Trevor Ng
Golf calluses are a common occurrence for avid golfers, with some even considering them a part of their identity. However, they can be unsightly and uncomfortable, and may even cause issues in relationships! To treat golf calluses, it is recommended to relax your grip, as they are often caused by gripping the club too hard. Wearing a glove on the hand that grips the club can also help prevent calluses, and some golfers even opt for wearing two gloves during practice.
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What You'll Learn
Wear gloves to protect your hands
Wearing gloves is an excellent way to protect your hands from calluses when playing golf. Gloves can improve your grip and control, ensuring the club doesn't slip or twist in your hands. This is especially important in rainy conditions, where a glove can prevent the club from slipping due to moisture. Gloves are also beneficial in preventing blisters and calluses caused by the repeated action of swinging.
The standard practice is to wear a glove on your non-dominant hand, which is typically the left hand for right-handed golfers and the right hand for left-handed golfers. This non-dominant hand is considered the “lead hand” during the swing, and it benefits the most from the additional grip provided by a glove. However, some golfers, like Tommy Gainey, opt to wear gloves on both hands, especially in rainy or humid conditions, as it gives them a better connection to the club.
It's essential to choose a glove that fits snugly on your hand, ensuring a perfect fit. Golf gloves come in various materials, including leather, cabretta leather, synthetic materials, and hybrid mixes. You can also find gloves in different colours to match your outfit. While it's not mandatory to wear gloves in golf, they can provide a slight advantage and help improve your game.
Additionally, some golfers remove their gloves for putting and short-game shots to improve their feel and incorporate a softer touch. This is because putting relies on tactile sensation and having skin contact with the grip of the putter can provide more feedback. So, while gloves are excellent for protecting your hands during most of your golf game, you may want to remove them for specific shots where feel is crucial.
In conclusion, wearing gloves during golf can effectively protect your hands from calluses and blisters. By wearing a glove on your non-dominant hand, or even both hands if you prefer, you can improve your grip and control while preventing slipping and twisting of the club. Just remember to choose a well-fitting glove made from quality materials, and you'll be all set to swing with confidence and comfort.
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Loosen your grip on the club
Golf calluses are a common problem for players, especially those who are gripping the club too hard. This can lead to blisters and torn skin, which can be painful and affect your performance.
To avoid this issue, it is important to loosen your grip on the club. This may feel counterintuitive as you might be afraid of the club slipping from your hands mid-swing. However, gripping the club too tightly can lead to a number of issues. Firstly, it can cause calluses and blisters, and it can also negatively impact your swing. A tight grip can change the clubface at impact, reducing accuracy and control.
So, how do you know if you are gripping the club too tightly? One indication is if you are experiencing calluses or blisters on your hands. Additionally, if you feel tension in your wrists, forearms, and shoulders/neck, you may be gripping the club too tightly. A proper grip should have little tension in these areas, with most of the club's pressure against the soft on the back of your gloved hand.
To loosen your grip, try to hold the club at a tension of around 5/10. Think of it like holding a live bird—just firm enough to hold it without hurting it, as Arnold Palmer famously said.
If you are still struggling with calluses, consider getting a lesson to ensure your hands are in the correct position. You might also want to try using a different type of grip or a larger grip size, as this can help you feel more secure in your hold without needing to grip too tightly.
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Tape your fingers to guard against trauma
Golfers often develop calluses due to gripping the club too hard. This can cause pain and negatively impact your performance. To prevent and treat this issue, you can tape your fingers to guard them against trauma and provide extra support.
Golf tape, or finger tape, is a flexible, stretchy, and breathable alternative to medical tape and band-aids. It is designed to be comfortable for every swing and enhance your grip on the club. Golf tape also comes in pre-cut sections, making it convenient to apply and carry with you on the course.
When taping your fingers, it is important to wrap them securely but not too tightly, as this can restrict blood flow and cause discomfort. Start by wrapping the tape around the base of your finger and gradually work your way up, overlapping the tape slightly with each revolution. Ensure that the tape is smooth and wrinkle-free to provide an even layer of protection.
Additionally, pay attention to the areas where calluses typically form, such as the middle finger of your non-glove hand. Focus on taping these areas to provide extra cushioning and protection. You can also experiment with wearing two gloves to reduce direct contact between your skin and the club.
By taping your fingers, you can prevent the formation and progression of calluses. This will allow you to focus on your swing, improve your performance, and enjoy your game without the discomfort caused by calluses. Remember to adjust your grip to be more relaxed, as this will also help reduce the development of calluses over time.
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Use the right-sized grips
Using the right-sized grips is an important factor in preventing and treating golf calluses. Calluses are often the result of gripping the club too tightly, which can cause friction and pressure on the hands, leading to the formation of calluses over time.
To ensure you are using the right-sized grips, it is important to consider the size of your hands and the thickness of the grips. Grips that are too thin or too thick can lead to an uneven distribution of pressure across the hand, increasing the likelihood of callus formation. It is recommended to have a professional club fitter size your grips to ensure they are tailored to your hand size.
Additionally, it is important to relax your grip when swinging the club. A tight grip can put excessive pressure on certain areas of the hand, leading to callus formation. By relaxing your grip and allowing the club to move more freely in your hands, you can distribute the pressure more evenly and reduce the likelihood of callus formation.
Another factor to consider is the material of the grips. Different materials such as rubber, cord, or leather can provide varying levels of tackiness and comfort. Softer, more tacky grips can help to reduce the amount of grip pressure required, thereby reducing the likelihood of callus formation. Experimenting with different grip materials can help you find the right combination of comfort and performance.
Finally, regular grip maintenance is important to prevent the build-up of dirt and oil, which can make the grips slippery and encourage a tighter grip. Cleaning your grips with a mild soap and water solution and drying them thoroughly can help maintain their tackiness and encourage a lighter grip. Additionally, replacing your grips periodically, depending on their usage and wear, can ensure that they continue to provide the necessary traction and comfort.
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Take lessons to improve your grip
Golf calluses are a common problem for many players, especially those who are new to the game or who play frequently. While some calluses may be expected with regular practice, they can be unsightly and uncomfortable, and may even impact your performance.
Calluses are often caused by gripping the club too tightly, or too far into the palm of your hand, rather than in your fingers. This can cause blisters and tears in the skin, which can be painful and may affect your grip.
To prevent and treat golf calluses, it is important to address your grip. Taking lessons can be a great way to do this, as an instructor will be able to correct your grip position and tension. They can also advise on the correct grip size for your hands, which is important as a grip that is too small can cause you to hold the club too tightly.
Ben Hogans' 5 Lessons, for example, includes a chapter on the proper golf grip, and even discusses where you can expect calluses to form if you are gripping too hard. By learning the correct grip, you can prevent calluses from forming and improve your accuracy and distance.
In addition to lessons, you may also consider wearing a glove, or gloves, to protect your hands and reduce friction.
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Frequently asked questions
Some golfers wear gloves to prevent calluses from forming. You can also try relaxing your grip on the club.
You can try taping your fingers to protect them from friction.
Some golfers view their calluses as a reminder of their dedication to the sport and are proud of them.
