Definitions and golf-specific examples of new and subsequent injuries and illnesses
| Definition | Injury example | Illness example | |
| New | First recorded injury/illness =index injury/illness | Golfer reports new right wrist pain after 4 days of competition and is diagnosed with dorsal rim impaction syndrome | Golfer develops a viral illness (influenza) |
| Subsequent | Any injury/illness occurring after the index injury/illness | Golfer develops lumbar back pain following swing changes secondary to right hip pain, which is due to femoroacetabular impingement syndrome | Golfer develops depression following a long absence from competition due to lead wrist pain |
| Recurrent | Injury to the same site and of the same type as the index injury or illness involving the same system and type as the index illness after full recovery and return-to-sport | Golfer recovers fully from rotator cuff tendinopathy and returns to play. However, later in the season has a repeat onset of the same symptoms | Golfer recovers from 2 days of migraine headaches; however, during the next competition, develops further migraines |
| Exacerbation | Worsening of a not fully recovered index injury/illness | Golfer returns to play or practice before finishing rotator cuff tear rehabilitation and causes an extension of the tear while hitting a shot | Golfer with generalised anxiety suffers with a worsening of the condition |