Common Golf Injuries: A Statistical Analysis of PGA and LPGA Players (2010-2020)

Professional golfers are prone to repetitive stress injuries due to the biomechanical demands of the sport. This article provides a data-driven overview of the most common injuries reported by PGA and LPGA tour players over the past decade.

Injury Trends at a Glance

Studies from the American Journal of Sports Medicine and PGA Tour medical reports indicate that lower back injuries dominate injury statistics, accounting for 35-40% of all cases. Wrists, elbows, and shoulders follow closely:

• Elbow injuries: 20% (predominantly lateral epicondylitis or "golfer's elbow").

• Wrist injuries: 18% (often due to repetitive impact).

• Shoulder injuries: 15% (rotator cuff strains and tendonitis).

Breakdown by Body Part

1. Lower Back (Spine) Injuries

• Prevalence: 35-40% of all reported injuries.

• Cause: Repetitive rotational forces from the golf swing, leading to disc herniation or facet joint strain.

• PGA vs. LPGA: PGA players report higher rates due to greater swing torque (average club head speed: 113 mph vs. 94 mph in LPGA).

2. Elbow Injuries (Golfer's Elbow)

• Prevalence: 20% (PGA: 22%, LPGA: 18%).

• Cause: Overuse of forearm muscles during the downswing, especially on the trail arm (left elbow for right-handed golfers).

• Peak Incidence: Ages 30-35, correlating with career longevity.

3. Wrist Injuries

• Prevalence: 18% (LPGA players: 25%, PGA: 15%).

• Cause: Impact loading during ball contact, exacerbated by aggressive grip techniques or equipment changes (e.g., graphite shafts increasing swing speed).

• Common Diagnoses: Tendonitis (extensor carpi ulnaris), TFCC tears.

4. Shoulder Injuries

• Prevalence: 15% (PGA: 17%, LPGA: 13%).

• Cause: Rotator cuff strain from follow-through phases, particularly in the lead shoulder (right for right-handed golfers).

PGA vs. LPGA Injury Patterns

• Wrist Dominance: LPGA players report 1.5x higher wrist injury rates compared to PGA, linked to differences in technique and equipment adaptation.

• Back Disparities: PGA players have 20% more lower back injuries, attributed to biomechanical differences.

• Total Time Lost: LPGA players average 12 weeks recovery per serious injury versus PGA's 10 weeks.

Preventive Measures and Medical Advances

• Strength Training: Core stability routines reduce spine injury risk by 40% (2018 study, Golf Digest).

• Biomechanical Analysis: 3D motion capture systems help refine swing mechanics to minimize joint stress.

• Regenerative Treatments: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is adopted by 65% of PGA professionals for chronic tendon injuries.

Conclusion

While advancements in sports science have improved injury management, the repetitive nature of golf ensures that musculoskeletal issues remain prevalent. Data from the past decade highlights the need for tour-specific prevention protocols, especially for rising wrist injuries in female players and spine-related cases in men.