question for htl

[shanker]

A guy I know here (who happens to be a PE teacher) is convinced that carrying your bag is bad for your back. I doubt it. I've been been carrying my bag for years and and have never had back trouble. Not only that, but I believe that pulling a trolley is much worse for you.
BTW I hope htl is the right man (sports scientist?)

 

[birdieman]

Sorry I'm not HTL but I'm bored so...
Pulling a trolley does put the body in a bad position, if you have a 3 wheeler and push it that is posturally far`better, even better an electric though.
I would suggest that carrying any kind of load for 4 or 5 miles on your shoulders can't do your back any good and the worst action is loading the thing on and off your shoulders every time you stop to play a shot.
Your energy levels will be also be better come the end of a round if you haven't been carrying thereby leading to better golf. I shall be digging out my electric trolley once I'm fit to play again.

 

[shanker]

Thanks for the input, Birdieman. I'm 53 now and have started to consider an electric trolley. If it helps me to keep enjoying the game and playing well, then I suppose it would be worth it. Still prefer to carry them, though. Maybe I'm what they call here in Spain a ''machote'' (he-man).

 

[HTL]

Hi, your mate is kind of correct.

A round of golf can last up to 6 hours (J.B Holms etc) during this time you probably carry the bag for about 2 hours ish? With a golf bag weighing up to 15-20kg in some cases this is a lot of pressure on the spine to take.

In between each bone (vertebrae) you have Cartilage disks thst cushion the spinal column from shock and pressure. These disks are quite rubbish at their job and are easily torn or dislocated when the vertebra column is subjected to inordinate stresses, like throwing you golf bag on, or twisting the back sharply. These disk can also be worn away after carrying a heavy bag for long periods.

If you watch a tour caddy walk normally (without a bag) they often have one leg shorter than the other due to them predominantly using one shoulder to carry the bag on and one side of the spine becoming more compressed, so if you do carry your bag, put both straps on. Fanny, Faldos old caddy has quite a bad limp, this can also lead to you needing a new hip joint.

Other injuries you can pick up form carrying you golf bag are a slipped disk, arthritis, spinal meningitis, and inflammation of a tendon or muscle.

Carrying a bag is fine as long as you are sensible and don’t carry everything but the kitchen sink with you.

Trolleys are a simple way around these problems as long as people know how to use them, reaching behind to pull a trolley put loads of stress on the shoulder joint, which can become inflamed and feel like being poked with a hot poker.

Sorry this is so long winded.

 

[shanker]

Thanks for the info. htl. I think I'm moving towards a trolley, especially an electric one. What about the youngsters? I played last Sunday with a good, young player and his slim, pretty and young girl-friend. Both bag-carriers. Are they sowing the seeds of future back trouble?

 

[Basher]

Good question Shanker.

I have a pull trolley and an electric trolley as my course is quite hilly in places.

Generally speaking, for a quick 9 hole session I tend to use my pull trolley as it's light and easier than carrying.
The electric trolley comes out for 18 holes although I do sometimes forgo it during winter owing to wet course.

I have carried before, fine on the flatter holes but can be taxing on the hillier parts (especially with my game!)

Comparing the weight of my bag against my sons, mine is considerably heavier. I do carry much more than him though (kitchen sink syndrome!)
He favours carrying to trolleying.

 

[HTL]

Good question Shanker. And my answer is maybe.

Women are more likely to have back problems than men, I read a report a few months ago and its primarily due to the amount they carry in hand bags and they usually have the worst posture.

Speaking of posture this is the real killer for golfers, both during the swing and when sitting. Having poor posture can ruin you day to day life. I bet if you took a look at how your sitting you would change it.

Its not a good idea for youngsters to be lugging about heavy golf / school bags because it can lead to a curve of the spine as well as several other back related problems.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I'm waiting a few years and then going for a remote control trolley. Until then I'll take my chances. I do tend to carry a lot of stuff especially if it is wet like today (4 towels, 4 gloves plus my waterproofs once the rain had stopped and the umbrella). Touch wood not had too many problems so far.

