Playing Hurt....

Very often folks who come to me for lesson one, answer my question regarding their physical situation, with a long list of past and present concerns. I need to understand if they have any limitations, but beyond that knowledge, I begin, I do not continue down the injury road.

So many lesson takers speak on and on about their physical or overall health issues. I don't think they truly understand that pretty much everyone has a multitude of issues. We've all lived life, have learned that it's rare to experience a perfect golf day: weather great, health at its peak, golf course in great condition and our swing at the apex of shot making capabilities. Most golfers and especially Tour Players, rarely have a day that is not dealing with pain or discomfort.

There are ways to deal with health concerns. By adjusting swing path from upright to a little flatter or the reverse, trying to hold the shot rather than release, adjusting stance and or footwork. These swing adjustments can truly alleviate pain and help us to make a good swing.

I have worked with blind golfers, another earlier blog, players minus one or two limbs, stroke victims and much more. It's always uplifting and heartwarming to experience these sessions, and it always proves to me that the human experience certainly contains victory over obstacles!

As I mentioned earlier, even for a simple "golfer's elbow injury", try adjusting your swing plane. It's allowed, and you can do so while maintaining proper swing mechanics. If it isn't plane or path, maybe it's ball flight laws, making the ball turn right to left rather than left to right. Blade angle at impact, width of stance, ball placement within that stance, they all move the "hurt" points; the moments where the pain says hello and we jump. If we can mitigate those spots, you win!

New lesson bookings at The Golf Place are currently paused.