Golf-related Injuries Research Articles

Accounts of Spine and Paraspinal Disease while Playing Golf

The twisting motion associated with the golf swing puts the intervertebral discs and the paraspinal musculature under stress. The objective of this study was to characterize the spinal and paraspinal pathologies associated with golf and their outcomes. The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) was queried for emergency department visits between 2003-2023 for golf-related injuries with body part codes "neck", "upper trunk", and "lower trunk", which includes the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine, respectively. Narratives were screened for relevance and reports related to spinal and paraspinal injuries were included. Weighted survey analysis was utilized to construct national estimates. Injury and diagnosis trends were analyzed using binomial logistic regression, and time trends were analyzed with a linear model. P-value of < 0.05 was considered significant. A total of 1441 relevant samples led to a national estimate of 69,153 emergency department visits for golf-related spinal-/paraspinal injuries between 2003-2023. The weighted mean age of those injured was 52.8 years, and the majority were male (85%, 95% CI 83-87). Strain was the most diagnosed injury (57.5%, 95% CI 54-61). Those aged > 55 years constituted more injuries than any other age group (50.1%, 95% CI 47-53). Injuries in the lumbar region accounted for most cases (76.9%, 95% CI 74-80). Injury frequency did not change over the years (p= 0.54), although the age of injury did increase over time (p < 0.001). Golf-associated paraspinal injuries are more common than neurological injuries, necessitating study into their mechanisms and onset.

Golf-related sports injuries of the musculoskeletal system.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of golf-related musculoskeletal injuries. Golfers were retrospectively surveyed through a 50-item questionnaire. Golfers were divided into injured and noninjured groups according to the presence or absence of musculoskeletal injuries. Of the 208 respondents, 64.0% suffered golf-related injuries, most of which were minor injuries caused by overuse in the early 9.9 weeks. According to the anatomical distribution, the most injured parts were upper limbs, spine, trunk, and lower limbs in that order. As for the distribution by part, the hand and wrist were the most vulnerable, and the lateral elbow damage was 3 times more common than the inner elbow. Self-management for injuries was the most common treatment, and regular preventive exercise accounted for 30% of the injured. Overall, more than half of the respondents suffered from musculoskeletal injuries, self-management was the most common, and less than one-third did regular exercise to prevent injuries. Therefore, active management to prevent golf-related musculoskeletal injuries may be necessary.

Estimates of Golf-Related Upper Extremity Injuries in the United States: A 10-Year Epidemiology Study (2011-2020).

Golf is one of the most popular sports in the United States (US) and is played by participants of all ages and skill level. Given the popularity and sport-specific demands on the upper torso, golf poses a considerable risk for upper extremity (UE) injuries. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to (1) determine the incidence rate of UE golf injuries presenting to emergency departments (EDs) in the US, (2) determine the most commonly injured body parts and mechanisms of injury, and (3) compare current injury epidemiology with previous trends in the literature. Male sex, bimodal age extremes (young and elderly), and utilization of golf carts (vs walking) are associated with a higher incidence of golf-related UE injuries. Descriptive epidemiology study. Level 3. The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) is a statistically validated injury surveillance system that collects data from ED visits as a representative probability sample of hospitals in the US. We queried the NEISS for the years 2011 to 2020 to examine the following variables for golf-related UE injuries: sociodemographic, diagnosis, body part, and mechanism of injury. From 2011 to 2020, there were a total of 1862 golf-related UE injuries presenting to participating EDs, which correlates to an estimated 70,868 total injuries. Overall, male golf players were disproportionately affected (69.2%) versus female golf players (30.8%) and the most commonly injured age groups were those aged >60 and 10 to 19 years. The most common injuries included fractures (26.8%), strains/sprains (23.4%), and soft tissue injuries (15.9%). The joints injured most frequently were the shoulder (24.8%), wrist (15.6%), and joints in the hand (12.0%). The most common mechanisms of injury were cart accidents (44.63%), falling/tripping (29.22%), and golf club swinging/mechanics (10.37%). Golf-related UE injuries can be acute or due to chronic overuse. Male athletes >60 years of age were the population most commonly presenting to the ED with a golf-related injury. Further, the shoulder, forearm, and wrist were most commonly injured. These findings are consistent with previous epidemiological trends in the literature. Interventions to reduce the incidence of injury should be sport-specific and focus primarily on equipment and golf cart safety and swing modification to optimize the biomechanical function of the UEs. Our findings indicate that golf-related injury prevention programs should target UE injuries, particularly among young (<19) and older (>60 years) golfers with poor swing mechanics.

