Amber Sayer

Golf may not look like a physically demanding sport from the outside, but the repetitive rotational forces of the swing, combined with hours of walking on uneven terrain, create a surprisingly high injury risk. Back pain alone affects an estimated 25 to 35 percent of amateur golfers in any given year, and elbow, wrist, and shoulder injuries are not far behind. The good news is that most golf injuries are preventable with the right combination of physical preparation, swing awareness, and recovery habits.

Consistent iron play is the fastest path to lower scores, yet it remains one of the most elusive skills for amateur golfers. You can get away with a mediocre drive if your approach shots are precise, but no amount of long-game brilliance will compensate for iron shots that scatter across the course unpredictably. The good news is that consistent iron striking is not a talent — it is a set of mechanical fundamentals that anyone can develop with the right understanding and focused practice.

Three years after the golf world fractured, the 2026 Masters is offering the clearest evidence yet that the PGA Tour and LIV Golf have settled into a functional coexistence. Ten LIV golfers are in this week's field at Augusta National, including two of the tournament's strongest favorites, and the public hostility that defined the early years of the split has given way to something closer to professional pragmatism.

Consistency is what separates good golfers from great ones. And the foundation of consistency is a pre-shot routine. Every professional golfer has one. Every golfer who shoots in the 70s or better has developed a repeatable pre-shot routine. If you want to lower your scores, developing a rock-solid pre-shot routine is one of the highest-impact changes you can make.

Lauren Coughlin captured her latest LPGA Tour title at the 2026 Aramco Championship, posting a 7-under-par total at Shadow Creek Golf Course in Las Vegas to hold off Nelly Korda and Leona Maguire, who tied for second. The victory continues Coughlin's emergence as one of the most consistent players on the LPGA Tour and sets the stage for an exciting run into the first women's major of 2026 — the Chevron Championship in Houston later this month.

Physical fitness directly impacts golf performance. A comprehensive golf workout program builds the strength, flexibility, and endurance that improve

Thinking about trying retinol? Dermatologists explain how to start safely, choose the right strength, and manage common side effects.

Amber Sayer Fact checked by Sarah Scott Retinol can improve acne and signs of aging, but it works best with consistent, long-term use.

Exercising on an empty stomach depletes glycogen, which might boost fat loss. It can also increase cortisol, which causes dizziness and fatigue.

This article originally appeared on Yoga Journal I teach yoga to students of all ages, backgrounds, shapes, sizes, and reasons for practicing.