73.5% of professional golfers and 56.6% of amateurs risk a musculoskeletal injury over a lifetime: figures from a 2024 review cited by the AAOS, and they dispel the idea of golf as a sport without risk.
Golf is considered a gentle sport, yet the movement that defines it, the swing, is repeated dozens of times in every round and always in the same way. Here is the general guidance of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) on the most frequent injuries and how to reduce the risk. It is not medical advice: if pain persists or you have doubts about your health, consult a doctor or a physiotherapist.
Why people get hurt: overuse
The AAOS explains that most golf injuries stem from overuse: repeating the same movement keeps stressing the same muscles, tendons and joints, and over time the damage appears. The ankle, elbow, spine, knee, hip, hand and wrist can all be involved. Golfers most often complain of tenderness or numbness in the hands, followed by pain in the shoulder, back and knee. According to the review in the British Journal of Sports Medicine (March 2024) cited by the AAOS, the lifetime risk affects 56.6% of amateurs; some studies point to a higher risk for those who play more than three or four rounds a week.
The three most common problems
Back. For the AAOS, back pain is the most frequent complaint, accounting for up to 34% of all injuries according to a study by the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences. The rotational forces of the swing put pressure on the spine and its muscles; the cause may be a faulty swing, but poor flexibility and little strength can also produce small strains that turn serious. Recommended exercises include rowing and pull-downs with a resistance band (three sets of ten repetitions, at least three times a week), plus yoga and pilates for core strength.
Golfer's elbow. This is medial epicondylitis, the second most common injury in golf: inflammation of the tendons that connect the forearm muscles to the inside of the elbow, caused by repeated movements, with pain on the inner side of the elbow. The AAOS suggests strengthening the forearm muscles and slowing the swing, to reduce the shock to the arm when the ball is struck; exercises such as squeezing an old tennis ball for five minutes, wrist curls and reverse wrist curls with a light dumbbell, four sets of ten per side, three times a week, even in the off-season.
Wrist and hand. Tendinitis and carpal tunnel syndrome can appear, and numbness in the hand is among the most frequent complaints.
The warm-up, step by step
The AAOS recommends it always before the round: a warm-up sends more blood to the muscles and raises their temperature. Begin with simple stretches for the shoulders, back and legs, then hit a few balls on the practice range, starting with the wedges and working up to the driver. General rules on stretching, again according to the AAOS: warm up before stretching (stretching cold muscles can cause injuries), stretch slowly without bouncing, hold each position for 10 to 30 seconds and do not push through pain. Stretching at the end of activity, while the muscles are still warm, reduces the risk.
The swing and technique
The AAOS points out that back pain can depend on a faulty swing. A lesson with a teaching professional, with video analysis or measuring devices, is something many clubs offer. The Golf Club Courmayeur has a Golf School led by a coordinator who specialises in swing analysis with TrackMan; the Asolo Golf Club has hosted a federation academy since 2003; the Panorama Golf Varese mentions individual and group lessons with video swing analysis; the Golf Academy at Is Molas uses TrackMan and video analysis. A lesson is no guarantee against injury, but correcting the movement goes in the direction the AAOS indicates.
On the course: the safety rules people forget
- Water. Hydrate before, during and after play, even when not thirsty; alcohol contributes to dehydration.
- Sun. Sunscreen, sunglasses that filter UVA and UVB, a cap with a visor.
- Thunderstorms. At the first sign, look for a sturdy building or an enclosed vehicle; avoid open ground, small shelters and trees.
- Golf carts. Keep your feet inside the vehicle: some players have broken an ankle with a foot under a moving cart.
- Balls. Pay attention to what is happening around you: soft tissue can be injured by a ball strike.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common golf injury?+
For the AAOS it is back pain, which according to a cited Norwegian study accounts for up to 34% of injuries; golfer's elbow comes second.
What is golfer's elbow?+
Medial epicondylitis: an inflammation of the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the inside of the elbow, caused by repeated movements. It brings pain and tenderness on the inner side of the elbow.
How do you warm up before playing?+
With simple stretches for the shoulders, back and legs and then a few balls on the practice range, from wedges to driver, according to the AAOS.
Can you play with a sore back?+
It depends on the cause of the pain, and the answer belongs to a doctor. In general, the AAOS recommends not pushing through pain when it appears.
Do you need special shoes and equipment to avoid injuries?+
In its general guide to exercise, the AAOS recommends comfortable shoes with good support that do not cause blisters. For clubs, ask a teaching professional for advice.
Are people who play a lot at greater risk?+
According to some studies cited by the AAOS, amateurs who play more than three or four rounds a week have a higher risk than those who play less.
