Last Updated: 28 August 2026

Introduction

Golf is often regarded as a relatively low-risk sport, but injuries are still common enough to deserve attention. The majority are not caused by dramatic accidents. Instead, many develop gradually through repeated swings, overuse, poor technique, inadequate preparation or a previous injury that has not fully recovered.

Research also shows that golf has a relatively low injury rate compared with many contact and high-impact sports. A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis covering 269,754 golfing exposures estimated an overall rate of approximately 2.5 injuries per 1,000 18-hole rounds. Among amateur golfers, the pooled estimate was approximately 1.3 injuries per 1,000 18-hole rounds. The researchers cautioned that relatively few studies were available, so these figures should be treated as estimates rather than an exact rate for every golfer or course.

So, what actually causes the most injuries?

The Lower Back Is the Most Common Problem Area

The lower back is consistently identified as one of the most frequently affected areas in golf.

Research reviewing injuries in amateur golfers has found that the spine, particularly the lower back, accounts for approximately 18.3% to 36.4% of reported injuries, depending on the study and how injuries were recorded. The elbow, wrist and hand, and shoulder are also commonly affected.

A separate survey of 1,634 amateur golfers found that the lower back was the most frequently injured area. Of the injuries recorded in that study, approximately 24.9% were located in the lower back, followed by the elbow at 15.3% and the shoulder at 9.4%.

This does not mean that every golfer will develop a back injury. It demonstrates that the repeated rotational movement involved in the golf swing places considerable demands on the spine.

Why Does Golf Put Stress on the Back?

The golf swing involves rapid rotation of the pelvis and upper body while the golfer maintains control of the club and transfers force through the body.

Repeating this movement hundreds of times during practice and play can place considerable stress on the muscles and structures of the lower back. Research identifies the rotational, compressive and shear forces generated during the swing as factors that may contribute to lower-back problems.

The problem can become greater when a golfer suddenly increases their workload. For example, someone who normally plays once a week but spends several hours on the driving range hitting hundreds of balls may expose their body to substantially more repetitive movement than it is accustomed to.

In one study of amateur golfers with golf-related lower-back injuries, 46.9% attributed the injury to a poor swing, while 24.5% identified overuse as the cause.

Poor Technique Is an Important Risk Factor

Poor technique does not necessarily mean that a golfer has a “bad swing”. Small problems with movement, posture, balance or timing can become significant when repeated over hundreds or thousands of swings.

Examples include:

  • Excessive rotation through the lower back.
  • Poor posture at address.
  • Insufficient hip or thoracic mobility.
  • Losing balance during the swing.
  • Trying to generate excessive power.
  • Continuing to swing despite pain or fatigue.

This is one reason that simply playing more golf is not always the best way to improve. Technical instruction can help identify inefficient movements and reduce unnecessary physical stress.

Golfers experiencing persistent pain should not attempt to diagnose the cause themselves. A suitably qualified healthcare professional can assess the problem and provide appropriate advice.

Overuse and Repetition

Overuse is another major contributor to golf injuries.

Unlike a single traumatic incident, an overuse injury can develop gradually. Repeatedly loading the same muscles, tendons and joints without sufficient recovery can eventually cause pain and reduced function.

Common areas affected by overuse include:

  • Lower back: Repeated rotation and loading during the swing can contribute to persistent pain.
  • Elbow: Repetitive gripping and swinging can contribute to conditions commonly referred to as golfer’s elbow or tennis elbow, depending on the affected structures.
  • Wrist and hand: Repeated impact and gripping can place considerable demands on the wrists and hands.
  • Shoulder: Repeated rotation and movement through the swing can contribute to shoulder problems.

A systematic review found that the elbow accounted for approximately 8%–33%, while the wrist and hand accounted for approximately 10%–32% of reported injuries in amateur golfers across the studies reviewed.

Previous Injuries Matter

A golfer who has already suffered an injury may be at greater risk of experiencing another problem. In one Australian survey of golfers with lower-back injuries, 77.2% reported having previously experienced a lower-back injury.

This is an important reason not to simply “play through” persistent pain. Returning to golf before an injury has properly recovered can alter the way a person swings, walks or moves around the course, potentially placing additional stress on other parts of the body.

A gradual return to normal activity is generally more appropriate than immediately returning to the same level of practice or play, particularly following a significant injury.

Age, Fitness and Physical Preparation

Golf can be enjoyed throughout life, but physical capacity can change with age. Reduced flexibility, strength or balance may make certain movements more demanding than they once were, although this does not mean older golfers should avoid the sport. Golf can still provide valuable physical activity and social benefits.

Preparation should instead reflect the individual. For example, someone returning to golf after several months away may be better starting with a gradual warm-up and a smaller number of controlled shots rather than immediately hitting a large bucket of balls at full power. This gives the body time to adapt. Research involving amateur golfers has also identified age, osteoarthritis and previous injury as factors associated with increased injury risk.

Slips, Trips and Falls

Not all golf injuries are caused by the swing. Golf courses can present hazards such as slopes, steps, bunkers, wet grass, bridges, exposed tree roots and uneven surfaces, meaning an injury can occur without a shot ever being played. Falls may result in sprains, fractures, bruising or head injuries.

The risk can increase in poor weather, particularly when grass, paths or steps become wet or icy. Wearing suitable footwear, taking extra care on slopes and following course instructions can help reduce the likelihood of a fall. Golfers should also avoid rushing between shots and remain aware of the ground, particularly when carrying or pulling clubs and other equipment.

Being Hit by a Golf Ball

Being struck by a golf ball is potentially one of the most serious hazards on a golf course, although it is not generally regarded as the main cause of golf’s musculoskeletal injuries.

