Elongating the golf swing (TIME, not distance)

[TJBam]

What can we take from Bernhard Langer, Kenny Perry, and others that are competing at a high level well into their 50's?  Even someone like Phil who is not getting any younger?

Is there a series of swing thoughts or general practices that these guys are using that maybe cut back on distance, but will save the golfer's back, knees, ankles?  There is a generation of 20's and 30's that are growing up and seeing their first chronic injuries come back and back again.  (On a side-note, will Rory's swing last with his aggressive reverse C at finish?  Or is there a countdown timer on these new explosive swings that will sideline the golfer by age 40?)

Any thoughts are appreciated as I am sitting here with a heating pack on my lower back (SI joints?).

Besides regular stretching and everyday posture, what do YOU do or what have you done with your swing to lengthen the number of tee times you'll see?

Edit here is the link to Moe Norman's blog I found while I was researching the correlation between the reverse C finish and SI joint pain.  http://moenormangolf.com/a-swing-of-disastrous-distortions/

[mvmac]

What can we take from Bernhard Langer, Kenny Perry, and others that are competing at a high level well into their 50's?  Even someone like Phil who is not getting any younger?

Is there a series of swing thoughts or general practices that these guys are using that maybe cut back on distance, but will save the golfer's back, knees, ankles?

Good stuff to do if you want to stay healthy.

(On a side-note, will Rory's swing last with his aggressive reverse C at finish?  Or is there a countdown timer on these new explosive swings that will sideline the golfer by age 40?)

I wouldn't really call Rory's finish a reverse C. A reverse C is like what Nicklaus or Miller did, lead knee stayed "soft" into the followthrough. When the legs extend and the glutes engage, it takes pressure off the lower back.

[TJBam]

I wouldn't really call Rory's finish a reverse C. A reverse C is like what Nicklaus or Miller did, lead knee stayed "soft" into the followthrough. When the legs extend and the glutes engage, it takes pressure off the lower back.

mvmac thanks for the insight and detailed response as always.  I am just learning how the glutes relieve the lower back during the swing.  I incorporate a lot of core and hamstrings into my golf swing exercise routine while completely ignoring the glutes.

I have just read from your post and other articles about how important the glutes are, which is news to me.  When the glutes are underactive or underutilized, I have read and heard that the brain will defer that strain to the hamstrings, which results in strain on the lower back and SI joints, which is no good.

My takeaway from this thread is working on glute strength and endurance and keeping good golf posture.

Any insight on Stack & Tilt causing or relieving the golfer of lower back pain?  I have read mixed reviews.