Epidemiology of Musculoskeletal Injuries in Golf Athletes: A Championship in Portugal.

Although golf is a low-impact sport without physical contact, its movements are carried out over a large range of motion, and their repetition can predispose athletes to the development of injuries. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiology of musculoskeletal injuries in golf athletes who participated in championships in southern Portugal, determining the types, locations and mechanisms of injury and their associated risk factors. The sample consisted of 140 athletes aged between 18 and 72 years, 133 (95%) being male. The measuring instrument was a questionnaire about sociodemographics, modality and injuries' characteristics. Throughout golf practice, 70 (50%) athletes reported injuries, totaling 133 injuries. In the 12-month period, 43 (30.7%) athletes suffered injuries, totaling 65 injuries. The injury proportion was of 0.31, and the injury rate was of 0.33 injuries per 1000 h of golf training. The most common injury type was muscle sprain or rupture (19; 30.9%), located in the lumbar spine (17; 27%), in which the repetitive movements were the main injury mechanism (42; 66.7%). The athletes who trained 4 times or more per week were 3.5 more likely (CI: 0.97-12.36; p = 0.056) to develop an injury while playing golf. Moderate injury presence was observed, with the high training frequency being an associated risk factor.

A Scoping Review of the Epidemiology, Management, and Outcomes of Golf-Related Fractures.

ABSTRACT: Golf is a popular sport; however, there is a paucity of data in relation to golf-associated fractures, and the rate and timing of returning to golf. The aim of this review is to describe golf-associated fractures, including epidemiology, management, and timing of returning to golf following treatment. A literature search was performed using MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. Data were extracted and summarized in a narrative synthesis. A total of 436 articles were identified with an initial search of which 58 met the inclusion criteria. Twelve anatomical sites of golf swing-related fractures were identified, of which 10 sites were specific for stress fractures. The most common sites of golf swing-related stress fractures were the ribs followed by the hook of hamate. There was a common theme of delay to diagnosis, being initially assigned to a soft tissue injury. Most golfers with swing-related stress fractures were able to return to golf with the exception of osteoporotic associated vertebral stress fractures. Timing of returning to golf was between 4 and 12 months for most of the golfers with stress fractures following conservative management. Operative intervention was an option of hook of hamate nonunion, following a stress fracture, and tibial shaft stress fractures. Golf equipment-related fractures were not rare and were associated with major trauma and in some cases associated with significant persistent morbidity. Golf-related stress fractures commonly involve the ribs and hook of hamate; knowledge of this may aid in early diagnosis and appropriate treatment when symptomatic golfers are encountered. Although golf is a noncontact sport, fractures associated with golf equipment can be life changing, and safety training guidelines should be established.

Epidemiology of musculoskeletal injury in professional and amateur golfers: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and incidence of musculoskeletal injury in amateur and professional golfers, and to identify common injury sites and factors associated with increased injury frequency. DESIGN: Systematic epidemiological review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: PubMed (Medline), Embase, the Cochrane Library and SPORTDiscus were searched in September 2023. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Studies published in the English language reporting the incidence or prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries in golfers at all anatomical sites. RESULTS: 20 studies (9221 golfers, 71.9% male, 28.1% female) were included, with mean age 46.8 years. Lifetime injury prevalence was significantly greater in professional golfers (73.5% (95% CI: 47.3% to 93.0%)) than amateur golfers (56.6% (95% CI: 47.4% to 65.5%); relative risk (RR)=1.50, p<0.001). Professional golfers had a significantly greater lifetime prevalence of hand and wrist (RR=3.33, p<0.001) and lower back injury (RR=3.05, p<0.001). Soft tissue injuries were most common, and diagnoses were typically non-specific. Injury frequency was not associated with age or sex. Two studies reported a greater injury risk in amateur golfers playing more than three and four rounds per week. CONCLUSION: Over half of golfers are at risk of sustaining a musculoskeletal injury during their lifetime. Risks and patterns of injury differ between professional and amateur golfers, with professionals significantly more likely to develop lower back, and hand and wrist injuries. A recent international consensus statement on the reporting of injury and illness in golf should aid consistency in future research assessing the epidemiology of specific diagnoses, informing golf injury prevention and management strategies. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42023408738.

Identifying community safety and policy-based injury prevention opportunities to reduce golf cart injuries.

