Welcome to the beautiful Tri-Counties (Anderson, Pickens, Oconee) of South Carolina.  Whether you have moved here from the northern or western portions of the United States, or simply moved across town you will find friendly faces and beautiful places all along the upstate of South Carolina.  

  As a chiropractor when the weather gets warmer, I start to see more injuries related to sport activities especially golf.  Below are some simple suggestions to help you enjoy your time on the course.  Following simple strategies will allow you to play all season long and try out the 20 plus courses right in your back door.

Springtime Tips

Going from Winter, which for many people is a more sedentary period, to Spring golfing you should keep in mind that our morning temperatures may require you to dress in layers so that as the day warms up you can cool down.  

Too many players rush to get to the course and forget to warm up the muscles and the brain.  When you rush to make your tee time, you are putting your body in a “fight/flight” response, and potentially adding to the risk of muscle or back injuries.  Take the time to warm up with dynamic and static stretches and then take some practice swings at the range. These warmups will not only help with range of motion but will also prime the brain for the day of activity.

If you have not prepared the body over the winter to keep up with your golfing demand, then walking the course will help you get into shape faster and lose weight.  Walking has a calming effect on the mind as well and will allow you to put the last hole’s score behind you (in case you didn’t shoot par).

Before you leave to go to the course drink water and take water with you to stay hydrated.   Even in the spring, many players don’t realize how warm the day get and become dehydrated easy.

Spring to Summer Transition

       As spring rolls into summer and the temps and humidity climb you will have to add additional caution to your game.  Schedule your play time earlier or later in the day when temps may be cooler.  Carry a towel to help keep perspiration off your hands as well you can use it as a cooling towel.  Be aware of heat stroke by knowing the signs of dehydration, exhaustion, weakness, headache, muscle cramps, nausea, and lack of perspiration.   Call 911 if you suspect you or your golfing partners are suffering with a heat stroke.   The Carolina summers can be brutal with    90 + degrees and 90% humidity, carrying extra water is must. During the summer it is more advisable to drive and ride in a golf cart to cut down on fatigue as well the cart will provide you with a little shade.  Lastly, be prepared for sudden summertime thunderstorms (depending on where you are playing, they can occur in a hurry).

 I hope you enjoy your time on the course, we certainly have some beautiful courses to play here.

~Dr. K.D. McCurley