Cross-Sport Column Highlights Fundamental Golf Swing Habits That May Reduce Neck and Back Strain

On September 9, 2026, a Vegas Hockey Knight column connected the Vegas Golden Knights' preseason activities and the VGK Golf Classic to basic golf swing habits. The piece mentioned hockey players like Tom Watson, Rasmus Andersson, and Braeden Bowman in relation to the golf event. The writer also used Golden Knights players, including Mark Stone, Shea Theodore, and Jack Eichel, as hypothetical examples of golfers. The author presented the column as a lighthearted personal account of his own return to the game.

He mentioned playing TopGolf with his family in November 2025 after not swinging a club in ages. Drawing on his soccer background, he applied basic movement concepts to his golf swing. He focused on keeping his head down, following through, transferring his weight, and coordinating his hips and shoulders. The writer reported that increasing his swing speed while preserving these mechanics added 30 to 50 yards to his drive.

This reported distance gain was a personal anecdote rather than a measured performance result. The column highlighted fundamental movement patterns that many recreational players think about on the course. While lighthearted, the article touches on mechanical concepts that affect physical comfort. Understanding how the body handles these movements can help older players maintain a healthy swing.

How Do Uncoordinated Mechanics Strain the Spine?

The concepts mentioned in the hockey column highlight how the body manages physical stress during a swing. A full swing requires the spine to rotate quickly while the hips generate power. If a player lacks coordinated movement, the soft tissues in the lower back absorb too much force. An arms-only motion forces the smaller spinal muscles to pull the torso through the shot abruptly.

This uneven twisting strains the joints in the lower back and creates lingering stiffness. Proper weight transfer allows the larger muscles of the legs to support the spine safely. The hips and shoulders must turn together to keep the spine aligned comfortably. When the lower body stays rigid, the upper body twists against a stationary foundation.

This mechanical disconnect forces the lower back to rotate beyond its comfortable limits. You can see how this lack of coordination explains why the lower back takes the hit in the golf swing for so many amateur players. Building a smooth transfer of energy protects the soft tissues from sudden shocks. Keeping the hips moving prevents the spine from doing all the work alone.

Why Are Mature Golfers at Greater Risk for Back Pain?

Recreational players over 40 face a high risk of lower back discomfort, and this risk remains high for those who swing slower than the professionals. Health Newspapers reported on a 2023 study of 1,170 male golfers in the United States. The participants in this study had a mean age of 55.0. According to the report, 37.3 percent of these men reported a lower-back complaint during the preceding seven days.

This prevalence statistic shows that back pain is a very common reality for mature players. Older golfers often lose flexibility in their hips and middle back as they age. When the hips cannot turn freely, the lower back compensates by twisting further than it should during the backswing. Over time, this repeated compensation wears down the tissues and leads to noticeable pain.

Many mature players also head straight to the first tee without warming up their joints. Transitioning abruptly from a seated car ride to a fast swing shocks unprepared muscles. Players who sit at a desk all week bring stiff hips to the golf course on Saturday morning. Incorporating daily stretches can help in undoing movement habits from sedentary office work.

What Practical Steps Can Protect Your Swing?

Preparing your body before a round is a highly practical way to manage physical stress and play more comfortably. The Medical University of South Carolina recommends spending five to ten minutes before a round on gentle stretching. They also advise taking a few easy practice swings before hitting a ball. A practical orthopedic injury-prevention guide suggests starting your routine with simple walking.

After walking, introduce controlled hip and lower-body movements to wake up your joints. Focus entirely on turning your trail hip during these slow practice motions. Once your lower body feels loose, take a few progressive practice swings at half speed. A sports-medicine source also recommends adding side-to-side footwork and lunges to your preparation.

Next, incorporate gentle rotation exercises to prepare your shoulders for the round. Increase your practice volume gradually rather than hitting full shots right away. If you feel any pain during these movements, reduce your activity immediately. Focusing on a structured mobility routine that transfers to your swing builds long-term physical resilience.

Do Specific Swing Flaws Directly Cause Golf Injuries?

Many players mistakenly believe that a specific mechanical flaw directly causes all their lower back pain. Recent scientific evidence challenges this simplistic narrative entirely. A 2024 evidence summary describes the relationship between specific swing biomechanics and low-back pain as limited and conflicting. The report notes that methodological weaknesses make it hard to blame a single swing position for back pain.

Another evidence summary points out that research has not conclusively shown that a specific "poor" technique causes golfers' pain. Instead, accumulated playing volume and a sudden increase in practice load might be more important factors. Hitting too many balls after a long winter break can strain tissues regardless of how perfect your swing looks. Gradual load progression helps the body adapt to the physical demands of the game safely.

The common advice to forcefully keep your head down is also widely misunderstood by amateur players. The Vegas Hockey Knight column used this phrase simply as a basic coaching cue. Using that idea to lock your neck into a rigid position can actually create more muscle tension. You should always seek an assessment from a qualified health professional if your pain persists.

Your Next Step on the Course

Protecting your body on the golf course requires a steady approach to preparation and volume management. Managing your playing schedule carefully helps prevent the sudden spikes in activity that often trigger joint pain. Listening to your body and warming up correctly will keep you on the course for years to come. What adjustments will you make to your mobility routine this season to steer clear of this hazard?

Sources

1. Wednesday's Golden Knights wisdom about... golf
2. Golf's split evidence: good for population health, hard on elite bodies
3. Golf Back Pain in Denver — What the Evidence Actually Says
4. Protecting Your Game: Understanding Golfer's Elbow
5. Why Golf Can Leave Your Low Back Sore After 18 Holes
6. How to Avoid Golf Injuries: Tips from a Hip and Knee Orthopedic ...