BACKGROUND: In small US communities, golf cart utilization has become increasingly more common. In the past 3 years, the incidence and severity of pediatric golf cart-related trauma evaluated at our trauma center have noticeably increased. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze trends, identify risk and protective factors, and provide community-level recommendations to improve golf cart safety for children in a coastal community. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study of our institutional trauma registry was performed. The registry was queried for golf cart injuries between 2012 and 2022. Demographics, accident details, hospital course, and outcomes were reviewed. Data analysis involved quantitative statistics. Incident locations were mapped, including additional data from the County emergency medical service. In addition, customer education at four prominent golf rental shops was observed. RESULTS: Annual golf cart-related traumas doubled starting in 2020. Of 235 total patients, 105 (46%) were children. Median age was 11.5 years (range, 2-17 years). Fifty-five percent were female, and 67% were non-Hispanic White. Eighty percent were out-of-county residents. The most common injury location was extremity (56%). The median Injury Severity Score was 4, and 3% died. Only 10% of children were restrained. Forty-one percent were ejected, and most (84%) were front-facing passengers. Ejection was associated with more severe injury (odds ratio, 4.13; p = 0.01). Most injuries occurred during 5 to 10 pm (47%), weekends, and summertime. Nighttime injuries were more severe than daytime ( p = 0.04). A hotspot of crashes was identified in a zone where golf carts were restricted. Rental stores provided education on seat belt use, car seat use for infants, and off-limit zones. However, rules were not enforced. CONCLUSION: Our results inform the following golf cart injury prevention opportunities: raising awareness of injury risks to children in high-tourist areas, partnering with rental stores to enforce rules, improving signage, adding protected lanes, and adopting a no nighttime operation policy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic and Epidemiological; Level IV.

Inequities in the Training Environment and Health of Female Golfers Participating in the 2022 International Golf Federation World Amateur Team Championships.

OBJECTIVE: To assess health problems and training environment of female golfers participating in the 2022 World Amateur Team Championships (WATC) and to compare golfers (a) with and without health problems prior the WATC and (b) living and training in countries ranking in the upper versus lower 50% of the team results at the 2022 WATC. DESIGN: Cross-sectional cohort study using an anonymous questionnaire. SETTING: International Golf Federation WATC. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred sixty-two female golfers from 56 countries. INTERVENTIONS: N/A. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Golfers' answers on the presence and characteristics of health problems, their training environment, and to the Oslo Sport Trauma Research Centre Questionnaire. RESULTS: Almost all golfers (n = 162; 96%) answered the questionnaire. In the 4 weeks before the WATC, 101 golfers (63.1%) experienced 186 musculoskeletal complaints, mainly at the lumbar spine/lower back, wrist, or shoulder. Just half of the golfers (50.6%) performed injury prevention exercises always or often. More than a third (37.4%) of the golfers reported illness complaints and 32.5% mental health problems in the 4 weeks preceding the WATC. General anxiety, performance anxiety, and low mood/depression were the most frequent mental health problems. Golfers with injury complaints rated their daily training environment poorer. Golfers ranking in the lower 50% at the WATC had significantly less support staff, rated their training environment poorer, and had a higher prevalence of illness complaints and mental health problems. CONCLUSIONS: Effective illness and injury prevention programs should be implemented and better access to education and health support in the daily training environment provided.

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

BACKGROUND: 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. HYPOTHESIS: 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. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive epidemiology study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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%). CONCLUSION: 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. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: 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.

Etiology and Prevention of Common Injuries in Golf.

ABSTRACT: Golf is a popular sport played by individuals of varying age and skillsets. The golf swing is unique and complex, creating potential for various musculoskeletal injuries in both amateur and professional golfers. Understanding the basic biomechanics of the golf swing and its relation to injury etiology can assist the health care provider in recognizing and preventing musculoskeletal injuries secondary to golf. Most injuries occur in the upper limb and the lumbar spine. This review describes musculoskeletal pathologies seen in golfers with respect to anatomic area and golf swing biomechanics, while summarizing effective prevention strategies and swing modifications to address these potential injuries.

Physiotherapeutic effects of an innovative golf swing-assist device on discomfort and mobility in amateur golfers with low back pain: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Although the biomechanical features of the golf swing are extremely determined, multiple joint movements with limited pelvic and thoracic rotation movement can cause injury to the golfer and are linked with low back pain (LBP). We have developed the Pulley Master machine (PM), which is designed to offer active movement evaluation and monitoring as well as repetitive and task-specific training. OBJECTIVE: The primary goal of the present research was to analyze the effects of PM and Transfer of Electricity-Capacitive and Resistive (TECAR) therapy on the lumbar pain scale and thoracic and pelvic mobility in amateur golfers with LBP. METHODS: Twenty-one amateur golfers with LBP (six females, mean age = 23.43 ± 2.36 years) were randomly assigned to either PM or TECAR groups for five days per week over one week. Clinical outcome measurements included pelvic and thoracic mobility as well as a pain rating scale. Statistical analyses were presented using the analysis of variance (ANOVA), and the statistical significance level was set at P< 0.05. RESULTS: ANOVA showed that PM outperformed TECAR in terms of pelvic and thoracic mobility as well as a pain rating scale. CONCLUSION: The results provide novel and encouraging clinical evidence that PM improves pain control and mobility in amateur golfers with LBP.

