About this episode
On this episode of The Golf Parent Podcast, Ryan Adams sits down with Ryan Degale to unpack one of the most overlooked issues in junior golf: back health. While many parents and coaches focus on swing mechanics, scores, and tournament schedules, the reality is that golf can put serious strain on the spine, especially for young players. Ryan shares why golf is uniquely dangerous for the back, the most common training mistakes juniors make, and how poor habits at a young age can lead to injuries like scoliosis over time. He emphasizes the importance of mobility, flexibility, strength conditioning, and proper training routines to keep juniors healthy while developing their game. The conversation also dives into the role of hydration and nutrition in maintaining back health, the misconceptions created by social media, and why warm-up and cool-down routines should never be ignored. Parents will walk away with practical tools and a fresh perspective on how to protect their child’s long-term health and success in golf. 🔑 Key Takeaways: - Golf is particularly dangerous for the back due to its mechanics - Many junior golfers train like athletes in other sports, which can cause injuries - Strength conditioning and awareness are critical for young golfers - Improper swing mechanics over time can contribute to scoliosis - Flexibility and mobility training prevent injuries and build longevity - Hydration and nutrition are essential for back health - Common misconceptions about back training lead to mistakes - Warm-up and cool-down routines are often ignored but vital - Social media can mislead juniors with unrealistic training examples - Excessive deadlifting can be harmful for golfers’ backs ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 The Dangers of Golf for the Back 06:44 Importance of Mobility and Core Strength 12:42 Running and Its Impact on Golf Performance 20:12 Hydration and Nutrition for Back Health 29:55 Training the Next Generation of Golfers 💥 Sponsor Shoutout: This episode is sponsored by IJGA, the world’s premier junior golf academy trusted by families who want to unlock their golfer’s full potential. 🔗 Connect with Ryan DeGale: 📸 Instagram: @Golfandbody_ 📱Phone: (954) 401-0936 🌐 Website: Golfandbody.com 🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent: 🌐 Website: https://www.thegolfparent.com/ 📸 Instagram: / thegolfparent 📺 YouTube: / @thegolfparent 🎧 All Episodes: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube