Gearing Up For Golf With Arthritis
Many people enjoy spending a sunny afternoon on their favorite golf course. Unfortunately for some of the 40 million people who battle arthritis daily, golfing can cause discomfort. If you are looking for ways to keep golf a part of your life even though you have arthritis, changing up your gear could provide some answers.
Here are three suggestions for changing your gear that will make it easier for you to golf with minimal pain in the future.
1. Switch to lightweight golf clubs.
Lugging heavy golf clubs around the course all day can cause your arthritis to flare up. By making the choice to trade your heavy clubs for a set of lightweight clubs, you can reduce the chances that your afternoon on the golf course will result in an evening of arthritis pain.
Many golf club manufacturers are responding to the demand for lighter clubs by removing weight from both the shaft and grip of a golf club. Since most professional golfers are also using lighter clubs now (rarely will you see a professional with a driver weighing more than 86 grams), these lightweight clubs are readily available.
2. Use long tees, even on the driving range.
Tee height is often a personal preference for golfers. While you might have preferred a lower tee in your youth, when arthritis sets in, it can be beneficial to make the switch to a long tee whenever you are hitting balls.
With a long tee, you have the ability to stand up taller as you swing, preventing strain on your lower back. There is also less risk of hitting the ground with a long tee, which reduces the strain on your hands and wrists. Something as simple as switching to a long tee could dramatically reduce the negative effects a game of golf has on your arthritis.
3. Build up the grips on your clubs.
When arthritis sets in, your ability to firmly close your hands could be compromised. This reduced functionality makes it difficult to properly grip your golf clubs. To prevent you from straining to get a firm grasp on your club, try building up the grips on your clubs with athletic tape.
Increasing the diameter of the grips will give you more control over your swing without requiring the additional exertion that could cause your arthritis to flare up.
Enjoying golf after you have been diagnosed with arthritis is a realistic possibility. Reduce your potential for arthritis pain after a game of golf by investing in lightweight clubs, switching to a long tee, and building up the grips on your clubs.
For more information, contact Beaver Creek Golf Course or a similar location.
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