Why Posture Matters For Your Golf (and your health)

Posture isn’t just about looking confident in a family photo or standing taller than your mates.  Instead, it’s the foundation for how your body moves which is why posture matters for your golf.

And here’s the thing: good posture isn’t just “standing up straight.” Rather, it’s about your spine, muscles, and joints all working together so you can move efficiently and without strain.

However, when your posture is off—whether it’s rounded shoulders at your desk, a slouch on the couch, or a hunch over your putt—it creates unnecessary stress on your body. That can lead to pain, stiffness, and even reduced performance on the course.

How Poor Posture Affects Your Health

When your posture collapses, your muscles have to work overtime just to hold you up. Over time, that leads to:

• Aching neck and shoulders from constantly being pulled forward.
• Lower back pain from uneven pressure on your spine.
• Headaches from muscle tension and nerve irritation.
• Shallow breathing because your rib cage can’t expand fully.

It also impacts your nervous system. If spinal joints are restricted, the communication between your brain and body can be disrupted. That means slower reactions, less coordination, and a body that just doesn’t feel like it’s firing on all cylinders.

How Poor Posture Affects Your Golf

Golf loves good posture. After all, starting with a rounded back or slouched shoulders robs you of rotation. That means less clubhead speed and more strain on areas that shouldn’t be doing the heavy lifting.

Here’s what poor posture can do to your game:

• Shortened backswing—you simply can’t turn as far.
• Loss of power—your core can’t engage properly.
• Compensations—hips, knees, or even wrists step in to make up for lost movement.

But, over 18 holes, those compensations don’t just affect performance—they add up to pain and injury. That’s why posture matters for your golf (and your health).

Four Simple Ways to Improve Your Posture

1. The “No Money” Exercise
   Stand tall, elbows bent to 90 degrees, and gently rotate your arms outward as if you’re showing someone you’ve got nothing in your pockets. Keep your shoulders relaxed. This opens up tight chest muscles and strengthens your mid-back.
2. Foam Roller Magic
   Lie back on a foam roller (vertically from your head to your tailbone) and let your arms off to the sides. As you relax here for 10 minutes, you’ll feel your posture open up and your chest expand.
3. Lumbar Cushion Support
   Whether you’re in the car or at your desk, use a lumbar cushion to maintain the natural curve in your lower back. It’s a small tweak that takes pressure off your spine and helps you sit taller without thinking about it. But what most people get wrong is where to position it. The difference can be huge.
4. Posture Awareness in Daily Life
   Golf isn’t the only place posture matters. Instead check yourself while standing in line, cooking dinner, or scrolling your phone. Avoid putting your spine in a “C” shape e.g. sitting hunched over using a phone.  Beacause little adjustments throughout the day can make a big difference over time.

How Chiropractic Care Fits In

Chiropractic adjustments can help free up restricted joints, reduce muscle tension, and improve your body’s ability to hold good posture naturally. That means less pain, better movement, and a stronger foundation for everything from walking the dog to driving the ball down the fairway.

Let’s Get You Standing Taller and Swinging Better

If your posture’s letting you down—on or off the course—we can help. Let’s get your spine, muscles, and joints working together the way they’re meant to. Your body will thank you. Your golf game will too. Posture matters.