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BodyRipple한국어

The day after a round of golf, my left wrist and elbow ache

Asked by a member on May 15, 2026한국어

This question was asked in Korean and answered by Korean body care experts. Read the original or ask your own question on the Korean site.

Area
Wrist, elbow
Started
After last weekend’s round

I played 18 holes for the first time in a while over the weekend. The next day, my left wrist and the inside of my elbow started aching. I’m right-handed. Could it be related to using my left arm a lot when I swing? It would feel like a bit of a burden if this happened after every round.

Key takeaways

  • For right-handed golfers, the left wrist and elbow are areas that take a lot of the impact during a swing
  • Gripping too tightly or finishing the swing using only the wrist can concentrate the strain there
  • Warming up the wrists and forearms before a round and using trunk rotation during the swing can help distribute the strain

Warning signs

  • Discomfort that lasts a long time or keeps getting worse
  • Numbness or tingling, weakness, or changes in sensation occurring alongside the discomfort
  • Discomfort that began after an injury
  • Pain that wakes you at night or significantly interferes with daily life

Answers1

BodyRipple expert

May 16, 2026

I imagine you noticed it more after getting back on the course after a long time. As you pointed out, for a right-handed golfer, the left wrist and the inside of the elbow are indeed areas that can take on a lot of strain because of the mechanics of the swing.

During a golf swing, the left arm brings the club down, and it takes the impact first when the club meets the ball. If you hit the grass or mat heavily, or tend to finish by rolling the club through with wrist strength, the strain can concentrate in the forearm muscles that move the wrist and grip with the fingers, and at the inside of the elbow where those muscles’ tendons attach. The ache the next day may be a sign that this area did more work than usual.

It may help to check a few things. First, make sure you’re not gripping the club too tightly. If your fingers are working too hard, your forearms stay tense all day. People often say a grip about as firm as you’d use to squeeze a little toothpaste is enough. Second, check whether you’re leading the swing with only your wrists and arms. Bringing the club through with rotation of your pelvis and torso distributes the strain that was concentrated in your arms among larger muscles.

Warming up before a round is important, too. Slowly rotate your wrists and gently stretch your forearms by bending your palms up and down before you start. After the round, gently loosen the area around your wrists and elbows. If you adjust how often you play so you don’t overdo it, you’ll be able to enjoy the golf you love more comfortably.