Adult golf cart injuries: A rising hazard off the course.

OBJECTIVE: Golf carts are increasingly being used as a means of transportation for travel in neighborhoods, city areas, and unpaved surfaces. The catchment area of our regional trauma center has seen an increase in golf cart use for transportation. In fact, Georgia has recently changed legislation to support the growing need for more defined laws around golf cart use. This study aims to further evaluate injury and outcome patterns in the adult population of northeast Georgia. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of adult golf cart injured patients from 2018 to 2022. We evaluated key demographics, such as age and gender, along with the length of stay, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), and Injury Severity Score (ISS). Outcomes included the injury type. RESULTS: The results showed that orthopedic injuries were the most common (n = 24). Most patients were in the driver's seat (76%). Ejection from the golf cart was common (82%). Geriatric patients, 65 and older, had an increased length of stay compared to patients under the age of 65 (10 vs 3.9 days). CONCLUSION: Based on these results, future work includes injury prevention, increased awareness of injury patterns in prehospital and hospital settings, and communities updating their ordinances.

The Role of the Hand Surgery Consultant in the Care of the Amateur and Professional Golfer.

Golf is unique in this compendium of sports-related hand and wrist injury management. It is the only sport where the ball is stationary and there is no opponent against whom the player is defending. This distinctive sport dates to the 15th century in Scotland and is one of the oldest sports, but it is one where technology has changed many of the fundamental elements-from the "playing field (through advanced in agronomy) and the equipment (club and ball technology).

Biomechanical parameters of the golf swing associated with lower back pain: A systematic review.

Low back pain (LBP) is the most common injury in golfers of all abilities. The primary aim of this review was to improve understanding of human golf swing biomechanics associated with LBP. A systematic review using the PRISMA guidelines was performed. Nine studies satisfying inclusion criteria and dually reporting golf swing biomechanics and LBP were identified. Human golf swing biomechanics potentially associated with LBP include: reduced lumbar flexion velocity; reduced transition phase length; reduced lumbar torsional load; earlier onset of erector spinae contraction; increased lumbar lateral flexion velocity; reduced or greater erector spinae activity; and earlier onset of external oblique contraction. These potential associations were undermined by a very limited and conflicting quality of evidence, study designs which introduced a severe potential for bias and a lack of prospective study design. There is no conclusive evidence to support the commonly held belief that LBP is associated with "poor" golf swing technique. The potential associations identified should be further investigated by prospective studies of robust design, recruiting participants of both sexes and dexterities. Once firm associations have been identified, further research is required to establish how this knowledge can be best integrated into injury prevention and rehabilitation.

LBP has the highest incidence of any injury in elite, sub-elite and recreational golfers, causing a significant burden of injury worldwide.There is very limited and conflicting evidence that some human biomechanical factors in the golf swing may be associated with LBP.Prospective studies investigating the full movement pattern are required in order to improve understanding of the potential relationship between the biomechanics of the golf swing and LBP.

A 20-year nationwide analysis of golf-associated eye injuries in the United States.

PURPOSE: Existing knowledge regarding golf-associated eye injuries (GEIs) is sparse. The purpose of this study was to characterize the types of GEIs, examine the mechanisms of injury, describe the characteristics of GEI victims, and determine the incidence of GEIs during the 2002-2021 period using the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database. METHODS: Deidentified patient records were analyzed. Each GEI was assigned into a specific category of diagnosis, and the mechanism of injury was determined. National estimates were collected for each year, and simple linear regression modeling was used to determine trends over time. Furthermore, patient variables for sex, race, and age were analyzed. RESULTS: The NEISS query provided a total of 379 GEIs for analysis. GEIs were most common in adult males, with a decreasing, although not statistically significant, trend during this period (ß = -17.88, p = 0.110). Children were more likely to have a GEI caused by a golf club while adults were more likely to have one caused by the surrounding environment. Across all age groups, contusions and corneal abrasions were the most common GEIs, constituting 50.4% (190/377) of all eye injuries, followed by foreign body injuries (9%, 34/377) and then irritation/inflammation of the eye (8%, 30/377). The most common mechanism of injury among all players involved adverse interactions with the environment (37.7%, 142/377). CONCLUSION: Contradictory to existing literature, we show that minor GEIs are more common than severe ones. Rather than golf clubs or balls, environmental elements are the leading cause of GEIs.

