Over the course of a long winter, muscles essential for golfing motions can tighten up. Without the proper preparation, the likelihood for injury during a round of golf is much greater. Common golf injuries, according to Fry, are back and shoulder muscle strains or pulls. Fry suggests that golfers strengthen their stomachs and hamstrings, which link to the lower back. He also suggests the use of a weighted club in the offseason that can be swung lightly inside a person's garage or basement.
Preventive maintenance is the best way to avoid injuries.
John Guipe, golf pro at Maplecrest Country Club in Goshen, also suggests swinging a weighted club and says golfers should avoid going straight to the course after a long layoff. You need to go to the range first and get some of the kinks worked out. The number of recommended trips to the driving range varies depending on the golfer's ability and desire to improve, Guipe said. Getting better takes plenty of patience. Fry says that work on the short game should not be neglected.