The contemporary world of golf, marked by an unending evolution and dramatic technological advancements, is facing concerns about the physical toll it takes on players. Renowned golf coach Brad Faxon is among those raising the alarm about the potential injury risk linked to the modern golfer’s fixation on gym workouts and power drives.
Gone are the days when pure skill was the highlight of the game. Now, the ability to drive the ball over 300 yards consistently is a prerequisite to remain competitive. The shift towards power-driven play was largely spearheaded by legends like Tiger Woods and later carried forward by Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau.
However, Faxon is questioning the single-minded pursuit of power and the hours spent in the gym by today’s golfers. According to him, there might be a tipping point where an excessive focus on physical conditioning could lead to injuries, with players like Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele already missing time this season.
Faxon shared his thoughts during a Golf Channel podcast, “There could well be a point where players are focused too much on gym work. I don’t think Scheffler concerns me at all. But Arron Oberholser will tell you how his wrist issues ruined his career. That’s a delicate part of the body. What’s too far?”
He further elaborated on the dramatic changes in the players’ physical composition over the past 25 years, citing examples of Tiger Woods and David Duval, who initiated this trend. Faxon pointed out that many contemporary players, including Jake Knapp and Rory McIlroy, prioritize gym sessions over practice or putting green. He emphasized the need to identify the right workout balance to prevent injuries and ensure the longevity of players’ careers.
John Daly, another golfing stalwart, shares Faxon’s skepticism about the excessive focus on fitness. Daly believes that strenuous workouts could damage a player’s flexibility, which is critical to the game.
Daly commented on the Like a Farmer podcast, “I think working out hurts a lot of these guys, I really do. They lose their flexibility and work strenuously on the game and their swing, which may not be beneficial in the long run.”
The debate on the intersection of fitness and golf is far from over. Golfing icons like Tiger Woods, Padraig Harrington, and Bernhard Langer continue to maintain their top form well into their late 40s and beyond, suggesting that fitness and longevity may not be mutually exclusive in golf.
However, the predictions of Faxon and Daly about the potential risks of overtraining are worth considering. As the game continues to evolve, the golfing community must strike a balance between power, skill, and physical health to ensure the sport remains sustainable for future generations.