This past August, 312 of the best amateur golfers in the world gathered right in our backyard for the 126th U.S. Amateur Championship, with the final rounds taking place at historic Merion Golf Club in Ardmore. Among those on hand to help the competitors perform at their best was Marple’s friend, neighbor and Expert Contributor, Dr. Marc Belitsky, chiropractor and owner of Broomall Total Health Center.
For Dr. Belitsky, the opportunity was particularly special. Not only did he get to work with many of the country’s top amateur golfers, but he was able to do so at one of the most historic golf courses in the world, just minutes from his home and practice.
As a member of the United States Golf Association’s Performance and Recovery team, Dr. Belitsky was part of a group of healthcare professionals providing care to players throughout the championship. The team included physical therapists, massage therapists, chiropractors and athletic trainers, all working together to help competitors manage the physical demands of tournament golf.
The U.S. Amateur is a demanding competition. Players began the championship with two days of stroke play, playing one round at Merion Golf Club and one at nearby Philadelphia Country Club. The field was then cut to the low 64 players for match play, with competitors facing as many as six rounds before the 36-hole championship match at Merion.
“With that demanding schedule, keeping the body healthy and moving properly was an important part of the week,” said Dr. Belisky. He explained that golfers can experience a wide variety of physical issues, including neck, shoulder and lower-back pain, as well as muscle tightness, joint restrictions, ankle problems, blisters and other injuries that can affect their performance.
“For an amateur golfer competing at the highest level, even a relatively minor physical problem can become a major obstacle,” he said. Players, who ranged from age 15 – 63, may spend years working toward an opportunity like the U.S. Amateur. “Once they arrive at the championship, they need to be able to perform at their best day after day,” he added. They often play two grueling rounds per day.”
The Performance and Recovery team played an important role at the Open. “Many golfers who visit the recovery area are dealing with pain or limitations that can affect their swing, while others seek treatment simply to maintain flexibility, mobility and proper movement throughout the tournament,” he said.
“Chiropractic care can be used as part of that overall approach to help improve joint motion, posture, range of motion and improve performance.” Dr. Belitsky’s involvement in golf extends well beyond the U.S. Amateur. During more than 35 years as a chiropractor, he has treated professional and amateur athletes from a variety of sports, including cyclists, runners, tennis players, NCAA athletes and local high school football players. A Board-Certified Chiropractic Rehabilitation doctor, he has served as Clinical Director of Broomall Total Health Center since 1989.
He opened his practice after graduating from the Pennsylvania College of Chiropractic in 1988 and has completed advanced studies, including a Master’s certification in the diagnosis and treatment of cervical injuries and associated TMJ dysfunction. His experience as both a chiropractor and golfer has also given him a particular understanding of the physical demands of the game. “Even if a golfer isn’t in pain, chiropractic adjustments can improve posture, increase flexibility and enhance their performance,” he said. “And as a golfer myself, I understand the mechanics of a golf swing.”
That combination of medical experience and familiarity with the golf swing has made his work with the USGA Performance and Recovery team especially rewarding. Dr. Belitsky has been part of the team since 2013 and has had the opportunity to work at a number of USGA championships including the U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open, U.S. Senior Open and the Curtis Cup.
The 126th U.S. Amateur, however, offered something unique: the chance to help the next generation of golf stars compete on one of the sport’s most historic stages. Merion Golf Club has hosted some of the most memorable championships in golf history. The 2026 U.S. Amateur marked the club’s 20th USGA championship and its seventh U.S. Amateur. It was also the first time the U.S. Amateur had returned to Merion since 2005. “Merion Golf Club is a gem right in our backyard,” he said. Another highlight was a rare opportunity to see the Havemeyer Trophy at Merion. “It’s the most prestigious in amateur golf,” he said.
For Dr. Belitsky, being able to play a small part in the success of these talented young golfers while representing the local community made it particularly meaningful. “It was such a nice experience to help athletes improve their performance. It’s very rewarding to alleviate someone’s pain who then can go on to play better golf,” he said proudly. “I really enjoy teaching them how to take care of themselves and to understand the importance of chiropractic care.”