Take care on the golf course

As one of Britain's most popular sports, golf maintains a dedicated following both in terms of spectators and participants. Tournaments such as the Ryder Cup and the Open attract bumper crowds and win TV audiences running into the millions, whilst golf courses up and down the country do a brisk trade every weekend. One of the major attractions of the game is that even if you're not much of a player, the opportunity to get out on to the golf course and take in the scenery isn't without its charms. But it's not all plain sailing, and as many golfers have found out over the years, there are a few potential pitfalls that go with the game.

Although golf is a relatively genteel game when compared to contact sports such as rugby or football, that's not to say it doesn't require a certain level of physical exertion - and, of course, this can result in injury. All it takes is a misjudged swing and you could find yourself laid up for days if not weeks on end. Choosing the appropriate footwear is also important, as it's quite easy to come a cropper during a trek around the 18 holes. Sturdy golfing shoes can offer much-needed support and help you keep your footing when making those all-important tee shots - so there's less chance of you slipping and doing yourself a mischief.

While the bulk of the injuries sustained whilst playing golf are generally minor tweaks and pulls, they can result in lengthy lay-offs, particularly when they exacerbate existing problems. In the current climate of financial restraint - with millions of people keeping an anxious eye on their bank accounts - very few of us can afford to take a lengthy spell off work, with all the loss of income that might entail. This is why it's worth considering taking out some form of insurance policy to protect against such an event, alleviating some of the money worries that can follow a niggling injury.

But it's not just time off work that can result from a strain picked up whilst out on the links - such injuries can also force you to keep away from the golf course, and that just won't do for any dedicated golfing enthusiast. Taking some of the suggested precautions can at least reduce the risk of taking a knock while playing a few holes, whilst insurance can at least mitigate the impact of an injury should the worst happen.