Buzzin Golf

Golf is seen as a leisurely activity, yet, according to the latest research conducted by The British College of Osteopathic Medicine (BCOM), into the injuries sustained by amateur golfers, the sport may not be as stress free as many of us imagined, particularly for women.  Over half (55%) of all respondents questioned reported injuries, with 50% of the female population questioned reporting injury compared to only 44% of the male population questioned.

The results of the study confirm that golfers commonly sustain injuries; the lower back being the most commonly injured area, however, the knee was the most frequently injured area with female golfers (29%).

Of the injuries sustained by both male and female golfers, 58% were significant enough to require treatment, with the most commonly sought help being their GP. However, physiotherapists were more commonly consulted by the female participants. Overall, Osteopathy was reported as providing the most effective treatment. Of those seeking treatment, 29% of those visited an Osteopath, which had the highest ‘mean response’ to treatment with the average of 4 (3.97) on a scale of 1-5, with 5 being ‘strongly agreed that treatment aided recovery’. The ‘mean response’ to the GP visit dropped to an average of 3 (2.92) on the same scale, and 3 (3.06) for visits to other health care professionals, such as those offering acupuncture, homeopathy, chiropody and hospital.

The survey also demonstrated a significant difference between age group and knowledge of Osteopathy, with 43% of the participants having a basic knowledge of Osteopathy having a mean age of 53 years. Those who did not know of Osteopathy had a younger mean age of 49. Whilst the survey showed a significant difference in knowledge of Osteopathy between age groups, there was no significant difference between male and female respondents.

As to possible reasons why female amateurs sustained more injuries than their male counterparts, these could be that the male respondents of the survey were generally younger, with a lower mean handicap in comparison to the female participants. Yet the female respondents played on average four rounds per month more than male respondents and also had a greater number of years experience. One reason may be that the majority of women (44%) reported never having warmed up prior to play, whereas 49% of men responding reported sometimes warming up prior to play.

The research also showed that the most popular means of golf club transportation with women amateur golfers was by electric trolley (84%), whereas most male golfers pulled a standard trolley (46%). Furthermore, none of the female respondents reported carrying a double strap golf bag because of their use of the electric trolley, compared to 20% of men.

Tilly Vesely, the report’s author, said, “It’s really no surprise that golfing causing injuries that warrant the attention of a healthcare professional; contrary to popular belief, golf requires the use of nearly every muscle in the body, from the intrinsic musculature of the foot to the deep muscles of the neck. The satisfaction of treatment, however, was markedly increased with Osteopathy, compared to other treatments.”

Ironically, however, exercise was the most common advice suggested to those seeking help from all healthcare providers (GPs, Osteopaths, Physiotherapist, and Chiropractor).

A Survey of Golfing Injuries

The research paper, ‘A Survey of Golfing Injuries’ was conducted by BCOM final year Masters student, Tilly Vesely. A total of 300 questionnaires were sent to randomly selected golfers.