The views at this week’s US Open at Torrey Pines are some of the most scenic in the world! As the galleries are out walking the grounds of this “muni” over the next few days I’m sure their heads will be spinning with the world class golf being played at this world class venue. So with all that head turning, I figured it would be appropriate to discuss what role the neck plays in the golf swing!
The neck is so often overlooked by areas like the hips and thoracic spine, yet plays a crucial role in your ability to maintain dynamic posture throughout the golf swing. If your neck is unable to turn right and left, or flex and extend adequately up and down, you won’t be able to rotate while maintaining sight of the ball as you take the club away. This often leads to the tendency to “lift” in the back swing, flattening the shoulders, and thus losing your dynamic posture.
Losing dynamic posture not only causes inconsistent ball striking, but could lead to injury if these poor mechanics are repeated over and over again. It is very easy to overlook an area like your cervical spine because of the laundry list of potential issues that could be taking place closer to the ground (in your ankles, knees, hips, low back , etc.). If there is a limitation, however, addressing it will often resolve issues you may be having elsewhere.
I hope many of you Dad’s out there are able to enjoy the golf this weekend! While you do, take a minute and see if your neck feels tight. Does it rotate as far to the left as it does to the right? Up and down? If you are curious as to whether or not your cervical spine is lacking either mobility or stability, let’s set some time aside to help you improve.
See you in the Zone!
Tyler
