How to Play Good Golf with a Bad Back

In this video, we're going to show you how to play good golf with a bad back. By following our simple tips, you'll be able to play golf safely and effectively no matter how your back is looking!
If you're struggling to play good golf with a bad back, then this video is for you! We'll show you a simple, easy golf swing that'll help you play without pain. By following our tips, you'll be able to enjoy your game again and improve your score!

[@fred8230]

The VLS system is working for me. I am 63 with degenerate disc disease and mildish scoliosis from 35 years of a desk job. I also have rotator cuff problems from 40 some years of weightlifting. I decided to re-take up golf after taking off 39 years from the sport. I searched for videos for golf swings for bad backs after wrenching my back using my stiff shafted blades from 1981 and swinging like I was 24, , I tried many swings for bad backs that I found on KZbin none of them really worked until I came across your videos. I bought the book and I have studied and practiced your techniques and so far so good. I do get roped in occasionally to other web sites that have suggestions for greater power or whatever and I have to stop that because it has hurt my back. I have to learn to accept that I am old and accept a swing speed that is sub 100mph, and hey, I can use the short tees. Thank you for your book and videos.

[@USGOLFTVshow]

Wow, what a story! Thank you for sharing. Your passion for the game and improving is motivating for others out there struggling to stay on the links. Happy the Vertical Line Swing is working for our fellow golfers all over the globe.

[@rpkessen]

Hi Todd, Love your passion for the game and for teaching. Just bought your book, "The Bad Lie" and enjoying it. I live in Wisconsin and am 73 years young. I was totally grasping the concepts you were laying out in your book until I got to the chapters on the Takeaway and Halfway back. In the chapter on the Takeaway you state, "First, I want you to feel your hands arc in as the clubhead stays outside (got it!). So, if you set an alignment rod or golf club on the ground between your toes and the ball, your goal is to work your hands inward between the alignment rod and your body, while your clubhead moves along the line of the alignment rod. Then in the chapter on Halfway Back you state, "As you swing toward that halfway back position, think about extending the movement you began in the takeaway. By the time your lead arm is parallel with the ground, your hands should be right over the alignment rod. You’ll notice that when you do this, you create a more vertical backswing. Would you be able to give me some clarification on "work your hands inward between the alignment rod and your body" and at parallel "your hands should be right over the alignment rod." It sounds like I should start my hands in and then start them out to get them right over the alignment rod. Thanks for clearing this matter up for me, Bob

[@USGOLFTVshow]

Bob, this is the post of the week. Love your passion for learning. Glad you are enjoying the book and finding it helpful to your game. In regards to your question, the hands work on an arc in and up while the clubhead stays out in front of the chest. Have you considered our VLS Academy, with your passion for learning you would really enjoy our live sessions where you can ask questions like this. Here are a few details www.vlsgolfacademy.com/

[@johnschwartz1536]

Great tip Todd on how to accommodate a back issue in order to play golf. As one of your experienced viewers, I have had hip issues for years. To circumvent this situation, I go for a chiropractic maintenance treatment every two weeks or as needed. Plus, I have stretching exercises I use via an exercise ball and the floor each day and definitely before a round of golf. As you, I'm not going to let a few aches and pains keep me from playing a round of golf when I want to. Good Job Todd!!

[@USGOLFTVshow]

Great post here, your passion and focus to stay on the course is awesome! I like your plan....thanks for posting.

[@anitamurray7176]

😊 from Upstate NY. Love this channel. Recently dealing with back issues so this video is super timely. Thanks!

[@USGOLFTVshow]

We got you covered....thanks for watching and the kind words.

[@masoncornelison5848]

Glad I found this today. I tweaked my lower back at the end of my last round (9 days ago now). I’ve lost practice time trying to rehab. Got my first State event here in Virginia at the end of the month. Going to get some swings in this afternoon and try to work everything out. I’m also just over a year out from being classified as an “experienced” golfer in the State of Virginia. 😜 The real work starts now to get ready to return to competitive amateur golf.

[@USGOLFTVshow]

Good luck! Hope this information and the Vertical Line Swing System helps you stay on the course and improve. 👊

[@marklags2396]

Long Island, NY. Tweaked my back yesterday at Lowes and playing Thursday. I'll try these drills. Plus add 2 Advil's on first tee, should be fine. Thanks Todd and crew.

[@USGOLFTVshow]

You got this!

[@montybryant1]

From Chapel Hill, NC. Usually when someone says a single change will add 20 yards to my drive, it's malarkey. This tip was different. Today, I stepped up to my first tee shot and hit it 20 yards further than I have in years. Kept it up the whole round. THANKS, Todd!!!

[@USGOLFTVshow]

Let’s go! This made our day, thanks for sharing. We do our best to provide good solid information that is simple to understand and actually works.

[@montybryant1]

@@USGOLFTVshow You do a great job and a great service. Thanks!!

