In a previous article, I mentioned the advantages of playing golf. If I got you interested and you want to take up the game of golf, you need to know the kinds of pain that are connected with golf. Back aches, muscle aches, head aches, occasional stomach aches, blisters on the feet, blisters on the fingers—these are some of the body aches that you will experience.
Body pains. After excessive swings, too much bending and twisting—these will lead to back aches and muscle aches. Make sure you do some stretching before you head out to the golf course or practice at the range. The older you get and/or the heavier you get, the more frequent the pain arises, I think. There is a golf work out that you can do. It is very helpful. You need to contact a good chiropractor or a physical therapist, just in case you feel some pain and it becomes unbearable. You also need a good supply of medicine for muscle aches in your golf bag.
Headaches. Playing golf under the excessive heat of the sun may cause one to experience headaches. Mishitting a shot or missing a short putt may give you a headache too. Your playing partners can give you a headache as well. Even your caddy can be the cause of your headaches. Wife calling you or office staff calling you while you are playing can also give you a headache. Make sure you bring sufficient water and medicine, just in case you experience any kind of headache.
Blisters on your feet. When you buy new golf shoes, make sure that you soften the back part of the shoes first before using them. I do this by literally stepping down on the back portion to sort of flatten them thus, softening them. Golf shoes are made tough and durable so there is a possibility you may get blisters the first time you wear them. Wear thick comfortable socks because you will be walking for more than 3 hours.
Blisters on your fingers. If you are a beginner or if you have not played golf for a long time then decide to play again, you may get blisters on your palms and fingers. If you are holding the grip the wrong way, you will also get nasty blisters. You need to go to a golf pro to have your grip checked so you will know if you are doing it correctly, thus getting blisters in the right places. Make sure you have some medical plasters and band aids in your bag. It will come in handy, especially when you practice at the driving range.
Stomach Pains/Cramps. There have been times when a golfer experiences stomach pains. You spend at least 3 hours at the course, after breakfast or after lunch. And you may not have time to go to the bathroom before teeing off. You may feel uncomfortable during the game and it will affect your score. Pretty soon you get goose bumps and you start praying that you reach the halfway house or the tee house toilet very soon. Make sure you bring some tissue. Women may also experience stomach cramps during the game, and this is such a discomfort. Make sure you have a beltless napkin inside your ball bag, and don’t forget the medicine for stomach cramps.
I recommend that you bring a little snack, a banana or a power bar, just in case you get hungry in the middle of the game.
There are other kinds of pain—the pain of losing, the pain in the pocket, frustration, fatigue, embarrassment, humiliation, etc. After everything that I’ve mentioned today, all the pain and suffering a golfer must endure… still want to take up the game of golf? Of course, right?
