Getting fit for golf - rather than using golf to get fit - will improve your performance and enjoyment of the game.

Back pain is a common complaint among golfers - and there are key factors to watch out for to ensure you minimise the risk of injury - and maximise your game:

• Previous occupational and domestic injuries that are aggravated by golf, e.g. prolonged sitting in a car or at a desk; poor seating at home; gardening or poor lifting techniques
• Prolonged bending during practise
• Prolonged practising
• Weak muscle groups related to golf e.g. abdominal muscles, Latissimus dorsi and lower Trapezius
• Predisposing pathology e.g. arthritis, disc lesions, history of back pain
• Excessively forceful movements during the follow-through stage in your swing
• Constant flexing and straightening up after taking your shot
• Picking up practise balls without bending your knees
• Slow competition e.g. prolonged standing while waiting for the group who are playing the hole in front
• Poor lifting, handling and assembling techniques with golf bag and buggy
• Repeated twisting component involved in swing geometry
• Most notably, not carrying out preventative stretches prior, during and after playing golf.