A poorly directed shot can travel towards another fairway, tee, green or maintenance area.

The safest approach is to make sure the area ahead is clear before playing. If a shot has been struck towards another person, the golfer should immediately shout “Fore!” and anyone in the potential path of the ball should protect themselves.

Golfers should also avoid standing close to someone who is swinging a club, particularly in practice areas.

Heat, Dehydration and Sun Exposure

A round of golf can take several hours, meaning golfers may spend a prolonged period outside in direct sunlight.

Hot conditions can contribute to dehydration and heat-related illness, while repeated exposure to ultraviolet radiation can cause sunburn and contribute to longer-term skin damage.

Practical precautions include drinking water regularly, using suitable sunscreen, wearing a hat and taking breaks in shaded areas where possible.

Players should be particularly cautious when temperatures are high or when they are not accustomed to exercising in warm conditions.

Golf Buggies and Vehicle-Related Injuries

Golf buggies introduce another potential source of injury. Collisions, loss of control, falls from the vehicle and overturning can occur, particularly when buggies are driven too quickly or over terrain that is unsuitable for their use.

Wet grass, steep slopes and loose or uneven surfaces can reduce traction and make the buggy more difficult to control. Anyone using a buggy should follow the individual golf club’s rules, remain within the permitted passenger and weight limits, use seatbelts where fitted and adjust their speed to the terrain and weather conditions.

How Can Golf Injuries Be Prevented?

There is no way to eliminate every injury risk from golf, but several practical measures can reduce avoidable problems. Good preparation, sensible training, appropriate equipment and awareness of changing course conditions can all help golfers manage the physical demands of the game.

Prepare Before Playing

A few minutes of progressive movement before playing can prepare the body for the activity ahead. Rather than immediately hitting full-power drives, start with gentle movements and shorter swings before gradually increasing intensity. This gives the muscles and joints time to adjust and can help avoid placing sudden demands on the body.

Build Up Gradually

Avoid sudden increases in the amount of golf you play or practise. If you normally play one round a week, several hundred full-power practice swings in a single session may represent a substantial increase in workload. Increase your playing and practice volume gradually, particularly after a period away from the game.

Improve Technique

Professional instruction can help identify movement patterns that may be contributing to discomfort or inefficient movement. A qualified golf professional can also help with posture, swing mechanics and other aspects of technique that may place unnecessary strain on the body.

Develop Strength and Mobility

Maintaining strength, balance and mobility can help support the physical demands of golf. Training should be appropriate to the individual and their current fitness rather than based on a generic exercise programme. Players returning after an injury or prolonged break should consider whether additional professional guidance is appropriate.

Take Pain Seriously

Muscle fatigue after exercise is not the same as persistent or worsening pain. Pain that continues, repeatedly returns or affects normal movement should be assessed rather than ignored. Continuing to play through an injury can sometimes alter movement patterns and place additional stress on other parts of the body.

Look After Your Equipment

Clubs and footwear should be kept in suitable condition. Worn grips, damaged equipment or inappropriate footwear can affect control and stability. Golf shoes should provide suitable grip for the conditions, particularly when playing on wet or uneven ground.

Consider the Course Conditions

Wet grass, frost, extreme heat and strong winds can all change the risks associated with playing. Adjust your behaviour accordingly and follow temporary restrictions introduced by the course. For example, a club may restrict buggy use after heavy rainfall or close particular areas when ground conditions become unsafe.

How Common Are Golf Injuries?

The available figures need to be interpreted carefully because different studies define and record “injury” differently.

A 2024 systematic review found an overall pooled incidence of approximately 2.5 injuries per 1,000 18-hole rounds, with an estimated 1.3 per 1,000 rounds among amateurs.

Looking at lifetime experience rather than individual rounds produces much larger numbers. A 2024 systematic review of 20 studies involving 9,221 golfers found lifetime injury prevalence of 56.6% among amateur golfers and 73.5% among professional golfers. Professionals also had significantly higher lifetime prevalence of hand/wrist and lower-back injuries.

These figures are not contradictory. A golfer may experience an injury at some point during their playing life while the probability of suffering an injury during any particular round remains relatively low.

So, what causes the most golf injuries?

The evidence does not point to one single cause such as poor technique or overuse. In many cases, injuries develop through a combination of factors. For example, a golfer may have limited hip mobility, use an inefficient swing, suddenly increase their practice volume and continue playing despite early discomfort. Together, these factors can increase the physical strain placed on the body.

For many golfers, repetitive loading and overuse, combined with technique, physical condition and previous injury, are likely to be more important contributors than sudden accidents. The lower back is consistently reported as one of the most commonly affected areas, with injuries also frequently involving the elbow, wrist and hand, and shoulder.

Conclusion

Golf has a relatively low injury incidence compared with many sports, but injuries can still affect players of all abilities.

The evidence consistently identifies the lower back as a major problem area, with overuse, repetitive movement and swing mechanics among the factors that can contribute. Other common problems affect the elbow, wrist, hand and shoulder, while falls, golf-ball strikes, buggy incidents and environmental conditions create additional risks.

The most effective approach is not to stop playing. It is to play intelligently: prepare properly, build activity gradually, develop good technique, maintain physical fitness, pay attention to pain and adapt to the conditions on the course.

Golf is a sport that can be enjoyed for decades. Taking sensible steps to manage injury risks can help make sure that a round remains enjoyable rather than becoming the reason you have to take one off.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. If you experience persistent pain or injury, consult a qualified medical professional.

Content reviewed and updated for accuracy on 28 August 2026 by Glyn Hughes, BSc (Hons), CMIOSH, CMaPS, ACQI, NEBOSH (Gen, Env & Fire).

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