Casting the club in the downswing is a sure way to destroy club head speed. If it seems like you’ve tried everything and you’re still casting, then you’ll be surprised to hear that the problem may be due to something as simple as your left thumb. A great indicator is if you're experiencing any left thumb pain or soreness in your golf swing.
Full Answer
Why is the thumb so important in golf swing?
He had an abiding interest in keeping people healthy and participating in the game he loved. The thumb is remarkable, and we ask much of it. Gripping a golf club throughout the swing means positioning the thumb at multiple points in space, and that demands great flexibility.
How do you deal with bad rounds in golf?
Remember that good, bad, or indifferent, golf is a game that is played one swing at a time and that the goal is simply to hit as many good shots as possible in each round. 2. Simplify the Game Bad rounds don’t affect you physically – your golf swing is the same as it was before you played poorly last time out.
How to stop thinking about your golf bad shots?
There’s nothing good that will come from constantly dwelling on those bad shots, holes, or rounds that will inevitably pop up from time to time. Next time you play, instead of thinking about that bad round you had, think about all the good things you have done on the course. 5. Get Your Mind Away from Golf
What if you never played a bad round of golf?
Few things are more frustrating, discouraging, and occasionally embarrassing as playing a bad round of golf. But if you really stop to think about it, golf wouldn’t be very much fun if you never played a bad round.
Can you play golf with arthritic thumbs?
If golf is one of your favorite activities, you don't necessarily have to give it up. In fact, light physical activity like golf can actually help improve joint motion and coordination. You may have to make some modifications to your equipment and technique, but you can still play golf with arthritis.
How do you stop your thumb from hurting when golfing?
Your hand may feel weakened as discomfort can lead to protecting the thumb from tasks (e.g., opening jars) in which grip power is necessary and potentially painful. Self-Care: There is a wide range of nonsurgical managements—ice, heat, splints and judicious use of over-the-counter anti-inflammatories.
Why does my thumb hurt when I golf?
A common injury for golfers is De Quervain's Tendonitis. The two tendons affected by this condition (abductor pollicus longus & extensor pollicus brevis) are both located at the base of the thumb, near the wrist. The tendons may rub as they course around a natural bump of bone at the back of the wrist (radial styloid).
Can you play golf with a thumb brace?
The stabilizer helps to support and protect the thumb and wrist, and can help to reduce pain and inflammation. It is easy to adjust and comfortable to wear, and offers excellent wrist support whilst not impeding your ability to play golf!
Why do pro golfers tape their fingers?
Many golfers wear tape on their fingers to prevent or cover up hot spots, blisters, calluses, cuts, and other uncomfortable distractions. It's part of their prep, covering up the fingers that tend to get mangled during a round of golf or a long session at the range.
How can I play golf with hand arthritis?
Build up the grip size on your clubs with athletic tape or a custom grip to help you hold them easier and to reduce stress and pain on your finger joints. If you have arthritis in your hands, try wearing wrist braces and gloves on both hands to stabilize your joints.
How do you tape your thumb for golf?
0:416:09Taping Tutorial: How to tape (strap) a thumb and wrist for sports, Simple!YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThen we go up around the front of the thumb. And then back to the ulnar styloid. Coming around theMoreThen we go up around the front of the thumb. And then back to the ulnar styloid. Coming around the front of the wrist will then go around the thumb again heading back to the olden.
Can't make a fist after golfing?
If you haven't noticed yet, a golf swing and tendinitis go hand-in-hand. Poor mechanics can result in a condition called “shoulder impingement.” This happens when your tendons are being pinched between the bones in your shoulder. Impingement leads to tendinitis, which can lead to a tear.
Where should the left thumb be in the golf grip?
The left thumb should not be placed down the center of the grip, but slightly off to the right side. When placing the right hand onto the golf club grip, you want to be holding the club within your fingers as well.
Is it legal to wear a wrist brace in golf?
Yes, provided they are both circular in cross-section and properly spaced apart (at least 1.5").
Does a wrist brace help golf swing?
Using a Golf Wrist Brace or Cast Golfers are particularly susceptible to wrist injuries, as the repetitive motions of the sport can put a strain on wrist tendons and ligaments. A cast or brace helps to immobilize the wrist, preventing further irritation and allowing the tissue to heal.
Can I wear a wrist support for golf?
Wrist splints that support but do not fully limit your motion can also help. The 3pp Wrist Wrap NP and the 3pp Wrist Pop Splint have adjustable compression to support your wrist and the non slip foam lining makes them comfortable to wear while playing golf.
What joint should a thumb splint be used for?
Any splint used should include the thumb to help support the basilar joint. Doctor Visit: A diagnosis will likely entail the doctor loading the thumb’s basilar joint and briefly “grinding” it — you may feel the discomfort and mechanical symptoms that accompany joint irregularity.
Why does my thumb feel weakened?
Your hand may feel weakened as discomfort can lead to protecting the thumb from tasks (e.g., opening jar s) in which grip power is necessary and potentially painful. Self-Care: There is a wide range of nonsurgical managements—ice, heat, splints and judicious use of over-the-counter anti-inflammatories.
What is the thumb in golf?
The thumb is remarkable, and we ask much of it. Gripping a golf club throughout the swing means positioning the thumb at multiple points in space , and that demands great flexibility. This flexibility is provided by two hinge joints and the very agile basilar joint — where the thumb plugs into your wrist — plus great strength and stability.
How long did Jason Day miss the 2014 Masters?
