When to See a Specialist for Golf Pain
A physical therapist can help you get the most enjoyment out of this year’s golf season with an expert evaluation of your balance, posture, strength, and flexibility. Best of all, a physical therapist will be able to tailor a series of exercises to help you address any issues and make sure you are ready to play.
Physical therapy can help golfers, according to Feeney. “You might not be able to assume the correct posture because of weakness or tightness, and TPI-certified golf physical therapists at Summit are able to screen specifically for those issues and administer treatment,” Feeney said.
Here’s to developing your best golf swing — and having the greatest golf season yet.
