A golf course is a placid, peaceful, safe place — as long as you know how to swing a club properly and behave sensibly when you're on the course.

According to WebMD, of 280 orthopedic surgeons across the country, 111 had seen patients with golf-course injuries. Golf-cart mishaps caused the most serious injuries. And the most common cause of golf-cart injuries? Driving too fast on wet grass. Making a turn while going downhill on wet grass is especially dangerous. Drivers who are drinking or under-age are more likely to cause accidents that hurt themselves or others.

Many other injuries, especially in amateur golfers, are due to an improper golf swing. Hitting the ball too fast or hard can injure the back, elbow, shoulder, or wrist. A bad grip or incorrect use of the wrists can also cause inflammation or injury. The best way to prevent such injuries is to use the proper stance and swing — and stretch before and after playing.