As junior golfers who love the game begin to play more and more rounds and hit more and more balls, attention does need to be paid to the wear and tear that puts on the body. Randy Chang, PGA, who was this year’s recipient of the SCPGA’s Youth Player Development Award, wants parents, and juniors, to keep this in mind when it comes to the golf swing.

As you’ll see in the photo labeled incorrect above, here a junior golfer is trying to overdo keeping her head down, putting unnecessary pressure on the lower back and hip joints. Her back is arched too much and can cause built up strain over time. In the photo labeled correct, the junior golfer is allowing her head to follow the ball to its target. Her finish should resemble a normal standing posture instead of the too familiar “reverse C” look. By focusing on what one’s body should be doing in a good golf swing, it can actually help maintain a steady head.