This past weekend, I was among the millions of TV watchers who winced as Tiger played at the U.S. Open, nursing what we now know was a torn ligament in his left knee.

Golf-related injuries, understandably, are on people's lips. It's not really an issue for me. (I only play mini-golf.) But if you're a golfer, here are some tips from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons on how to avoid getting hurt:

• Practice on real turf instead of rubber mats, when possible.
• Wear the appropriate golf shoes: ones with short cleats are best.
• Do not hunch over the ball too much; it may predispose you to neck strain and rotator cuff tendinitis.
• Avoid golfer’s elbow – which is caused by a strain of the muscles in the inside of the forearm – by performing wrist and forearm stretching exercises and not overemphasizing your wrists when swinging.

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