The effectiveness of a golf injury prevention program (GRIPP intervention) compared to the usual warm-up in Dutch golfers: protocol design of a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundSixty million golfers around the world play golf. Golf injuries are most frequently located in the spine, elbow, wrist, hand and shoulder. Those injuries are often seen in golfers with more playing hours and suboptimal swing biomechanics, resulting in overuse injuries. Golfers who do not perform a warm-up or do not warm-up appropriately are more likely to report an injury than those who do. There are several ways to warm-up. It is unclear, which warm-up is most useful for a golfer to perform. Moreover, there is currently no evidence for the effectiveness of a warm-up program for golf injury prevention. We previously have developed the Golf Related Injury Prevention Program (GRIPP) intervention using the Knowledge Transfer Scheme (KTS). We aim to evaluate the effect of the GRIPP intervention on golf-related injuries. The hypothesis is that the GRIPP intervention program will reduce the number of golf-related injuries.Methods and designThe GRIPP study is a two-armed randomized controlled trial. Twenty-eight golf clubs with 11 golfers per club will be randomly allocated to the intervention or control group. The intervention group will perform the GRIPP intervention program, and the control group will perform their warm-up as usual. The GRIPP intervention is conducted with the Knowledge Transfer Scheme framework, which is a systematic process to develop an intervention. The intervention consists of 6 exercises with a maximum total of 10 min. The primary outcome is the overall prevalence (%) of golf injuries measured with the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center (OSTRC-H) questions on health problems every fortnight. The secondary outcome measures will be exposure to golf and compliance to the intervention program.DiscussionIn other sports warm-up prevention programs are effective in reducing the risk of injuries. There are no randomized trials on golf injury prevention. Therefore, an individual unsupervised golf athlete intervention program is conducted which reflects the daily practice of predominantly unsupervised exposure of amateur golfers.Trial registrationThe trial is retrospectively (28 October 2021) registered at the Dutch Trial Register: NL9847 (https://trialsearch.who.int).

Injuries associated with golf: A qualitative study

BackgroundGolf is a popular sport played worldwide. The majority of professional golfers work as teaching professionals based at golf clubs. All professional players spend numerous hours on the golf course, placing themselves at increased risk of injury. There have been no recent, large studies investigating injury patterns among male and female professional golfers. ObjectiveTo investigate the frequency, types and mechanism of injury sustained by male and female professional golfers and to compare injury patterns between touring and teaching professionals. MethodsInjury data was analyzed from 77 amateur golfers recruited through a questionnaire asking about their different injuries. A web based survey was conducted focusing on injury frequency, location and mechanism and any subsequent time loss. Factors such as side of injury, investigations for the injury were noted. ResultsThe study enlisted the participation of 76 patients. One was excluded due to incomplete questionairres Injuries were reported by 34 patients (45%). Eleven patients said they had an elbow injury. The relationship between the number of years the individuals had been playing golf and their history of injury was shown to be significant (p = 0.0257). Warm up and injury have a statistically significant relationship (p = 0.846). ConclusionIn order to contribute to making golf a safer and hence more enjoyable lifetime activity, a greater knowledge of golf-related injuries is required. This study attempts to do so, and the elbow was discovered to be the most damaged region.

Golf-Related Craniofacial Injuries in Adults: A NEISS Database Study.

Despite its popularity, there have been no reports outlining adult craniofacial trauma in the setting of golf injuries. Our main objective was to identify and describe trends in head and neck injuries incurred while participating in golf including injury type, anatomic location, and patient disposition. A retrospective cohort analysis of the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) was conducted from 2009-2018. Population characteristics of golf-related injuries were recorded, including, age, sex, and race distributions. Distribution of injury anatomic location, injury type, distribution of fracture location, patient disposition was further analyzed. A one way ANOVA was utilized to obtain the mean ages for all injuries and compare them for any statistical difference. To identify statistical significance, a Fisher exact test with a Monte Carlo simulation was performed. A total of 509 golf-related injuries (national estimate 24,425 cases) were recorded over the study period. Lacerations were the most common injury overall (54.2%), while contusions and abrasions were the next most common injuries (27.3%). The most common fracture subtype observed was midface (40.43%), followed by nasal bone (27.66%), mandible (12.77%), skull (12.77%), and cervical spine (6.38%). The highest proportion of patients admitted for further treatment were individuals >70 years of age. Fractures had the highest rate of admission (29.8%). A better understanding of golf injuries can allow for rapid detection and appropriate treatment when encountered. This knowledge can also help to develop safety precautions by potentially reforming rules and regulations as well as protective equipment.

