Article - Golfing For That One Great Shot

What do you think of when you hear the word "golf"? Outdoors, exercise and a chance to be with friends are a few things that might come to mind. Or you might think of athletics, challenging terrain and the 'one great shot' that keeps you coming back. If you believe that golf is no longer a sport you can enjoy due to arthritis or other physical challenges, you might be very surprised. Golf is a low intensity exercise and a very adaptable sport. It could actually enhance your physical well being, bringing pleasure and relaxation to you once again.

You may have to think about the sport a little differently. In order to be more comfortable, you can modify your clubs, use some adaptive equipment and change your mental attitude towards the game. Play for fun, not the lowest score. Choose the easiest approach for your joints. Plan ahead to make the course more accessible. Be ready to play.

The staff at Dynamic-Living.com has researched adaptive equipment and organizations that can provide you with a good start to restoring your game. Of course, check with your doctor or physical therapist before beginning any exercise program.

Before you play:

• Work with a physical or occupational therapist to develop a conditioning program to get you ready to play.

• Take golf lessons with someone who caters to teaching people with physical challenges (ask at your local golf equipment supplier or pro shop). They can advise you about special aids or techniques to help make the experience less physically stressful.

• Prepare your equipment before you arrive at the golf course. The clubs should be clean, and the golf bag filled with tees, gloves, water, sunscreen, hat and a protein snack if you might need it.

• Arrive at the course early so you have enough time to get your equipment ready and warm up your muscles. Walk around for a few minutes and allow at least 10 minutes for stretching out your hamstrings (back of your thighs), your back and upper torso, and other areas that are normally tight for you, like the muscles in your calf or shoulders. In addition to the stretches, take 15 or more practice swings before the first tee, increasing the arc of the swing with each one.

• Schedule your tee time when it is less crowded, so that you don't feel pressured to move more quickly than you are able to.

Spare your body:

• Bring along only the clubs you use most frequently.

• Use a golf bag with wheels or rent a motorized golf cart.

• Always use a tee to avoid striking the ground and jarring your joints.

• Play within your limits. Rest or stop if you are tired.

Adaptive equipment:

• Consider the club you use. A lightweight graphite club shafts help with shock absorption. A longer putter will let you putt in a more upright stance. Build up the grip on the club with tape or have an oversized grip installed at your equipment supplier or pro shop, making it easier to hold. Specialty clubs are available with angles that can accommodate most swings.

• Alleviate the bending required to play a ball. Adaptive equipment is available that eliminates the need to bend to place your tee or to pick up your ball.

• Keep warm. Use disposable heat packs to keep your hands flexible or feet from aching when there's a chill in the air. Most of these hot pockets last for several hours.

• Many public golf courses offer adapted golf carts for persons with disabilities, including a swivel seat for entering, exiting or even playing directly from the cart.

Playing golf with a disability is not all that unusual. The United States Golf Association has approved modified rules of golf for golfers with disabilities, like amputees, people who are blind and people with mobility issues. The USGA Resource Center for Individuals with Disabilities, has a database you can search for additional help. Or you can contact the National Amputee Golf Association at www.nagagolf.org for more information. Modified rules, adaptive equipment and a flexible attitude will all help you enjoy teeing off once again.

© Copyright 2004 Dynamic Living, Inc.
Dynamic Living Newsletter may only be redistributed in its unedited form. Written permission from the editor must be obtained to reprint or cite the information contained within this newsletter.

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