Increased trunk muscle recruitment during the golf swing is linked to developing lower back pain: A prospective longitudinal cohort study.

BACKGROUND: This is the first study that presents electromyographic measurements prior to the development of lower back pain in young elite golfers. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective longitudinal cohort study. METHODS: Thirty-three injury free elite golfers were included. Muscle activity from latissimus dorsi, rectus abdominis, external oblique and erector spinae muscles were recorded during 10 drive golf swings. Lower back pain, training and performance were monitored over a six-month period. Muscle activation comparisons were made between the baseline results of those who went on to develop lower back pain versus those who did not go on to develop lower back pain. RESULTS: After the six-month monitoring period 17 participants developed lower back pain. The group that developed lower back pain had increased dominant rectus abdominis and dominant latissimus dorsi activation at various time points throughout the swing. DISCUSSION: The increased dominant rectus abdominis and dominant latissimus dorsi during the golf swing is linked with developing lower back pain. Training strategies aimed at reducing these muscles activation during the swing may reduce the incidence of lower back pain in young elite male golfers.

Deficits in the Star Excursion Balance Test and Golf Performance in Elite Golfers with Chronic Low Back Pain.

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether low-handicap elite golfers with chronic low back pain (CLBP) exhibit deficits in dynamic postural control and whether CLBP affects golfers in terms of their golf swing parameters. A total of fifteen Division 1 college golfers were recruited as participants. Of these, six of whom experienced CLBP, while the remaining participants were healthy. In this study, CLBP was defined as experiencing chronic pain symptoms for more than six months. The Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) was administered to examine dynamic posture control in both groups. The TrackMan Golf Launch Monitor Simulator was used to collect data on the performance parameters of the swing of the participants. The results for both feet in the medial, lateral, posterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions indicated that the CLBP group scored lower than the control group. However, the CLBP group scored higher for the right foot in the anterolateral direction. The parameters for the club speed and ball carry of the CLBP group were lower than those of the control group. Further, the CLBP group exhibited a more upright swing plane relative to the control group. Taken together, our findings suggest that SEBT may be feasible and highly accessible to assess golf swing performance of elite players with CLBP.

Ulnar-Sided Wrist Pain in the Athlete: Sport-Specific Demands, Clinical Presentation, and Management Options.

ABSTRACT: Ulnar-sided wrist injuries are common in sports that require repeated pronosupination, wrist radial/ulnar deviation, axial loading, and gripping equipment. Common anatomic structures affected include the triangular fibrocartilage complex, extensor carpi ulnaris tendon, distal radioulnar and ulnocarpal joints, and hamate bone. Presenting symptoms include pain with activity, swelling, possible snapping or clicking, and reproduction of symptoms with provocative maneuvers. Imaging may confirm or rule out pathologies, but abnormal findings also may present in asymptomatic athletes. Initial treatment is usually nonoperative with splinting, load management, activity modification, strengthening the components of the kinetic chain of the particular sport, and pain management. Surgery is usually indicated in ulnar-wrist pain pathology such as hook of hamate fractures and required in associated instability. Future research should address specific treatment and rehabilitation protocols, emphasizing the complete kinetic chain along with the injured wrist.

Sports related heat injury in Victoria, Australia: An analysis of 11 years of hospital admission and emergency department data.

OBJECTIVES: Heat injuries have become a considerable health risk for sport and exercise participants in Australia. This study seeks to update the Australian sports case numbers by considering data from hospital admission and emergency department (ED) presentations (collectively referred to as total hospitalisations). Specifically, this study aimed to report epidemiological features (incidence and case characteristics) for sport related heat injury (SRHI) cases treated in hospital, over an 11-year period in Victoria, Australia. DESIGN: Analysis of administrative health data. METHODS: Data were extracted from the Victorian Injury Surveillance Unit for hospital admissions and ED presentations separately using diagnosis and activity codes (focused on subgroups of T67 - effects of heat and light and U5000-U7100). Descriptive data were reported by age, sex, financial year and activity, and population trends reported for SRHI incidence rate. RESULTS: A total of 323 SRHI cases (ED=142, 44%; admissions=181, 56%) were identified, representing 10.2% of all heat injury cases (non-sport cases=2834). The highest number of SRHI cases were in golf (n=43, 13.3%) and lawn bowls (n=38, 11.8%). The age groups >65 and 15-34years reported a total of 114 cases (35.3%) and 106 cases (32.8%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Findings were consistent with previous Australian studies with SRHI comprising 10% of all heat injury cases. Strategies for SRHI awareness can be aimed at the age and sport groups with greater representation in the cases identified. We had expected several-times more ED presentations than admissions, suggesting fewer of the mild-moderate cases of SRHI attend for emergency care and that alternative data are needed to capture these.

