Finger problem - weak grip?

[ScouseJohnny]

Hi - I'm a fairly high handicapper (16), right-handed player.

Just lately, I've developed a constant irritating problem. I have smallish hands and use an interlocking grip. During the course of a round, I develop a blister on the ring finger of my right hand, in the place where that finger meets the club's grip and the first finger of my left hand.

I have worked on my swing a lot this year in order to correct my slice. This has worked, but the side-effect seems to be a sore finger.

No big deal - but it gets painful if I play frequently (e.g. I played yesterday and have a tournament on Friday - and I'm going to have to put plasters [band-aids] over the blister to get through 18 holes).

I've also noticed that I'm wearing out the palm of my glove very quickly. So I'm guessing that in fixing the slice I've somehow developed a problematic grip?

I take my wedding ring off to play golf, and wear a glove on my left hand. I can't think of any other irritants that would cause this problem.

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

[The Road Dog]

Sounds like you may be gripping too hard. Also if you aren't a frequent golfer your hands may just be adjusting to the game. The grip should be just strong enough to keep the club from slipping from your hands. A strong grip restricts club movement because it cant be done without tensing the muscles in your arms.  I suggest asking a instructor to check your grip and swing.

For the gloves, I've found the more you pay for one the thinner the material, leading to them wearing out faster..

[saevel25]

Are you pretty new to the game? Because new hands will blister more. Even after a winter break, my hands start to develop callusus from golfing pretty quick, I haven't had a blister in years though.

Blisters are from to much friction, so i am guessing, like above, to much grip pressure, or worn out grips.

[ScouseJohnny]

No, I'm not new to the game. Used to play a lot as a junior and into my teens. Then played very infrequently for a decade. Started getting back into the game seriously a couple of years ago. Would like to reduce my handicap below the 15 or 16 plateau I seem stuck at.

As regards the blisters - I've come to the conclusion that (as suggested) this is caused by my gripping the club too tightly.

I "cured" my slice by just hitting basket after basket of balls at the range this year, until I somehow removed the out-to-in swing path. Very unscientific. I've done something to my grip in the process, and the over-tightening may be part of this.

Thanks for the advice! I'll try and relax my grip, and if things don't get better, book a few lessons with a pro.

[LostSquirrel]

I recently discovered an anti-blister spray, Blistop. It is supposed to work for hands and feet by creating a thin, flexible patch over the skin.

I used it during my 24-hour Relay for Life walk, and finished without a single blister on my heel (where I'm really prone).