I've been playing golf consistently for about 3 months. I've been working on my grip. Everytime I change it a little my hands hurt deep down in the joints for 4-5 days. Is this normal or am I just a wuss?
Also, while we're on the subject. This has gotten me thinking about the future. I'm 26 and I'm wondering if any of you more "seasoned" players have issues with your hands? I just want to make sure I take care of mine so I can play for years to come.
Sounds like you may be gripping it too tightly. Unless you have some sort of arthritis or other joint ailment, I don't know any reason for your hands to ache after normal play or practice. Of course, if you're hitting 500 balls a day and playing 36 holes 3 or more times a week, maybe there is a reason I have no experience with!
I've been playing golf consistently for about 3 months. I've been working on my grip. Everytime I change it a little my hands hurt deep down in the joints for 4-5 days. Is this normal or am I just a wuss?
Also, while we're on the subject. This has gotten me thinking about the future. I'm 26 and I'm wondering if any of you more "seasoned" players have issues with your hands? I just want to make sure I take care of mine so I can play for years to come.
Grip the club with the last 2 fingers of your left hand (pinkie and ring -if your righty). The rest is soft-grip. Your hands should NOT be sore at 26 years old. Your hands in a golf swing don't do much except control the club lightly until the last 3 feet - when they take over. Shouldn't be a rough task for you.
I agree with the guys, if you're trying to collapse the shaft with your grip, then ease up a little. Pretend like the shaft is made out of glass, and if you squeeze too tight, it'll shatter. Also, you say that your hands hurt when you change your grip. That may be your key. Have you played many sports before? (baseball, etc?) Worked much with your hands? If your hands aren't used to working, then it's gonna take a while to build strength. Any time you change that grip, you're gonna build new muscles, and they are gonna hurt for a few days! Especially if you are hitting some intense range sessions! Before you change again, get with someone who knows, and make sure the grip you are using is not causing the pain! I have seen guys use a grip that hurt my hands just watching! Hope that helps a little.
I agree with the guys, if you're trying to collapse the shaft with your grip, then ease up a little. Pretend like the shaft is made out of glass, and if you squeeze too tight, it'll shatter. Also, you say that your hands hurt when you change your grip. That may be your key. Have you played many sports before? (baseball, etc?) Worked much with your hands? If your hands aren't used to working, then it's gonna take a while to build strength. Any time you change that grip, you're gonna build new muscles, and they are gonna hurt for a few days! Especially if you are hitting some intense range sessions! Before you change again, get with someone who knows, and make sure the grip you are using is not causing the pain! I have seen guys use a grip that hurt my hands just watching! Hope that helps a little.
I have played tennis for the last 14 years, so my hands are strong. Maybe, I just have a death grip on the club. I use to hold the club in more of my hands instead of my fingers. I think I'm afraid the club is going to go flying when I make contact if I don't grip it better. I'll be more cognizant of it next time I play. Thanks guys.
Could be like others said that you are death gripping your club. For me I've tried to change to different grips but it seems that I've broken a few of my fingers a little to many times which makes grips like overlap painful. You don't have to be afraid of the club flying away throughout your swing unless it's wet outside
Also try cleaning your grips. You tend to grip it tighter when you feel like your grips are slick. Use soap and water to take the grime out. If it is still slick, get some sandpaper to bring your grips back to life.
I have played tennis for the last 14 years, so my hands are strong. Maybe, I just have a death grip on the club. I use to hold the club in more of my hands instead of my fingers. I think I'm afraid the club is going to go flying when I make contact if I don't grip it better. I'll be more cognizant of it next time I play. Thanks guys.
Which hand hurts, top or bottom (when at address position)? Or is it both of them? You mentioned that you play tennis. If you are right handed and play golf right handed (unlike "Lefty"), then the hand you used in tennis will be the bottom hand, which tends to not take the brunt of the stress during the golf swing.
To strengthen your hands/wrists, take an old tennis ball or one of those pink rubber balls and work on squeezing the ball first with the whole hand and then just using one finger and thumb. I used to use this putty made by Bollinger that was very useful and a great strengthening tool for fingers and wrist muscles. I'm not sure if it's still available.
Now... as far as callouses go... I've got this doozy of one on my bottom hand, ring finger that formed due to rubbing against my glove (with interlocking grip). I consider them badges of well... not really honor, but battle wounds none the less. Lots of lotion and pumice stones help.
I'm assuming blisters are also a sign of gripping too tightly?
Maybe...but they could also be a sign of the grip moving around or shifting (separating from the butt of the top hand). Your hands should be firm but light and work as a single unit...they are your only connection to the club and should remain completely connected throughout the swing.
October 10th, 2006, 09:59 PM
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