Fun ride or risky transport: Golf cart-related injuries treated in U.S. emergency departments from 2007 through 2017.

INTRODUCTION: Golf cart-related injuries constitute a substantial source of morbidity, most notably in pediatric populations. Despite the high rate of injuries, there have been no meaningful changes in golf cart design or legislation to reduce the overall burden of these injuries. This study sought to characterize the epidemiology of golf cart-related injuries treated in United States hospital emergency departments. METHOD: A retrospective analysis was conducted by using data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System for patients of all ages who were treated in emergency departments (EDs) (2007-2017) for a golf cart-related injury. RESULTS: From 2007 through 2017, an estimated 156,040 (95% CI = 102,402-209,679) patients were treated in U.S. EDs for golf cart-related injuries. The average rate of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in children (1.62 per 100,000 children) was more than three times that of TBIs in adults (0.52 per 100,000 adults; rate ratio = 2.38; 95% CI = 2.36-2.41) and nearly twice that of TBIs in seniors (1.11 per 100,000 seniors; rate ratio = 1.21; 95% CI = 1.19-1.22). The rate of injuries in seniors increased significantly by 67.6% from 4.81 per 100,000 seniors in 2007 to 8.06 per 100,000 seniors in 2017 (slope = 0.096; p = 0.041). CONCLUSIONS: Golf cart use remains an important source of injury for people of all ages, especially in children. As use continues to increase, it is unlikely that golf cart-related injuries will decrease without substantial changes to product design, regulation, and/or legislation. Practical Applications: Use of golf carts pose a considerable risk of injury and morbidity; safety recommendations should be followed.

Transverse abdominis activity and ultrasound biofeedback in college golfers with and without low back pain.

OBJECTIVES: To compare transverse abdominis (TrA) muscle activity in college golfers with and without a history of low back pain (LBP) and examine the effects of ultrasound biofeedback and a functional golf-setup position on TrA activity. DESIGN: Crossover study. SETTING: Laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-two (n = 32) collegiate golfers were stratified into either the LBP group (n = 16, 4.6 ± 4.5 LBP episodes) or non-LBP group (n = 16, 0.1 ± 0.3 LBP episodes) based on LBP episodes in the last 6-months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Ultrasound measures of TrA activity were performed during standard contractions and contractions with ultrasound biofeedback. Contraction-type order was randomized between two visits. Testing was performed in two positions, supine and golf-setup positions. RESULTS: We observed no significant differences in TrA activity between the LBP and non-LBP groups. Overall, TrA activity was greater during biofeedback contractions compared to standard contractions, and TrA activity was lower in the golf-setup position compared to the supine position. CONCLUSIONS: We observed no differences in TrA activity between college golfers with and without LBP. College golfers with and without LBP demonstrated a greater ability to contract their TrA with real-time ultrasound biofeedback and a lower ability to contract their TrA in the functional golf-setup position compared to the traditional supine position.

Dystonic Golfer's cramp: Pilot study of propranolol and looking at the hole.

INTRODUCTION: There is limited data in the scientific literature using quantitative methods to assess response of golfer's cramp to intervention. The objective of this pilot study was to use quantitative measures to study the effect of propranolol and looking at the hole when putting. METHODS: 14 golfers completed 50 10' putts (10 each x 5 conditions): two-handed looking at the ball, right hand only looking at the ball, two-handed looking at the hole, then following a single 10 mg oral dose of propranolol two-handed and right hand only putts looking at the ball. Quantitative measurements of putter movement and surface EMG to assess wrist muscle co-contraction were measured. RESULTS: Based on video review of the putting, five golfers with dystonic golfer's cramp and nine with non-dystonic yips were compared. Those with dystonic golfer's cramp had more putts with the yips and yips with co-contraction when two-handed putting looking at the ball, no increase when putting right hand only, less smoothness of putter movement, and all of these improved following propranolol and when looking at the hole. The non-dystonic group had an increase in yipped putts and yipped putts with co-contraction putting right hand only and no improvement with either intervention. CONCLUSION: Yipped putts with co-contraction, right hand only putting, and smoothness of putter movement differed between dystonic golfer's cramp and non-dystonic yips. Propranolol and looking at the hole only improved dystonic golfer's cramp putting. This is the first pilot study of oral medication treatment for this task-specific dystonia.