Trolleys protect your back

Golf, like many other sports requires both strength and endurance demanded by playing shots and walking up to six miles – may be even more if you spend a lot of time in the rough or other hazards! These sap energy, which researchers at the American College of Sports Mechanics have shown changes in a golfers swing resulting in less distance and accuracy. The cause - inability to properly transfer weight to the front foot, reducing club head speed and changes in ankle angle which could affect accuracy.


The physical nature of the sport also leads to injuries. The most common are lower back or spinal, followed by the left wrist and shoulder. The reason for these results from poor fitness and is worsened by lifting and carrying golf bags – often weighing over 20 kgs. The first step to elevating this problem, without employing a caddy, is to consider a pull or push trolley. These have both strengths and weaknesses.

 

Pull and push trolley benefits:
- Relives strain and injuries
- Reduces energy loss that could be better used during
the round
- Can be used year round on many courses with the
addition of Fairway Hoppas

Pull trolley weaknesses:
- Twist the body potentially causing shoulder or back
problems

Push trolley weaknesses:
- Can encourage a stooped posture

- Can run away if they are the three wheeled variety unless they have a break.


The next step is to consider an electric golf trolley. Once they were the preserve of the older generation but are now recognised as an invaluable part of any golfer’s equipment, no matter their age. Their benefits over sit on carts or pull/push trolleys include:
- Greater exercise during the round
- Energy loss reduced even further than pull or push
trolleys
- Improved posture
- No need to worry about the added weight of golf
waterproofs and other useful accessories