[@jeffreyschmidt3786]

I can relate. 2 back surgeries. From Michigan.. Try golf Central Michigan, Gaylord Michigan too. Wonderful courses. Should be on your bucket list

[@USGOLFTVshow]

Thanks Jeff, Michigan is a great golf state. It is on our list to visit.

[@kurturbanek5568]

Thanks Todd. I’m a Baptist missionary who has been on the field for 32 years. I’ve been working in Cuba for the past 26. I’m hoping to get out and golf. I have a terrible back, so this is really helpful. Hopefully, I’ll be able to apply what you’re teaching so I can play without so much pain.

[@USGOLFTVshow]

Kurt, great to see you getting into the game. Hope you are finding our channel helpful in your learning process. Here is another good video to help along the way kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJC0c5d4hMubj9k

[@kurturbanek5568]

I really appreciate the help. I’m looking to be fitted soon. Clubs are a big investment. Hopefully, I can find a good place to help. I’ll keep watching!

[@bowl816]

Hey Kurt thanks for the missionary work. The book Todd talks about will help as will his videos and the “Vertical line system” I recommend his coaching all the time. Using the vertical line system I hit the ball farther than any other swing and pain free.

[@brettcornelison2599]

Thanks Todd, great tips for us experienced golfers with back issues!

[@USGOLFTVshow]

Our pleasure, hope you are enjoying the channel. Are you a subscriber?

[@brettcornelison2599]

@USGOLFTVshow yes, I am a subscriber on KZbin and VLS Golf Academy. Great content!

[@USGOLFTVshow]

@@brettcornelison2599 awesome! Thank you for the support.

[@justinpolaris5324]

I have another tip that works great. On your follow through and transition, instead of rolling your back foot and standing up on your toes for the finish, do this: sort of slide or twist your back foot and leg internally, almost like a baseball players back foot through follow through when batting, it allows your whole upper trunk and lower body to move as a unit instead of twisting. It helps if you get golf shoes with removable spikes and take the spikes out of the toe half of the shoe. Hope I explained that well.

[@bobcurry6595]

Indiana love your lessons!

[@USGOLFTVshow]

Thanks! Are you following the Vertical Line Swing system? You can see it here kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqDFfGSEYrNsp7ssi=ZjXQDWDQI8SO_t-9

[@bobcurry6595]

This is great tips for us with bad backs and knees

[@USGOLFTVshow]

Thanks Bob, hope the information allows a few of our fellow golfers to stay on the course a little longer.

[@Shane696]

Thanks, will be helpful for my gf who had back surgery and doesn’t have much turning range in her back. Enjoying golf in MN 😋

[@USGOLFTVshow]

Good to hear, anything we can do to keep people on the course playing the game they love is 👍

[@Sozjot]

Good tips Todd. greetings from Brisbane in Australia….

[@USGOLFTVshow]

Thank you! Are you finding the information helpful?

[@drewdonovan9613]

Hi Todd, watching from Reignier, France… I trust your back is doing better… I get these types of slips every once I a while when I move or lift things in a different way…. Older age is creeping in… I love to see some of your putting stroke strategies… thanks, Drew Donovan

[@USGOLFTVshow]

Thanks Drew, doing much better now. Thanks for asking!

[@patrickcasey450]

Thanks for the tip and drill. Struggling getting off the tee also. Pat , Doylestown, pa 65 yr old

[@USGOLFTVshow]

Pat, our pleasure. Two suggestions: Read this www.badliegolfbook.com/ Watch this kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3fZnWh8qbF9opo

[@user-gz3ik7ix6z]

Great video on how to swing with low stress on the back. My back feels better already 😀 Maybe some warm up exercises before golf would be a good video as well.

[@USGOLFTVshow]

Awesome! Great to hear the information is helping. Will be sure to pass along the idea to our content team. 👊

[@brokebackgolfn5388]

Run over by a truck 2 back surgeries use to be not bad now I’m trying to find the back swing to help I will try this

[@pamellabinder6186]

Bay City MI-amazing advice as I head out to league play in an hour with a bad back and beginning of knee problems! Now I’m looking forward to my game this morning 8) !!!!

[@USGOLFTVshow]

Awesome, good luck, be sure to let us know how it goes.

[@pamellabinder6186]

@@USGOLFTVshow It worked! The next day I did not have the usual aches and pains from my round of golf! Even by the end of the week no after-effects😲. I even had some terrific shots during my game! I love golf again 😃

[@pamellabinder6186]

Thank you, Todd!!

[@USGOLFTVshow]

@@pamellabinder6186 awesome!!! This made our day…thank you for sharing your experience with us. 👍

[@andrewsnyder4241]

Watching from thunderstorm riddled New Jersey.

[@USGOLFTVshow]

Hope it clears and you get back on the links…

[@robgiblin4404]

Launceston/ Tasmania/ Australia

[@USGOLFTVshow]

Welcome!

[@orlandomartinez9622]

Ocala Fl great advice

[@gary5512]

Played at baseline Sunday

[@orlandomartinez9622]

@@gary5512 how is that course?

