How To Protect Thumb During Golf Swing

By: JBTodd

Break Studios Contributing Writer

You will need to find out how to protect thumb during golf swing in order to prevent blistering or possible injury. Most golfers use a glove to prevent blisters from occurring to the thumb during golf swing, while some prefer to apply a piece of athletic tape to their thumb. If the thumb ligaments are slightly injured, a brace can be used to keep the thumb from receiving further damage, as well as protect the golfer’s wrist.

  1. Determine the type of protection to use for your thumb during golf swing. If all you need is a bandage to keep a blister from worsening, that is a simple remedy. However, if you have some pain in your thumb, you may want to consult a physician to find the best way to protect your thumb during a golf swing. Have the doctor perform a range of motion analysis on your thumb to see if he can recommend the best type of protection to use.
  2. The doctor may recommend a splint to protect your thumb during a golf swing. This can be a wrist splint or brace with a thumb attachment piece, which will support your thumb during your swing. Depending on how you grip the golf club, a splint or brace may prevent you from hitting the ball correctly. The doctor may, instead, recommend you take some time off to let your thumb heal.
  3. To protect your left thumb, tuck it under your right thumb during golf swing. Or, if you are a left-handed golfer, tuck your right thumb under your left when you grip the club. This alignment will secure your thumb, and will help to prevent injury from occurring during the swing.
  4. Consider having a swing coach look at your golf grip. A coach will be able to see if you put too much pressure on your thumb during golf swing. If the swing coach can correct your grip, you may even be able to knock some strokes off your score. The coach may also give you some hand strengthening exercises to do, which will further help you from injuring your thumb.
Posted on: Aug. 24, 2010