Golf looks like a low-impact pastime. Smooth greens, quiet fairways, and no sprinting or tackling in sight. But behind that calm exterior is a movement pattern that can either support your body for decades or wear it down faster than you realize. For David Ogrin of the David Ogrin Golf Academy, the key to enjoying the game for life is not power or talent. It is healthy, aligned movement.
“There’s nothing inherent in a golf swing, done in reasonable doses, that should hurt a human being,” Ogrin says. “But poor form? That’s where people get into trouble.”
A former PGA Tour professional with a deep understanding of biomechanics, Ogrin has seen every version of strain, soreness, and injury. His mission now is simple. Keep golfers moving, healthy, and having fun for years to come.
The Hidden Wear and Tear in a Golf Swing
At the sport’s highest levels, repetition alone can break down even the strongest athletes. “Championship golfers hit thousands of balls a week for decades,” Ogrin explains. “Even good form eventually leads to natural wear and tear.”
Recreational golfers are not hitting anywhere near that volume, but poor mechanics can speed up strain quickly.
One of the most common culprits is improper wrist position. Many beginners instinctively “cup” or flex the wrist at the top of their backswing. “That position puts the joint in a very weak place, and now the entire weight of the club is pulling on that one spot,” he says.
Another classic mistake is the instinct to “lift” the ball into the air. That leads to rocking heavily onto the back foot and scooping the club upward. Both movements stress the shoulders and disrupt the body’s natural alignment. “Golfers try to swing straight at the target,” Ogrin says. “But the swing is not a straight line. It is a tilted circle.”
According to him, most early injuries come from trying to override the geometry of the swing instead of learning how the body naturally and safely rotates around the spine.
Learning to Feel the Difference Between Soreness and Pain
Because golf uses unique movement patterns, discomfort can be confusing for beginners. Ogrin breaks it down simply. Soreness equals fatigue, stiffness, and tired muscles. Pain means you should stop immediately.
“Pain is a sure sign you did something incorrect in the swing. Don’t do that again,” he says. Walking 18 holes comes with tired calves, achy legs, and mental fatigue, but those feelings should match normal exertion. Sharp, sudden, or shooting pains, especially after chunking the ground or hitting a root, are red flags.
“You work until you accomplish your goal, then you stop,” he says. “That’s part of the joy of golf.”
Why Mobility Matters More Than Flexibility
“Mobility is the whole thing,” he says. “Golf gives you a positive reason to move, twist, rotate, and stay active.”
Golf requires rotational motion through the hips, torso, shoulders, and even the neck. For older golfers, small adjustments, such as larger-grip clubs for arthritic hands, can help maintain confidence and stability.
Ogrin also sees golf as a long-term wellness tool. His regular morning group is living proof. “They come out, hit their bucket, enjoy themselves, and they’re done. And they’re still moving. Still mobile. That’s everything.”
A Sport for Life If You Let It Be
From beginners to seasoned players, Ogrin’s goal is to help students enjoy golf without sacrificing their bodies to it. “The people who make it look easy,” he says, “are just keeping all the parts going in the right direction.”
With the right form, smart practice, and a focus on mobility, golf can become exactly what it is meant to be. A lifelong source of joy, community, and movement.