12 rules to healthy golf: from our Top 100 golfer doctors

Golf Digest, August, 2006

1 Whenever possible, walk when you play golf. Don't ride.

2. Warm up before you play, every time. Stretch and take slow swings for at least five minutes before teeing off.

3. Always use sunscreen when playing, and apply twice as much as you think is necessary. Re-apply at the turn. Check your skin monthly for any changes, and see a doctor if anything looks abnormal. Wear hat and sunglasses to protect your eyes and scalp.

4. Drink water to fully hydrate before you tee off, and drink frequently during the round. At minimum, consume one 16-ounce bottle per nine holes.

5. Stop smoking. And cigars on the course count!

6. Be active every day. Engage in aerobic activities like vigorous, nonstop walking for least 30 minutes daily. Core-muscle exercises will reduce the risk of back injuries.

7. At the first sign of lightning, seek shelter or get off the course. No exceptions, even if you've just made three birdies.

8. Get an annual physical examination. That includes annual prostate exams for men, mammograms for women and colonoscopies after age 50. Early detection is vital to treating cancer successfully.

9. Buy good golf shoes, and make sure they fit. When trying them on, wear the same socks you would use for golf.

10.Take some golf lessons. A good swing puts far less stress on your body--as well as your mind and your scorecard--than a bad one.

11. Avoid attempting to hit shots around exposed roots or rocks. Take the unplayable penalty rather than risk injury.

12. Stress and anxiety can make you sick. Make time to play lots of golf. At least once a week in season. Relax. Whistle. Smile. Laugh. Enjoy yourself. Happy people live longer than Les Miserables. They're more fun to play with, too.