Here’s how to deal with one of the most dreaded injuries in golf. In the early part of the 2014 season, Jason Day missed six weeks with a thumb injury, which he aggravated at that year’s Masters tournament. Arnold Palmer is famous for, among other things, his iconic “thumbs up” to adoring galleries. (Sorry, Phil.)
What is Arnold Palmer famous for?
Arnold Palmer is famous for, among other things, his iconic “thumbs up” to adoring galleries. (Sorry, Phil.) I was lucky enough to call Arnold a good friend; in 2006, we launched the Arnold Palmer Sports Health Center. He had an abiding interest in keeping people healthy and participating in the game he loved.
Can golfers get arthritis?
This balancing act can create a problem that manifests as friction at the basilar joint—aka arthritis. Almost all golfers will eventually get a little degenerative “wear and tear” arthritis at the thumb joint.
What can an occupational therapist do for arthritis?
An occupational therapist also can help advise you about any special aids or adaptive tools. Adaptation is the key to playing golf with arthritis and good golf equipment can go a long way to keeping you on the fairway. Grips, shoes, balls, clubs and more can be adjusted to fit your specific needs and abilities.
What to wear for golf course?
Wear good-quality walking shoes or spike-less golf shoes to keep feet comfortable and reduce the chance of catching your foot and tripping. Extra cushioning or orthotics in shoes may also help decrease aches and pains as you walk the course.
How to play golf if you are tired?
Consider using energy-saving techniques while you’re on the course. Take only the clubs you use most frequently. Pull your golf bag instead of carrying it, or rent a motorized cart instead of walking.
How to warm up before a workout?
To warm up, begin by walking for a few minutes. Spend five to 10 minutes stretching – especially your hamstrings (rear thighs) and back. Range-of-Motion Exercises.
How to stretch your torso?
Place feet shoulder width apart. Using two hands, hold a club at opposite ends and raise it above your head. Lean your torso to one side to feel the stretch on the opposite side. Repeat 10 times on each side leaning your torso a little farther each time.
How to do a trunk twist?
Trunk twists. With arms at your sides and elbows bent at 90 degrees, twist your torso and head to the left as if you’re looking over your shoulder and hold for five seconds. Be sure to twist from the waist. Return to starting position.
How to get better at golf swing?
Downswing. Focus on sweeping through the ball. Transferring weight from one leg to the other is easier if you allow your heels to lift – and it also results in a more effective shot. Let the natural momentum of the swing continue into the follow-through position .
A Clever New Swing Tip?
When we play golf with other people – whether it’s a stranger or a lifelong friend – we size up their game. It’s human nature. And as we get to know their game, we often become critical. We don’t have to give voice to these assessments nor must we be unkind, but thoughts like, “That wasn’t a good decision” are often unavoidable.
Learn From Their Mistakes
First, let me reiterate that I’m not condemning anyone for having these thoughts. Observing other peoples’ games is natural. The point of this lesson is to take those observations and try to learn from them.
Bad Alignment
Alignment is a lot like driving. No one thinks they’re bad at it, but we all know that most other people are terrible.
Poor Club Choice
There isn’t a golfer alive who hasn’t silently thought, “Oh geez, [fill in name of friend], you know that your 8I won’t get to this green…”
Emotional Issues
This is one that can take many forms. I’ve golfed with people who are so tense and nervous that they have no chance of playing well. I’ve seen the club slammer, putter snapper, expletive screamer. And I’ve played with the self-flagellator. What they all have in common is that their emotions are ruining their game.
Bad Decision Making
Here’s another flaw that can appear in many ways. It could be trying to gouge a 3W out of the tall rough. Maybe it’s going for the green over a lake. Or it could be playing too conservatively. The takeaway is this: anytime you see another golfer making poor strategic decisions, check that you’re not making them, too.
I'm a grown up adult with a job, so I got myself a new driver... Also my wife said I could
I'm a grown up adult with a job, so I got myself a new driver... Also my wife said I could.
I had a surreal golf experience this morning
Let me set the stage by saying, I’m an active duty Army guy with two kids under five. Needless to say I don’t get to play a ton of golf. But, I love the game and desperately want to get better and play more. Maybe this experience isn’t unique, but it was a first for me.
Why is golf so good?
Instead, simply go right back to work trying to do better the next time out. Remember, golf is such a great game because of the incredible challenge that it presents – and sometimes that challenge is going to get the better of you. There is no shame in playing a bad round, but there is shame in letting it get the better of you mentally.
What is the never ending challenge of golf?
The reality is that the never ending challenge of the game of golf is exactly what keeps people coming back time after time to try and improve their games and accomplish new goals. It doesn’t matter whether you are trying to break 80 for the first time, or break 100 for the first time, all golfers have a goal in mind that they are working hard ...
Is there shame in playing a bad round?
There is no shame in playing a bad round, but there is shame in letting it get the better of you mentally. Remain positive, work on the parts of your game that let you down, and play great the next time you tee it up. 4.1. 8 votes. Article Rating.
Can bad scores affect you physically?
Bad rounds don’t affect you physically – your golf swing is the same as it was before you played poorly last time out. They can however affect you mentally, if you let them. As the bad scores start to pile up, it is a common mistake to start to over-complicate the game and try to do too much with each shot.
Do you have to take a break from golf?
You don’t have to take a long break from golf – just enough to get your mind onto other things and refreshed from the frustration that you were feeling. Soon enough you will realize that it was only one bad round, and there is no reason you can’t get back on track the next time you play.
