If you love playing golf, you know how frustrating it can be to deal with blisters on your hands. Blisters are painful, annoying, and can affect your performance on the course. They can also take a long time to heal, especially if you keep playing with them.
Blisters are caused by friction between your skin and the golf club. This friction can result from gripping the club too tightly, using the wrong part of your hand, having worn-out or wet gloves, or playing in humid or rainy conditions.
Fortunately, some simple ways exist to prevent and treat blisters so you can enjoy golf without pain. In this blog post, I will share some tips on avoiding blisters on your hands when you play golf and what to do if you already have them.
How to Avoid Blisters When Playing Golf?
Use a Light and Proper Grip
One of the most common causes of blisters is gripping the club too tightly. This creates excessive pressure and friction on your skin, especially on your thumbs and fingers. A tight grip also reduces your clubhead speed and affects your swing mechanics.
To prevent blisters, you should use a light and proper grip that allows your hands to work together smoothly. The pressure should come from the fleshy part of your palm, not your thumb. You should hold the club as if you are holding a small bird that is trying to get away, not too hard and not too soft.
A proper grip also involves holding the club with your fingers, not your palm. Your fingers have more control and sensitivity than your palm, and they create less friction with the club. You should also avoid changing your grip during the swing, as this can cause rubbing and irritation.
Wear a Golf Glove
Another effective way to prevent blisters is to wear a golf glove that fits well and protects your hand from friction. A golf glove should be snug but not too tight, and it should cover your entire hand without any gaps or wrinkles.
A golf glove also helps you maintain a consistent grip and feel for the club, especially in hot or wet conditions. It absorbs sweat and moisture from your hand, and prevents the club from slipping or twisting in your fingers.
You should always wear a glove on your lead hand (the left hand for right-handed golfers), as this is the hand that is most prone to blisters. You can also wear a glove on your trail hand (the right hand for right-handed golfers), or use finger sleeves to protect your fingers from friction.
You should also replace your gloves regularly, as they can wear out over time and lose their effectiveness. A worn-out glove can create more friction and cause blisters. You should have at least two pairs of gloves in your bag, and switch them every few holes or when they get wet or dirty.
Use Quality Golf Grips
The quality of your golf grips can also affect your chances of getting blisters. Golf grips are the part of the club that comes in contact with your hands, and they can vary in size, shape, material, texture, and softness.
You should use golf grips that suit your hand size and preference and that provide comfort and traction without causing friction. You should also keep your grips clean and dry, as dirt and moisture can make them slippery or sticky.
One of the best golf grips to prevent blisters is the Winn Dri-Tac grips. These grips are made of a soft and tacky material that reduces pressure and vibration on your hands. They also have a non-slip surface that enhances grip stability and performance.
How to Treat Blisters Properly
If you already have blisters on your hands, you should treat them properly to avoid infection and speed up healing. Here are some steps to follow:
- Wash your hands with soap and water, and pat them dry.
- If the blister is intact, do not pop or peel it off. This can expose the raw skin underneath and increase the risk of infection.
- If the blister is broken or torn, clean it with an antiseptic solution or alcohol swab and apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment.
- Cover the blister with a bandage or athletic tape that does not stick to the wound. Change the dressing daily or when it gets wet or dirty.
- Avoid playing golf until the blister heals completely, or use protection such as gloves or finger sleeves to prevent further damage.
- See a doctor for medical advice if the blister is large, painful, or shows signs of infection (such as redness, swelling, pus, or fever).
Other Tips for Playing Golf
Besides preventing blisters on your hands, here are some other tips for playing golf:
- Warm up properly before you play. Stretch your muscles and joints, and practice your swing with different clubs. This will help you avoid injuries and improve your performance.
- Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. Golf can be a physically demanding sport, especially in hot or humid weather. Dehydration can cause fatigue, cramps, headaches, and other problems.
- Wear sunscreen and protective clothing. Golf exposes you to the sun for long periods, which can cause sunburn, skin damage, and even skin cancer. Apply sunscreen with a high SPF factor, and wear a hat, sunglasses, and long sleeves.
- Practice regularly to improve your skills and confidence. You can practice at home, at the driving range, or on the course. You can also take lessons from a professional coach or watch online tutorials to learn new techniques and tips.
- Choose the right equipment for your level and style of play. Use clubs that fit your height, swing speed, and skill level and balls that match your swing and distance. You can consult a golf expert or use online tools to find the best equipment for you.
- Follow the rules and etiquette of golf. You should respect the course, the other players, and the staff. You should also follow the safety guidelines and avoid any hazards or injuries. You should also keep track of your score and handicap and be honest and fair.
- Have fun and enjoy the game. Golf is a great sport that can benefit your physical and mental health. It can also be a social activity that allows you to meet new people and make friends. Don’t let blisters or other issues ruin your golf experience.
Conclusion
Blisters on your hands can be a common problem for golfers, but they can be prevented and treated with simple measures. By using light and proper grip, wearing a golf glove, using quality golf grips, and treating blisters properly, you can play golf without pain and enjoy the game more.