Aching Hands

Hi seniors,

I've been going to the driving range alot these days and I notice that the outsides of my hands hurt. Especially the last knuckle on my left hand.

Just want to find out if this is common among seasoned players. Or is there something wrong with my grip?

Of course, like all noobs I do hit the ground accidentally. Doesn't help also when I'm using heavy iron shaft clubs.

I think it is pretty normal for one's hand to feel sore after hitting like 200-300 balls... even for those who goes to the range once every couple of days. But if there is a particular point that feels painful (i.e. your last knuckle on left hand), it is very likely that you may be holding the grip wrong.

Find out the correct way of gripping a club from a pro or a seasoned player before you hit more balls... you dun want to find yourself wasting all your effort practicing with a wrong grip.

Most likely you squeeze the grip too tight and have too much pressure on the club. I have once my coach ask me: from 1 to 10, how much you think you apply the pressure on the club, with 10 being apply all your force on the hand. I told him 7.5~8, and the reply was: go down to 4.

THe last finger on the left hand is most like the least used in your daily operation, but it is much more needed in golf (last 3 fingers).

Thanks Victor and Alvin for your advice. I asked my pro about my grip and he has pointed out some changes to it. Used to align my thumbs in a straight line down the grip. Now I am relaxing them more.