While the first nice day of late spring may tempt you to a full day’s game, it is wise to start slowly and expand your golfing activities gradually.  For example, you may begin with a few trips to the driving range.  It is beneficial to start with a few wedges and work your way through the middle irons and then on to your woods.  This will help maintain a good tempo before gripping and ripping it with the driver.  Think 85%! 

If you have sustained injuries, physical limitations or changes in posture over the long winter months, be sure that these situations have been addressed and are fully resolved before the start of the golfing season.  Remember that a golf swing is a complicated physical action, which requires proper posture and neck, shoulder, back and hip joints which work well with no restrictions.

On the day of a game, you can warm up using any routine you’re comfortable with.  But be sure to include a few stretches to prepare your body for the swing.  Stretch arms and shoulders, wrists, rotate the trunk, stretch hips, hamstrings, calves and lower back.

As you play the game, be kind to your back!  When lifting your clubs, be sure to use good posture and bend your knees.  If you carry your clubs on the course, switch shoulders frequently.  If you are still carrying a bag with one strap, it might be beneficial to invest in a bag with a dual strap.  This will allow for less strain on the shoulders and lower back. When you pick up a flagstick, tee a ball or remove a ball from the hole, be sure to squat and bend your knees.  Bending straight from the waist can hurt your back.