Abstract
Background: South African golfers are possibly amongst the most successful in the world,
but South African golfers’ achievements are not quite where they could be if compared to,
for example, American golfers. America as a whole has long since used chiropractic and is
the country with the largest population of chiropractors (75,000) as of 2012 (World
Federation of Chiropractic, 2012); and a large population of their top golfers utilise
chiropractic to aid their golf and achieve the best they can in professional golf, according to
popular golfing literature although not yet scientifically proven. On enquiring and
investigating to find a reason or reasons as to why this could be so, one aspect that could
be considered regarding possible reasons as to why American golfers are not only
achieving at the top of their game, but are out playing the best of world golfers. One
possible area to further investigate is the level of health care to keep the golfers at the top
of their game and avert injury. Golfing injuries can have an impact on the success and
livelihood of these golfers and therefore, due to a lack of research being found on the
matter, investigations into the role chiropractic has on the treatment and management of
professional golfers in South Africa needs to be made.
Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the experience and attitudes of professional
golfers in South Africa on the treatment and management of golfer’s injuries and the role of
the chiropractic profession in that regard. The results would help in determining the extent
to which injuries and the management thereof have on professional golfer performance
and the possibility as to how chiropractic care could influence this and possibly benefit the
golfers.
Method: A questionnaire-based online survey was conducted with an extensive literature
review being done to assist in the development of the online survey as well as the use of
the University of Johannesburg’s Statistical Consultation Service (STATKON). An email
was then distributed to the sample group which consisted of South African professional
golfers competing on the Sunshine Tour of South Africa of which there were 32 responses.
The survey was completely anonymous, asking questions pertaining to the aims of the
study. The email contained the information letter, the link to the survey as well as explained...
M.Tech. (Chiropractic)