Jesper Dahl, chiropractor and member of the British Chiropractic Association (BCA) supplies his top tips to keep you swinging, as well as the players, at this year’s Open Championship.
The Open Golf Championship is one of the sporting highlights of the British Summer and it is a time when many of us are inspired by the likes of Rory McIlroy and co to have a stab at the sport.
If you’ve been inspired to hit the fairways more this summer, or perhaps for the very first time, here are avid golfer, chiropractor, and BCA Member, Jesper Dahl’s top tips to keep any strains or injuries from getting between you and the perfect swing.
Jesper Dahl’s top tips for better golfing health:
- Warm Up: You’d be surprised to learn how many amateur golfers don’t warm up properly before hitting the course. Especially, when you notice how seriously the professionals take this part of their day. Spend a couple of minutes warming up before teeing off by mobilising your hip and shoulder girdles with some gentle side-bends and a few back-and-forth swings without a club in your hand. Similarly, slowly bend from the waist and push your hips forward a few times. All this allows both control and power to be ready for you at the first tee – and it helps prevent injuries.
- Perfect that swing: Now warm up your aim by getting your body used to the swinging motion before heading out on to the course. Head to the driving range and hit even just a few balls: Start with a half-swing, then three-quarters, and by the time you arrive at the first tee, you’re good to go.
- Shoe check: Stability is key when swinging through a 250-yard drive! There should be no excess movement in your shoes through the heel when you walk. Similarly, ensure your footwear doesn’t feel too loose or especially too tight through the front parts of the shoes; your toes need to be able to move.
- Hydrate: Come rain or shine, it’s vital to keep drinking while out on the course with an 18-hole game typically lasting around 4 hours. Pack plenty of fluids and remember to take regular sips – it’s easy to forget when you’re focused on making that birdie putt!
- Caddying: If you’re carrying your own clubs, ideally carry your golf bag on two shoulders like a rucksack to avoid lower back pain. Even better, use a golf trolley – and consider using an electric one. The less energy you use transporting your clubs, the more you can dedicate to your game.
Added to his top tips, Jesper says: “Golf is a fantastic sport for everyone, both young and old, but owing to its repetitive nature, it can put strain on certain parts of your body. The good news is that incorporating just a few quick and easy practices into your pre-game routine can make all the difference.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing walk with a purpose or strive to play like a seasoned pro, its important to take care of your body by warming up and considering a few sensible additions to your routines. It may well help improve the chances of a better score too.”
About the British Chiropractic Association:
The BCA is the largest and longest-standing association for chiropractors in the UK and has been named ‘Best Professional Body of the Year’ at the Memcom Excellence Awards 2022 for its Repositioning Project which has played a pivotal role in changing the healthcare landscape for the better. As well as promoting international standards of education and exemplary conduct, the BCA supports chiropractors to progress and develop to fulfil their professional ambitions with honour and integrity, at every step. The BCA is raising awareness about the rigour, relevance and evidence driving the profession and the association’s ambition for chiropractic to be more closely embedded within mainstream healthcare.
The BCA is the home for chiropractors who provide patient-centred, evidence-based care and offer full transparency to their patients. Through the Patient Charter BCA chiropractors provide reassurance to their patients and that they will empower them to make an informed decision about their treatment.
