Virginia Golfer article, October 2005

HEALTH MATTERS

Carry On with the Correct Posture

by Dr. David A. Berv

Golfers wonder if there are any physical advantages associated with carrying their clubs during a round.

While looping may promote physical endurance, golfers often cancel their efforts by protruding their head forward while walking and standing in order to balance the weight of the clubs on their shoulders.

Such compensatory measures promote a common golf postural tendency, causing the head to be positioned forward at address and through the swing plane. Furthermore, this action restricts neck, shoulder and torso rotation, as well as disrupting the correct spine angle needed for consistent contact.

To fix this error, try this exercise that can be done in your car on the way to the course:

Step 1: Pull the headrest of your car seat to its highest position so that most of your head is touching the area.

Step 2: Tuck your chin and gently push directly back against the headrest while imagining a glass of water on your head. Keep your eyes on plane.

Step 3: Without “spilling the water,” continue to push back against the headrest, hold the position for five seconds, slowly release and repeat the action 10 times.

This exercise will recondition your sense of neck posture, your spine angle and ultimately improve your game.