Experts say most golfers' back pain can be traced to the sharp, twisting upper body motion required by the so- called modern swing, which became popular over the past 30 years. Poor fitness levels also leave many golfers vulnerable.

Two specialists from Henry Ford Hospital's Centre for Athletic Medicine in Detroit are training golf pros in a new swing jointly developed by a California physical therapist and golf pro Tommy Nix of Fresno.

Back to Golf's swing seeks to alleviate back strain by allowing the golfer to move his or her back as a unit, says Barb Urbanick, a Ford Hospital physical therapist.