Blister on right hand. Grip problem?

[Simon Woo]

Hi all,

I've been getting blisters in the middle joint of my right ring finger. I'm not sure if it's due to a wrong grip, or maybe gripping too tightly? Went to the range 2 days in a row and now I am unable to practise because a huge chunk of skin got torn off

(Attached pic shows exact location of blister)

[pnearn]

Re: Blister on right hand. Grip problem?

I think you probably know the answer Simon

As we have said your holy grail is to work on taking the hands out of the swing and using your body to swing the club with a light grip and loose wrists and lower arms

Playing at my club over the weekend one of the guys had got hold of a BEL swing speed radar thing. It was interesting to say the least. Taking a 5i and swinging 'hard' I was averaging about 90-92mph. Then as soon as I loosened my grip and swung at what felt like 80% (certainly much slower than the previous ones) the SS averaged up around 98-100

Being relaxed, loose and swinging easy IS the key to greater distance. These sorts of tests really help to teach your subconcious that 'hitting' the ball is wrong

[LowPost42]

Re: Blister on right hand. Grip problem?

Blisters are a pressure thing. Relax.

[Simon Woo]

Re: Blister on right hand. Grip problem?

Thanks guys. So with the right technique, I shouldn't be getting blisters or feeling any particular friction on any part of the hand, even if I practise 3 days in a row right? It's a real bummer cos I have to lay off practice for a few more days now, just when I am out hunting for a driver

[GoNavy]

Re: Blister on right hand. Grip problem?

Also agree about the grip too tight as said above, but I am more worried about where your blister is...looks like you are too much in the fingers, I would expect the blister to be above that joint, more towards the base of the ring finger, on the other side of the knuckle. Grips that are too much in the fingers tend to move around allot, probably why you got the blister. For grip test, I take three balls in a line, then hit, one after the other, without regripping, no moving the hands, if you can not do this, your grip is not right. If you get to the second or third ball and the clubface is all goofed up, closed or open, then it is slipping or moving before,during, or after the swing. Then you need to work with your grip more. So if it doesn't move, then you will not get blisters. For your immediate problem, put a bandade on it and grip correctly, should put any pressure on where you have your blister.

Attached is a three picture series that should help.

[Simon Woo]

Re: Blister on right hand. Grip problem?

Thanks! That's exactly what I was hoping to find out!

What I've been doing lately is keep the left hand firm on the grip, but not so much the right hand. So once I get into address position, the left hand doesn't change anymore, but I do remove and regrip the right hand a few times, depending on how comfortable I feel. I think it's because 1) I see quite a lot of pros doing that and 2) It's in an effort to keep the right hand soft and trying to relinquish control of the right hand/arm in my swing.

I'll follow your pic (thanks so much for that) more closely and see if it helps. Thanks!

[peter3]

Re: Blister on right hand. Grip problem?

What is the english phrase for a thumb that bends backwards as much as yours? Carpenters thumb or something like that?

I read somewhere that all really good golfers have thumbs like that, so you should be in good shape!

[Simon Woo]

Re: Blister on right hand. Grip problem?

Yipee!

Anyway went to the range today and hit 60 balls with the Ben Hogan C-S3 and Callaway drivers. Plastered my blister and tried to wrap the right hand more over the left thumb. No problems with the area anymore, phew!

[rachell0]

Re: Blister on right hand. Grip problem?

I guess you are using an interlocking grip.

If the distance between two hands are too tight, then it is likely that you push the shaft with your right thumb. The first finger of the left hand and the little finger of the right hand should meet at their first knuckle, not the bottom.

[Simon Woo]

Re: Blister on right hand. Grip problem?

Hi rachell0, you're totally right on that! I pack my fingers as close as it allows. Never thought of giving them more space in between hmm...

I guess you are using an interlocking grip.

If the distance between two hands are too tight, then it is likely that you push the shaft with your right thumb. The first finger of the left hand and the little finger of the right hand should meet at their first knuckle, not the bottom.

[dallasjones]

Re: Blister on right hand. Grip problem?

I think you probably know the answer Simon

As we have said your holy grail is to work on taking the hands out of the swing and using your body to swing the club with a light grip and loose wrists and lower arms

Playing at my club over the weekend one of the guys had got hold of a BEL swing speed radar thing. It was interesting to say the least. Taking a 5i and swinging 'hard' I was averaging about 90-92mph. Then as soon as I loosened my grip and swung at what felt like 80% (certainly much slower than the previous ones) the SS averaged up around 98-100

Being relaxed, loose and swinging easy IS the key to greater distance. These sorts of tests really help to teach your subconcious that 'hitting' the ball is wrong

That is the best advice I could have read anywhere . I have had blisters at the top of my right middle finger and thought I had an improper grip, not to mention the short distances I as getting. I used a band aid everytime I play and found that it forced me to hold the club properly and sometimes I did a lot better. I still need to convince my subconscious how to relax and let the club do the hitting and mot my hands. I HAVE to convince myself that my body needs to do the swinging and not my arms.

Thanks again
dj

[downunder]

Re: Blister on right hand. Grip problem?

Blisters are caused by friction. You're hands are obviously moving on the grip throughout the swing. I wonder whether you are actually squeezing that particular joint with your left thumb throughout the swing. Many golfers have massive pressure changes in their thumbs with their swing by trying to over control the club. Get a lesson to help with your grip and keep the pressure light. Do your wear a glove? Do you get wear marks anywhere in particular. This would be a sure sign that your grip is moving during the swing and needs to be looked at.