Golf might look like a relaxed day out on the course, but anyone who plays regularly knows it’s tougher on the body than it seems. Hours of walking, twisting, swinging, and repeating the same motion over and over can take a toll—especially if your swing mechanics aren’t quite right. That’s why even though golf isn’t a contact sport, injuries are surprisingly common among players of all ages and skill levels.

Let’s break down some of the most common golf-related injuries you might face—and what you can do to keep yourself healthy and playing longer.

1. Lower Back Pain

Ask any golfer about aches and pains, and chances are the lower back will come up first. The golf swing demands a lot of twisting power, which puts stress on the spine and core muscles. Without proper flexibility or conditioning, this can lead to strains or even disc issues. A strong core and good posture are your best defense here.

2. Shoulder Strains

Shoulders take on a lot of the load in both the backswing and follow-through. Rotator cuff injuries, tendonitis, or impingement are common if you’re playing often or swinging too aggressively. If you’ve ever felt that sharp pinch at the top of your swing, your shoulders might be telling you it’s time to stretch, strengthen, or slow things down.

3. Elbow Trouble

“Golfer’s elbow” has the sport in its name for a reason. It’s caused by repetitive gripping and swinging, which inflames the tendons on the inside of the elbow. Some players also develop “tennis elbow,” which affects the outside. Either way, you’ll notice soreness, tenderness, and weaker grip strength. The fix? Smarter practice sessions, proper grip techniques, and rest when you need it.

4. Wrist and Hand Injuries

The wrists absorb a lot of shock when making contact with the ball—or worse, the ground. That stress can lead to tendonitis, sprains, or even small fractures. If you’ve ever felt a sting after chunking a shot, you know what this feels like. Using clubs that fit your swing and building wrist strength can help protect these smaller joints.

5. Knee Issues

Even though golf looks upper-body dominant, your knees are heavily involved in rotation and stability. Players with arthritis or previous injuries often struggle with knee pain after walking 18 holes. Meniscus tears and ligament sprains aren’t rare either. Supportive braces and leg-strengthening exercises can help keep your knees steady through the swing.

6. Neck Strain

Neck stiffness may not sound as serious as a back injury, but it can be just as frustrating. Poor posture while setting up over the ball or constantly craning to follow your shot can lead to tightness. Regular stretching and mindful posture checks go a long way here.

Keeping Your Game Pain-Free

Golf is about precision and patience—but the body still absorbs plenty of wear and tear. Most injuries come down to overuse, bad habits, or skipping warm-ups. A little conditioning, stretching, and attention to technique can keep you pain-free and enjoying the game for years to come.

So next time you’re out on the course, remember: protecting your body is just as important as shaving strokes off your scorecard.