[@gary5512]

@orlandomartinez9622 it's nice 3 and 4 par and no tee times just line up and go real nice i was in town this past weekend

[@donniemarlow9327]

I have bad back all so but I played golf for the last two days. Her in Athens Ala home of Lee Hodges

[@USGOLFTVshow]

Hope this information is helping and keeping you on the golf course...thanks! Are you a subscriber?

[@DereckLarsen-g3c]

I have a bad back, so do not swing like I used to. My problem is I either hook or pull every shot driver thru wedge. Is there a drill to prevent this problem??

[@bottlecap57]

Used a full can of freeze spray on my back to get me around the course a few years ago. A day I won't forget. Agony every swing🤪 Strangely I didn't play too badly🤔

[@USGOLFTVshow]

Hope the back is doing better now...

[@HBWarren1]

Stuart, Florida

[@USGOLFTVshow]

Welcome, are you finding the information helpful?

[@johnsadler8637]

North central North Carolina. Unless I’m wrong, none of these motions are bad for a golf swing even if our backs don’t hurt!

[@USGOLFTVshow]

You speak the truth, they are cornerstones of the Vertical Line Swing system, all covered in my book The Bad Lie

[@brianelliott1304]

I've 4 back surgeries and the bottom 4 vertebrae's are caged and fused. But I still golf. Can't twist anymore and cant hit the ball as far I used to but, I'm not giving up golf.

[@USGOLFTVshow]

Good for you. The Vertical Line Swing system has helped many golfer play longer with a bad back. See here if you want to learn more kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqDFfGSEYrNsp7ssi=-gwDqtP31kRVKg_e

[@jeffreyklein3481]

Hey Todd, Jeff from Venice FL. Maybe taking a couple days off would be a better idea. Just a thought. Thanks for your great tips. I happen to be left handed and cannot hit a draw everything is a fade or dead straight. Any tips?

[@USGOLFTVshow]

Rest is always a good option. Here is a good video on the draw kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4SUeJ2Aq9iKhdE

[@bowl816]

Straight is not a bad thing! I lost my regular draw, but I am hitting it long and straight. 😎

[@philliptherkelsen7347]

Nice tip for bad backs, but I go beyond just sore muscles, I have had 10 low back surgerys and I am fused from L2 down. I have lost so much distance I used to get 260 yards from my driver to now I am lucky to get 160 yards Do you have any help with that Phillip Therkelsen Fort Wayne Indiana

[@USGOLFTVshow]

Phillip, sorry to hear of your back struggles. The Vertical Line swing has provide golfers all over the globe a second chance in golf. Best place to start would be here www.badliegolfbook.com/ The book provides a roadmap for the next steps.

[@jamesbanks1218]

I have bone spurs on my spine and some days are worse than others but i love to play golf so hopefully help me

[@USGOLFTVshow]

Hope this video helps you stay on the course more often. Have you been following our Vertical Line Swing system? It is great for "experienced" golfers who struggle with pain and lack of mobility. Learn more here kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqDFfGSEYrNsp7ssi=NnknPTmV9H5bYn8X

[@jamesbanks1218]

@USGOLFTVshow been using the vls its great its better for me i was using stack and tilt that was killing me

[@gregboggs4721]

Todd just curious, are you still playing a stiff shaft in your iron? I’ve had a bad back most of my life, had surgery in 2000 for ruptured disc (L1) and have arthritis and scar tissue with a couple of bulging disc. I’m 68 picked up golf 12 years ago and truly enjoying the game but need a swing I can use, VLS is interesting being I can’t rotate like the pros do but I do still have plenty of flexibility and range of motion. I’m here in NC.

[@USGOLFTVshow]

Good question, I recently moved to regular flex and a lighter shaft. It has been a good move for me.

[@christianfilippone5038]

My issue is I got back problems from the army and on my back swing I can’t get back far enough without pain.

[@Minionsrules]

What if you injure your wrist. How can I continue to play, once a week, without pain?

[@timfowler9695]

What does your right hand do in the backswing?

[@USGOLFTVshow]

Tough to answer in one sentence, will add to our content list. 👍

[@robgiblin4404]

Barnbougle and Lost Farm

[@paulvaccaro5233]

Paul vaccaro Stamford ct

[@USGOLFTVshow]

Welcome, are you a subscriber?

[@gary5512]

Westchester ny with a bad back

[@USGOLFTVshow]

Hope this information gets you back on the course....

[@gary5512]

@USGOLFTVshow never stopped just swallow pills and keep it moving

[@kirbypatrick8779]

Why would I need to align the toe of my clubs with the ball to hit in the center of my club

[@USGOLFTVshow]

Not sure we understand the question, can you expand?

[@kirbypatrick8779]

@@USGOLFTVshow if I line the ball with the center of the club face, I shank the ball

[@kirbypatrick8779]

Thanks for the response!

[@USGOLFTVshow]

@@kirbypatrick8779 no problem...here to help.

[@perryfisherjr.5621]

Hitting my fairway shots fat 75% of the time

[@USGOLFTVshow]

This will help kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGjRhJWqo5aJmZY