Protecting Your Wrist While Playing Golf

To ensure the long-term health of your wrist and avoid injury on the golf course, consider the following tips:

If you experience wrist pain during a game, stop playing and rest until the pain subsides. Persistent issues should be addressed by a medical professional.

Use the right equipment. Ensure your clubs are in good condition, appropriately sized, and the correct weight for you. The grip width should also be suitable for your hands.

Seek advice from a golf professional to find the correct grip, especially if you have a history of wrist problems. The club should extend slightly beyond the palm to prevent it from digging into your hand during swings. If you've had wrist surgery, consider getting re-fitted for clubs, as ill-fitting equipment can contribute to injury.

Incorporate proper technique. If your wrist is sore after playing, you might need to adjust your swing. Improving your golf swing mechanics can help reduce wrist strain.

Warm up and perform exercises to increase wrist flexibility before playing.

Be cautious when hitting off mats, and consider teeing up the ball to avoid taking divots if you have a history of wrist issues.

Avoid flicking your wrists at ball impact and limit excessive wrist motion during the take-away or transition phases of your swing.

Normalize your swing arc by adopting a flatter or more elliptical plane. Keeping your hands at shoulder height during transition and follow-through helps sweep the ball off the ground, potentially reducing wrist injury risk.

Golf swings involve a wide range of wrist motion, which can lead to overuse injuries if repeated excessively. Gradually increase your play time, duration, and frequency throughout the season to allow your wrists to adapt.

Many wrist problems stem from an improper grip. Using a strong grip (left hand turned clockwise on the club handle) or gripping worn-out clubs too tightly can strain your wrist. After diagnosing and treating any issues, adjust your equipment or swing to prevent future problems.

Beginner golfers and many women may have weaker wrists and forearm strength, leading to inadequate control of the club and increased wrist strain. Learning the correct grip strength and holding the club properly can alleviate this issue.

Stronger grips lock the wrists, while neutral grips require appropriate grip strength. Misconceptions about delayed hits can lead to wrist injuries if players try to hinge or cock their wrists for more power. Instead, speed at impact should come from the rapid rolling of the forearms.

Oversized grips, which are larger and softer, can help reduce pressure and compressive forces on the wrist. Replace golf grips every 40 to 50 rounds to prevent slipping, and consider using gloves for additional support.

Reduce grip pressure and avoid the strong grip position by rotating your left hand counterclockwise. Ensure your clubs are well-fitted; the butt end of the club handle should extend about one inch beyond the pinky side of your hand.