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An undergarment for better golf? Maybe so

August 14, 2013

Here's a question that has never before been asked and an answer that few would have anticipated: Can an undergarment help your golf game? Maybe so, according to the creators of Opedix CORE-Tec shorts.

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"Several reports are coming in stating that not only is their game better, but the pain and/or fatigue in the hip-pelvis-low back is extremely reduced or completely removed when golfing with the shorts," Dr. Michael Decker, Senior Research Scientist in Biomechanics at the University of Denver, wrote in an email.

"The benefit of wearing the shorts to reduce fatigue and/or pain, in my opinion, may be enough to promote golf performance which as we all know would lead to a more enjoyable round and frequent visits back to the course."

Opedix products are called kinetic health gear. The shorts were designed to help improve core stability and offer support for low back pain. Opedix products were developed in conjunction with the Steadman Philippon Research Institute in Vail, Colo., founded by Dr. Richard Steadman, a renowned orthopedic surgeon.

"The shorts are designed to provide tension and compression forces to the body in specific locations and particular directions, Dr. Decker wrote. "The idea of the design started with a medical purpose as we wanted to promote gluteus medius and gluteus maximus muscles to promote the anatomical and functional relationship of the hip-pelvis-low back. We are finding great success in promoting how people walk, run, balance and squat but even more importantly reducing or completely eliminating low back pain."

The shorts aren't cheap ($165), but neither are they cheaply made. They feature "a 27-panel construction and a combination of stretch and non-stretch fabrics...the CORE-Tec short mimics the gluteus-medius muscle to align the pelvic region, promote core stability and improve dynamic balance," the company website states. The shorts can be purchased through the website.