A Systematic Review of Golf Warm-ups: Behaviors, Injury, and Performance.

Ehlert, A and Wilson, PB. A systematic review of golf warm-ups: behaviors, injury, and performance. J Strength Cond Res 33(12): 3444-3462, 2019-Previous literature has demonstrated that warm-ups have the potential to increase physical performance and reduce risk of injury. Warm-ups before golf may have a similar result, but a systematic evaluation of their effects in golf is currently lacking. Three electronic databases (PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science) were systematically searched to address 3 primary research questions: (a) What are the current warm-up behaviors of golfers?; (b) Is there an association between warm-up behaviors and golf-related injury?; and (c) What are the effects of various warm-up protocols on measures of golf performance? Twenty-three studies (9 observational and 14 experimental) were identified that included data on warm-ups before golf participation. Overall, the current data suggest that many golfers either do not warm-up regularly or perform a warm-up that is short in duration. Studies on the association between warm-up behaviors and golf-related injury were mixed and inconclusive. Experimental studies suggest that a variety of warm-up methods may be beneficial for golf performance. Specifically, dynamic warm-ups and those with resistance exercise tended to enhance measures of performance, whereas static stretching was inferior to other methods and potentially detrimental to performance. Overall, the results of this systematic review suggest that various warm-up protocols (with the exception of static stretching) may enhance golf performance, but observational data suggest many golfers do not regularly perform them. More data are needed on the warm-up behaviors of competitive golfers, the impact of warm-up behaviors on golf-related injury, and to further identify effective warm-up methods for enhancing golf performance.

Zygomatic Arch Fracture Caused by a Flying Golf Ball: A Case Report

Introduction: As golf becomes common, golf-related injuries become more widespread. Injury caused from hitting by a golf ball, resulting in a zygomatic arch fracture has not previously been described. In this report, zygomatic arch fracture caused by a golf ball is presented, and the basic mechanics of golf ball injuries are described. Case Presentation: When a 38-year-old man was playing golf on a golf course, another player made a shot about 100 m behind him and the golf ball hit his left cheek. On physical examination, his left cheek was depressed and a contusion with a ball-mark was observed. His mouth opening was one and a half finger breadths. He felt pain and discomfort when clenching his jaw. Plain films and computed tomography of the facial bone showed a left zygomatic arch fracture. Under general anesthesia, the displaced fracture segments were reduced using a towel clip. Postoperatively, his mouth opening improved to 3 finger breadths. Conclusions: In the field, serious face or head injuries on the golf course may be prevented by informing other golfers and shouting the word “fore (look ahead; a term warning the flight of a golf ball)” when it appears possible that a golf ball may hit other players or spectators. Other players or spectators should turn their back to the source of the call, duck, and cover their face and head with their hands. When meet the patients hit by a golf ball, surgeons should aware of the possibility of the facial bone fractures including nasal bone or zygoma.

Golf-related injuries treated in United States emergency departments

ObjectiveThis study investigates unintentional non-fatal golf-related injuries in the US using a nationally representative database. MethodsThis study analyzed golf-related injuries treated in US hospital emergency departments from 1990 through 2011 using the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database. Injury rates were calculated using golf participation data. ResultsDuring 1990 through 2011, an estimated 663,471 (95% CI: 496,370–830,573) individuals ≥7years old were treated in US emergency departments for golf-related injuries, averaging 30,158 annually or 12.3 individuals per 10,000 golf participants. Patients 18–54years old accounted for 42.2% of injuries, but injury rates per 10,000 golf participants were highest among individuals 7–17years old (22.1) and ≥55years old (21.8) compared with 18–54years old (7.6). Patients ≥55years old had a hospital admission rate that was 5.01 (95% CI: 4.12–6.09) times higher than that of younger patients. Injured by a golf club (23.4%) or struck by a golf ball (16.0%) were the most common specified mechanisms of injury. The head/neck was the most frequently injured body region (36.2%), and sprain/strain (30.6%) was the most common type of injury. Most patients were treated and released (93.7%) and 5.9% required hospitalization. ConclusionsAlthough golf is a source of injury among all age groups, the frequency and rate of injury were higher at the two ends of the age spectrum. Given the higher injury and hospital admission rates of patients ≥55years, this age group merits the special attention of additional research and injury prevention efforts.

