Orthopedic Specialist Tips: Fundamentals of a Safe Golf Swing

To become a better golfer, you’ll need a more developed golf swing. It may seem obvious, but many people try to just hit the ball as far as they can without learning the fundamentals, much to the dismay of your local orthopedic doctor.

A swing is a complex series of movements that if performed incorrectly can lead to poor results, or worse – injury! Before your next golf outing, make sure you follow the basic principles involve in a safe golf swing. That spine specialist will be thanking you.

The Setup

There are a few things you can do to make your setup safe. Hand, arm, and knee placement can all dictate a safe swing. You should feel comfortable prior to beginning your swing. Awkward setup may lead to an uncomfortable rest of your swing and potential injury.

• Hands: Your hand positioning should allow your wrists to move freely
• Arms: Your arms should be straight, but relaxed
• Knees: Slightly bend your knees

The Backswing

Once you’ve readied your posture, it’s time to begin your swing. A key piece of information to keep in mind throughout your swing: you always want to keep your non-dominant arm straight. This means if you are right-handed, your left arm should remain straight as you bring your arms back. The opposite is true if you are left-handed.

Your body weight will drop to your back foot as you bring the club back until it is above your head and your shoulder nearly touches your chin. At this point, your spine and hips should be twisted with your wrists cocked at 90 degrees. Here, your backswing comes to an end and you transition into your downswing.

The Downswing + Impact

If you have completed a proper backswing, your club should be overhead and ready for the downswing. Keep your wrists cocked and transfer your bodyweight to your lead foot as you rotate your shoulders and hips. The club will swing downward and strike the ball as you release your wrists.

The Finish

Continue to rotate your spine, hips, and shoulder, and completely shift your bodyweight to your lead foot as you follow through your swing. Your back foot should rotate towards the target and be just barely on your toes. If you have rotated the rest of your body correctly, you should now be facing your target.

Now that you know the essentials of a golf swing, you are ready to start practicing! It will take some time to refine each step, but once you do, you will be a polished golfer with a safe swing.

In the unfortunate circumstance that you do become injured, you'll want to see a sports medicine or orthopedic specialist. Learn more about our orthopedic surgeons in Nashville, TN and Franklin, TN, and book an appointment at an Elite Sports Medicine and Orthopedics location nearest you.