The PGAE has formed a working relationship with the Golf Health Foundation, a newly-launched body which offers up-to-the minute information and help from a network of experts across Europe.
The Foundation was formed by Dr. Lawrence Dawson and acts as forum for the growing number of golf professionals who have a particular interest in the sports sciences and specifically the provision of health care for all who play the game.
A website, which has sections on nutrition, preparation for golf, the mental game and golf injuries, is currently on-line with an exclusive, secure entry system for PGA members across Europe.
The site, www.golfhealth.info, is available at no cost to golf professionals. It includes the first online golf health clinic where golfers can address questions to specialists and receive answers either on a one-to-one basis or in the form of an online discussion.
“This is an innovative service whereby a golf professional can go on line at any time, wherever he may be in the world, and receive up-to-the-minute information on a whole range of relevant subjects,” said Dr Dawson who has worked extensively with golfers
Already the Foundation has run two courses for physiotherapists, osteopaths and chiropractors, on the subject of managing golfing injuries. Almost a hundred practitioners successfully completed the programme.
The subject material of the Golf Health Foundation courses includes a general introduction to golf psychology, nutrition and custom club making along with a detailed study of the mechanisms, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and prevention of golfing injuries.
Although currently the delegates are mainly from the UK, representatives from Finland, Denmark, Spain, Portugal and Barbados are included on the foundation’s register of clinical specialists, including medical staff from the Ryder Cup, the men’s and ladies’ European Tours and many from other levels of golf competition.
The register will also be extended to include psychologists, biomechanists, dieticians and podiatrists to help complete the comprehensive nature of the large team.
The Foundation will keep members up to date with the latest research from the world of golf health and science, reviews of the latest publications and will publicise forthcoming seminars and courses being held in Europe in related subjects.
Further information: Dr. Lawrence Dawson, Tel: +44(0)7768 528681.E-mail ld@backs.com