Immediate Effects of Sports Taping Applied on the Lead Knee of Low- and High-Handicapped Golfers During Golf Swing

Kim, T-G, Kim, E-K, and Park, J-C. Immediate effects of sports taping applied on the lead knee of low- and high-handicapped golfers during golf swing. J Strength Cond Res 31(4): 981-989, 2017-Elite golf athletes suffer from various musculoskeletal injuries due to repeated golf swings. Repetitive varus moment during golf swing has been suggested as a possible cause of injuries to the lead knee. The aim of this study was to objectively and quantitatively evaluate the immediate effects of sports taping on the lead knee of elite golfers to restrict varus moment. Thirty-one elite golfers were assigned to the low- (LHG, n = 15) or high-handicapped group (HHG, n = 16). Using 3-dimensional motion analysis, the lead knee position on the frontal plane with and without rigid taping (RT), elastic taping (ET), and placebo taping was identified in 4 separate phases by the 5 events of golf swing as follows: the peak of the backswing (E1), parallel to the ground during downswing (E2), ball impact (E3), parallel to the ground during follow-through (E4), and finish (E5). The LHG when using a driver club had decreased movement toward knee varus with RT and ET than that without it from E1 to E2 (p = 0.001). The LHG when using a 5-iron club decreased movement toward knee varus with RT than that without it from E1 to E2 (p = 0.006) and from E2 to E3 (p = 0.019). The HHG when using a driver club had decreased movement toward knee varus with RT from E1 to E2 (p = 0.014). Sports taping may be helpful for elite golfers in terms of reducing varus moment of the lead knee during the downswing and be useful for the development of preventive strategies for golf-related knee injuries.

INJURY MECHANISMS OF THE KOREA LADIES PROFESSIONAL GOLFERS, 2015 SEASON PROSPECTIVE STUDY

BackgroundEpidemiological study analyzing golf specific injury mechanism has not been conducted in women's professional level golf.ObjectiveTo analyze the golf specific injury mechanisms of Korean ladies Professional Golfers in different tour...

Golf-related Injury: Upper Extremity

Golf-related Injury: Upper Extremity

Golf-related Spine and Lower Extremity Injury

Golf-related Spine and Lower Extremity Injury

Disc Golf, a Growing Sport: Description and Epidemiology of Injuries.

BackgroundDisc golf is a sport played much like traditional golf, but rather than using a ball and club, players throw flying discs with various throwing motions. It has been played by an estimated 8 to 12 million people in the United States. Like all sports, injuries sustained while playing disc golf are not uncommon. Although formalized in the 1970s, it has grown at a rapid pace; however, disc golf–related injuries have yet to be described in the medical literature.PurposeTo describe the most common injuries incurred by disc golf players while comparing the different types of throwing styles.Study DesignDescriptive epidemiology study.MethodsThe data in this study were collected from 883 disc golf players who responded to an online survey collected over a 1-month period. Respondents answered 49 questions related to demographics, experience, style of play, and injury details. Using a chi-square analysis, common injuries sustained in players using backhand and forehand throwing styles were compared.ResultsMore than 81% of respondents stated that they had sustained an injury playing disc golf, including injuries to the elbow (n = 325), shoulder (n = 305), back (n = 218), and knee (n = 199). The injuries were most commonly described as a muscle strain (n = 241), sprain (n = 162), and tendinitis (n = 145). The type of throw primarily used by players varied, with 86.2% using backhand, 12.7% using forehand, and 1.1% using an overhead throw. Players using a forehand throw were more likely to sustain an elbow injury (P = .014). Many players (n = 115) stated they had undergone surgery due to a disc golf–related injury, with the most common surgeries including meniscal, shoulder, spine, and foot/ankle surgeries.ConclusionThe majority of surveyed disc golfers sustained at least 1 injury while playing disc golf, with many requiring surgery. The types of injuries sustained by players varied by the types of throw primarily used. As the sport of disc golf continues to expand, health professionals should be aware of injuries sustained, with future studies focusing on injury prevention and education strategies.

