Full Swing

Back sufferers lose distance because of weakness and loss of flexibility, so they compensate by using a shorter back swing, coming down steeply from the outside resulting in lots of slices and striking the ground. Ouch! Very bad for backs. So take a shallow angle of approach and allow your hip to turn with your shoulders. Turn your grip so that the V made by your thumb and forefinger points towards the rear shoulder.

Work on a swing that draws the ball with the club head going away from you as you hit the ball i.e. from inside to outside as you swing. Use a closed stance with your toes turned out slightly. Allow your forward heel to lift during the back swing and your hips to turn with your shoulders.

Keep your back straight, aim to the right, draw the ball and finish with your body vertically, hips and shoulders facing the same way.

Chipping

Keep your back straight, stand tall, grip at the top of the club, flex your knees rather than your back and play with the ball back. Use the whole body to swing. Practice in shorter sessions with a variety of shots to vary the pressures on the back.

Bunker

Keep the ball back in the stance and swing easily, chipping / pitching style the ball and turning the whole body.

Putting

This puts a big strain on the back because of the prolonged slight bending. Buy a long putter. Keep the top of the long putter next to your sternum (chest bone) with one hand at the top and the other about halfway down.

General Tips

Look at longer shafted clubs, this also increases head speed and distance. Graphite reduces shock by absorbing the shock and soft spiked shoes also absorb shock. Walk rather than ride a buggy and always use a trolley.

Lifting Clubs

Use your legs not your waist to bend. Keep your bag close to your body. Keep your body square to your bag. Lift by standing, using your legs. To pick your ball up, squat or use a suction cup. Play shorter games i.e. 9 holes! Remember, after exercise, use cold / ice to keep inflammation down. You are already wearing the world’s best back support in the form of your back and abdominal muscles, so look after them!