Many thousands of amateur golfers who carry their bag of clubs around the course, while disregarding the obvious advantages of using a trolley, could be harming their game and, more importantly, their physical well being, according an eminent sports doctor.

Dr Roger Hawkes, who is a specialist in sports medicine, believes that all golfers who carry their own bag would do well to consider using a trolley, preferably the motorised type.

In the considered view of Dr Hawkes, the medical reasons for avoiding hauling a fairly considerable load between shots outweigh the macho-image of 'not needing' to resort to the assistance of a trolley.

"While some might argue that carrying enhances their overall fitness my feeling is that competitive golfers should be looking to the gym for fitness work and to the golf course for performing," he said.

"It is obvious that golfers need to be aware of good posture and also of avoiding putting undue strain on their golfing muscles," he said. " It cannot be helpful to be constantly picking up a golf bag placing it on the shoulder, walking up to 250 yards, sometimes over steep or uneven ground, putting the bag down, playing a shot, and then repeating the procedure over a period of, say, four hours." he added.
 

"Even among the young, fit and healthy, it can lead to muscle strain, especially in the back and shoulders. Among the middle-aged and elderly more serious physical stresses and strains can be caused."

Dr Hawkes appreciates that there is reluctance among some golfers to appear to be 'incapable' of carrying their own clubs. This is an understandable attitude in a sporting environment where physical calibre is rightly admired. Yet these players might find that they retain greater freshness in their swing over the closing holes if they have been simply 'walking behind' a motorised trolley. For a high percentage of golfers the pull-trolley is the solution.

However, Dr Hawkes feels that even this type of bag-transportation has its down side. Dragging a weight can cause back or shoulder problems and physical tiredness, hardly the best aids to a fresh golf swing.

The message basically is that, just like the tour professionals, all golfers should retain all their muscle freedom and strength for the golf swing while making bag carrying as undemanding as possible.

Sources:  www.pgae.com - Pga of Europe International Golf Pro News - Sun Golf Magazine.