Head Injuries in School-Age Children Who Play Golf.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of death and disability in children. We conducted a prospective study, which examined injury characteristics and outcomes of school-age children of 5.0-15.0 years (N = 10) who were admitted to hospital for a TBI. This study evaluated the role of age, gender, the Glasgow Coma Scale, mechanisms and severity of injury, and functional outcomes. Seventy percent of the children sustained a TBI from a fall. We also found that playing golf was associated with 40% of the TBIs, with three (30%) children being unrestrained passengers in a moving golf cart and another one (10%) was struck by a golf club. Injury awareness could have benefited or prevented most injuries, and school nurses are in the best position to provide preventative practice education. In golf-centric communities, prevention of golf-related injuries should include education within the schools.

A methodological approach for the biomechanical cause analysis of golf-related lumbar spine injuries

A new methodological approach employing mechanical work (MW) determination and relative portion of its elemental analysis was applied to investigate the biomechanical causes of golf-related lumbar spine injuries. Kinematic and kinetic parameters at the lumbar and lower limb joints were measured during downswing in 18 golfers. The MW at the lumbar joint (LJ) was smaller than at the right hip but larger than the MWs at other joints. The contribution of joint angular velocity (JAV) to MW was much greater than that of net muscle moment (NMM) at the LJ, whereas the contribution of NMM to MW was greater rather than or similar to that of JAV at other joints. Thus, the contribution of JAV to MW is likely more critical in terms of the probability of golf-related injury than that of NMM. The MW-based golf-related injury index (MWGII), proposed as the ratio of the contribution of JAV to MW to that of NMM, at the LJ (1.55) was significantly greater than those at other joints ( < 1.05). This generally corresponds to the most frequent occurrence of golf-related injuries around the lumbar spine. Therefore, both MW and MWGII should be considered when investigating the biomechanical causes of lumbar spine injuries.

Morbidity Associated With Golf-Related Injuries Among Children

To describe injuries due to golf-related activities among pediatric patients requiring hospital admission. We conducted a retrospective analysis of all sports-related injuries from 2000 to 2006 using a level 1 trauma center database. Of 1005 children admitted with sports-related injuries, 60 (6%) had golf-related injuries. The mean injury severity score was significantly higher for golf-related injuries (11.0) than that for all other sports-related injuries (6.8). Most golf-related injuries occurred in children younger than 12 years (80%), at home (48%), and by a strike from a club (57%) and resulted in trauma to the head or neck (68%). Golf-related injuries, although an infrequent cause of sports-related injuries, have the potential to result in severe injuries, especially in younger children. Preventive efforts should target use of golf clubs by younger children in the home setting.