 

[GB72]

I stopped playing rugby due to a shoulder injury so have always used a push trolley to be on the safe side. New course is hilly as well so even considering borrowing the wife's GoKart more often.

 

[shanker]

Interesting replies from all, gents. Maybe Basher should be buying electric trolleys for his lads.
BTW, I recently read an article here in the local press which said that the golf swing involved ''sudden and brusque movements'' which would lead to health problems. I'm not one of those who claims ''My grandad smoked 60 a day and lived to 90'' but I AM SCEPTICAL.

 

[viscount17]

shanker, I'm older than you, started late so have never carried and don't plan to. I also have no plans for an electric trolley until the legs give out.
I use a two-wheel 'pull' trolley but have not experienced any difficulty with it, 36-holes is not a problem. It doesn't impose any great strain to move it, except on the steepest slopes but losing weight is improving that. It trundles along quite happily with my 'pulling hand' at my side, and it works pushing as well.
That said my next trolley will ne a three-wheeler simply because the balance is better.

 

[backwoodsman]

Obviously have to defer to htl on the effects on the body, but would throw in that its mechanically easier to pull a trolley than to push it. So I guess you just make sure you don't twist too much or reach too far behind.

 

[toonarmy]

...but would throw in that its mechanically easier to pull a trolley than to push it.

Erm, no it isn't. Not even close.

 

[backwoodsman]

...but would throw in that its mechanically easier to pull a trolley than to push it.

Erm, no it isn't. Not even close.

If you have different or better physics than I understand then I might agree. But not if not.

 

[Leftie]

I suppose that it depends on whether you are talking physics or biomechanics.

The action of pulling a trolley can put a lot of unnecessary strain on the biceps tendon in the shoulder area as well as strain on the lower back area due to a twisting action, particularly when going uphill.

 

[backwoodsman]

I suppose that it depends on whether you are talking physics or biomechanics

Physics...

I know naff all about biomechanics and have to defer on that side of things. I do know the easiest way is hire a caddy....

 

[TonyN]

Not sure if its true but someone once told me that golf is one of the most un-natual sports to play and the stress on the body can actually cause the heart to almost stop at the bottom of the swing. (maybe aload of cack, but if its true, ooooh)

Pushing trolleys, pulling trolleys, nothing is 'good' for the body. Just like weight training, you actually damage your body to help it repair stronger!

Am sure you'll be fine however you get your bag around on a trolley.

 

[HTL]

Have not heard anything like that before TonyN, will have a swot up later and get back to you.

 

[toonarmy]

If you have different or better physics than I understand then I might agree. But not if not.

Squat to do with physics and all to do with biomechanics.

Just think for a moment - how can using one arm at full extension to the rear pulling something be easier than using your full body weight + push muscles?

Pushing the trolley means you get to use your legs, your back and chest muscles (all the big groups). Pulling it puts stress on one side of your back and one shoulder joint and doesn't utilise any major muscle groups effectively.

If it was easier to do it by pulling it, why can't you find any prams or pushchairs that you pull?

 

[toonarmy]

A guy I know here (who happens to be a PE teacher) is convinced that carrying your bag is bad for your back. I doubt it. I've been been carrying my bag for years and and have never had back trouble. Not only that, but I believe that pulling a trolley is much worse for you.
BTW I hope htl is the right man (sports scientist?)

Shanks, I cannot recommend a push trolley enough, regardless of what age or condition you are in. I can think of no other sport where participants would voluntarily hinder themselves by carrying stuff around when they don't need to!

Carrying a bag *could* lead to back trouble, but is not guaranteed. But it definitely does rob you of energy during the round and every little bit helps.

I speak as a fit and strong young(ish!) man and would never dream of not using my push trolley now. The only time I don't is in winter when I go to a carry bag (always double strap) with a half set.

The difference from a two-wheel pull to a three-wheel push stunned me. It is literally effortless and I definitely feel fresher at the end of a round than I used to.

Get yourself a 3-wheel push trolley and enjoy yourself!