Do you keep getting blisters on your thumbs from gripping the golf club?
Believe it or not, it’s quite common. A lot of beginners get them!
Those painful, fluid-filled bumps sucks and can even mess up your game if they get bad enough.
In this post, I’ll explain why you get blisters on your thumb from golf, how to prevent them in the first place, and how to treat them.
Why Do I Get Golf Blisters On My Thumb?
The blisters on the thumb are caused by friction between the skin and the golf grip.
Playing a round of golf means gripping and re-gripping that club countless times over several hours.
All that repetitive grasping and releasing causes a lot of friction and rubbing, especially on those thumbs that wrap around the grip. This irritates the skin and causes it to break down, forming a fluid-filled pocket.
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And if your grip technique is wrong, it’s going to make blisters more likely.
How To Prevent Blister On Thumb From Golf
It’s always better to avoid getting blisters in the first place. Here are some easy tips to help keep those annoying bumps from forming on your thumbs:
#1 Learn Proper Grip Technique
Having the right grip technique is absolutely crucial for avoiding those nasty blisters.
You want to make sure you’re holding the club in a way that feels totally natural and comfortable – no awkward hand positions or straining your fingers.
Don’t put too much pressure on any one part of your hands, especially those thumbs.
If you can’t figure it out, It might be a good idea to invest in a lesson or two with a golf pro. They’ll be able to watch you grip the club and give you personalized feedback.
#2 Wear Well-Fitted Golf Gloves
A good pair of golf gloves can make a world of difference.
Gloves basically create a buffer zone between your skin and the club grip, minimizing all that unpleasant rubbing and friction. So go and get some golf gloves.
But don’t just grab the first pair of gloves you see – you need to make sure you get ones that fit like they were made specifically for your hands.
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Glove sizes can be tricky, so try on a few different brands.
Your fingers should feel snug, but not squished. You should be able to make a fist without the glove bunching up.
#3 Use Grip Tape Or Powder
Grip tape can be super useful for avoiding blisters. These give you a bit more grip so you don’t have to squeeze the club as hard, and it reduces the friction.
Apply small strips of tape to the areas of your thumb that come into contact with the grip.
Or you can apply a light dusting of rosin powder or another approved anti-slip powder to your thumb and the inside of the glove.
This can be particularly helpful in humid conditions where sweat can increase friction.
#4 Use A Band-Aid
Sometimes blisters sneak up on you mid-round when you least expect it. You’ll start to feel a little hot spot or tingle that lets you know one of those pesky things is trying to form.
Don’t ignore it!
As soon as you get that warning sign, quickly cover up the area with a band-aid, blister pad, or even just some athletic tape.
Creating that protective barrier stops the blister cold before it has a chance to get worse.
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Then you can play on and deal with it after your round.
#5 Use Grip Training Aids
Grip training tools may seem kind of gimmicky, but they can actually work wonders for toughening up your hands over time.
By working those grip muscles, you build up calluses and overall gripping strength.
Stronger hands with a little more callusing can withstand all that repetitive club gripping way better without forming blisters.
Plus, it helps maintain a lighter, more even grip pressure during your swing.
How To Treat Golf Blisters
If you’ve already got a blister on your thumb, you must take care of it properly so it doesn’t get worse or infected. It will heal naturally – you don’t need a doctor.
Avoid the temptation to pop it, as this increases your risk of infection!
Gently clean the entire area, including the blister itself, using mild soap and water. This helps remove any dirt, germs, or debris around the blister.
Once clean, dab on some antibiotic ointment.
After that cover it up with a bandage / band aid or moleskin to shield it from further irritation.
You can also use gauze or a blister pad to cushion the area around the blister.
If the blister has already drained or torn open, carefully clean out the pocket, apply antibiotic ointment, and cover it with a fresh bandage or non-adhering pad.