Golf Notes did not know this, but up to 35% of regular amateur golfers have lower back problems. Wait. Golf is not football or basketball. You may have an opponent but you are not guarding them or tacking them, yet lower back pain is common for golfers. Professional golfers are not exempt from golf-related back issues. Research shows that up to 23% of professional golfers deal with lower back pain. The lower back pain is caused by the repetitive nature of the golf swing, which puts significant strain on the spine. I, personally, recently, have been dealing with left lower back pain. I shared this with fellow golfers last Friday, February 21st and surprisingly found many to have similar issues. Chuck Allegrini has been dealing with the back pain as well as Jim Ellis, Dave Hautala, and several others. Later in the da,y retired doctor John Hewitt showed up on the course, so I shared with John the golfer’s back issue. “Oh, yes. It is common.,” replied John. “One helpful thing to do is warm up swinging the club sometimes to the right if you’re right-handed and left if you’re left-handed.” Thanks, John. Good advice. Exercises addressing lower back pain created from golf can be found online.

Despite the potential for dealing with back pain, I asked John Hewitt why he played golf. John answered, “I can’t play tennis and other sports any longer. I enjoy golf because of its flexibility. I can play in the middle of the afternoon or anytime. I can play by myself. It is a great opportunity to get some exercise and enjoy myself.” Charlie Jenkins, also a retired doctor, getting ready to play a round with John responded to the question with a smile on his face, “Purely for the exercise.”

It is a curiosity to Golf Notes why golfers do play golf? What is their motivation? Dave Hautala addressed the question, “To try and play better than I played the last time out. To try and improve my game. Little River Golf Course Supervisor Terry Stratton offered, “I think I’m better than I really am. I play to try and find that better person, that better golfer.” You’re pretty good, Terry. Bob Cimmiyotti loves the feeling of the club in his hand when he hits that pure shot. He doesn’t play basketball, football, or bowl anymore, so golf is Bob’s sport. He also likes the challenge to focus and concentrate on the course. Dan Barrett added to his why do you play golf answerer in last week’s Notes, saying, “I just can’t stop playing. I’m addicted.”

The sign-up sheet for the March 9th Net 4Ball Qualifier is posted on the Pro Shop bulletin board. Sign up as a two-man team, and away you go.