Pediatric Golf-Related Ophthalmic Injuries

Source: Hink EM, Oliver SCN, Drack AV, et al. Pediatric golf-related ophthalmic injuries. Arch Ophthalmol. 2008;126(9):1252–1256; doi:10.1001/archopht.126.9.1252Researchers from the University of Colorado and Emory University Schools of Medicine performed this retrospective study to document ophthalmic morbidity in golfrelated injuries and report specific injury patterns. The medical records of all children younger than 18 years with ophthalmic injury resulting from golf clubs or golf balls seen between 1992 and 2007 at the two institutions were reviewed.Eleven eyes of 11 pediatric patients (6 boys; mean age 10.2 years, range 714 years) were injured by golfassociated trauma. Ten patients (91%) were injured by golf clubs and one patient (9%) by a golf ball. Injuries occurred at home (6), at school (2), on a golf course (1), and at sites unknown (2). At the initial posttraumatic examination, four injured eyes (36%) had a visual acuity of 20/20, three (27%) had a visual acuity of 20/25 to 20/80, three (27%) had no light perception, and one (9%) could not be assessed due to altered mental status. Injuries included orbital fracture (11), hyphema (4), and traumatic optic neuropathy (3); separation of the iris from its attachment to the ciliary body, ruptured open globe, optic nerve avulsion, retrobulbar hemorrhage, macular chorioretinal scar, and zygomaticomaxillary complex fracture each occurred in one eye. The only injury caused by a golf ball resulted in the only ruptured open globe. Nine of the 11 patients required surgery.Followup ranged from 066 months (mean followup 12 months). Three of 11 subjects had permanent deficits. Final visual acuity at followup included two eyes (18%) with no light perception (both of these presented initially with no light perception), one eye (9%) with 20/70 visual acuity (the original exam in this case elicited no light perception), and eight eyes (73%) with 20/20 or better visual acuity (all improved or equal to visual acuity at initial presentation). The authors conclude that eye injuries related to golf, although rare in children, may result in permanent visual loss.Dr. Pujazon-Zazik has disclosed no financial relationship relevant to this commentary. This commentary does not contain a discussion of an unapproved/investigative use of a commercial product/device.Fortytwo thousand patients per year in the US are treated for eye injuries from sportsrelated trauma and recent data indicate that this number is increasing.1Golf is an increasingly popular sport, with an estimated two million junior (age 1217 years) golfers in the US.2 The pattern of golfrelated ophthalmic injuries in pediatric patients has changed over the years. In the 1960s and 70s most ophthalmic injuries were caused by a curious child dissecting a golf ball.2 In these cases, the high pressure center of the ball would explode as the child dissected the ball. Changes in golf ball design have, fortunately, eliminated this type of injury. Most pediatric golfrelated injuries do not happen on the golf course or during supervised play; most children are injured wielding a golf club while playing at home or school. This is in contrast to adult injuries, where most are caused by a golf ball rather than a golf club.3In their joint statement on protective eyewear during sports participation, the AAP and the American Academy of Ophthalmology list golf as a moderaterisk sport for eye trauma. Furthermore, the joint statement strongly recommends protective eyewear for all participants in sports in which there is risk of eye injury. Protective eyewear should be mandatory for athletes who are functionally oneeyed and for athletes whose ophthalmologists recommend eye protection after eye surgery or trauma.Identification of injury patterns may facilitate determination of effective preventive measures and elevation of public awareness of this issue. The study by Hink, et al, suggests that close adult supervision, adequate distance between children, and protective eyewear are measures that might enable those aspiring to be the next Tiger Woods or Annika Sorenstam to fulfill their golf dreams.

Pediatric Golf-Related Ophthalmic Injuries

To document ophthalmic morbidity of golf-related injuries in children and to report specific injury patterns. A noncomparative, interventional, retrospective case series of 11 pediatric patients treated at 2 institutions for ophthalmic trauma resulting from golf-related injuries during 15 years. Eleven eyes of 11 patients were injured. There were 6 boys and 5 girls, with a mean age of 10.2 years (age range, 7-14 years). Ten patients were injured by golf clubs and 1 patient by a golf ball. One injury occurred on a golf course. At the initial ophthalmic examination, visual acuity was 20/20 in 4 eyes (36%), 20/25 to 20/80 in 3 eyes (27%), no light perception in 3 eyes (27%), and undeterminable in 1 eye (9%). Nine of 11 patients required surgery. Follow-up ranged from 0 to 66 months (mean follow-up, 12 months). Three of 11 subjects had permanent deficits, including blindness, decreased vision, and anophthalmia. Final visual acuity was no light perception in 2 eyes (18%), 20/70 in 1 eye (9%), and 20/20 or better in 8 eyes (73%). The findings from this series reveal that pediatric ophthalmic golf injuries, although rare, may be devastating to the eye, periocular adnexa, and visual system. Among our cases, most injuries occurred off the golf course, many required surgery, and some resulted in permanent loss of vision.

Golf Ball-Related Head Injuries in Children

Golf has become one of the most popular sports in the world. Golf-related head injuries are well-documented and include golf club, golf cart, and more recently golf ball trauma. We report on 2 cases of golf ball-associated traumatic brain injuries. The unique biomechanics of golf ball head trauma are reviewed. Initially golf injuries may cause minor clinical signs, with absence of skull fractures. However, the association of significant underlying intracranial hemorrhage should prompt a thorough neurologic evaluation.