Golf Elbow Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and How to Reduce Strain

Elbow pain is a common complaint among golfers, especially when practice volume increases or swing mechanics place too much load on the arms. The good news is that many cases can be managed by improving technique, easing grip tension, and giving irritated tissues time to recover.

In golf, people often use the terms golf elbow and tennis elbow to describe pain on the inside or outside of the elbow. They are not the same problem, and the location of the pain can help you understand which tendons may be irritated.

Golf elbow vs. tennis elbow

Golf elbow usually refers to pain on the inner side of the elbow. It is often linked to repeated wrist flexion, forceful gripping, or sudden strain during impact. Tennis elbow refers to pain on the outer side of the elbow and is more often associated with repeated wrist extension and overuse of the forearm muscles.

Golfers can develop either one. In fact, pain on the outside of the elbow is often reported more frequently than pain on the inside, especially when a player relies too much on the arms instead of using the body to generate power.

What usually makes golf elbow pain worse?

• Over-gripping the club, especially during long practice sessions
• Excessive practice volume without enough recovery
• Poor swing mechanics that force the arms to do too much work
• Hitting the ground first, hard turf, rocks, or roots
• Weak core and trunk control, which can shift strain to the elbows and forearms

If you are a beginner or a recreational player, elbow pain may appear more easily because the body has not yet developed efficient force transfer through the torso and hips. That means the forearms and elbows may absorb more load than they should.

How to reduce strain on the elbow

Start with the basics: slow down, warm up, and review technique. A few small adjustments can make a big difference over time.

• Warm up for at least 10 minutes before hitting balls or playing a round.
• Use a lighter shaft or a slightly thicker grip if your current setup makes you squeeze too hard.
• Keep grip pressure relaxed unless the shot truly requires more control.
• Practice in shorter blocks and build volume gradually.
• Strengthen your trunk, shoulders, and forearms to support a smoother swing.

Technique matters too. A better swing is not just about power; it is about transferring force smoothly from the ground up. When the torso and hips do more of the work, the elbows usually take less punishment.

When supportive gear may help

If your elbow feels irritated during play, a supportive elbow brace or strap may help you reduce discomfort by limiting strain on the tendons. It is not a cure, but it can be a useful short-term support while you address technique, recovery, and training load.

If you are looking for supportive options, see our Elbow Brace collection for products designed to support the elbow during daily movement and activity.

Elbow Brace

A practical support option to help reduce strain while you rest, train, or return to golf more gradually.

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Reason: relevant for golfers looking for temporary elbow support while managing soreness.

What not to do

Do not try to push through sharp pain. Continuing to practice through worsening discomfort can make recovery slower. It is also a mistake to assume all elbow pain comes from the same cause. Pain on the inner elbow, outer elbow, and forearm can have different triggers and may need different adjustments.

If your pain is persistent, severe, or affecting your daily activities, consider speaking with a qualified medical professional or sports therapist for an individual assessment.

More helpful reads

To better understand related upper-body strain, you may also find these articles useful:

• Common causes of elbow pain
• How to choose an elbow brace
• Support options for sports injuries

If you are comparing support products, the Elbow Brace collection is a helpful next step after learning what kind of strain you are dealing with.

FAQ

Why do golfers get elbow pain?

Golf elbow pain is often related to repetitive gripping, swing mechanics, and overuse of the forearm muscles. If the body is not transferring force smoothly, the elbow may take on too much stress.

Is golf elbow the same as tennis elbow?

No. Golf elbow usually refers to pain on the inner side of the elbow, while tennis elbow is pain on the outer side. Both can happen in golfers.

Should I keep playing if my elbow hurts?

If the pain is sharp or getting worse, it is better to reduce activity and avoid forcing practice through discomfort. Rest, technique changes, and support may help, but ongoing pain should be assessed by a professional.

Can an elbow brace help with golf pain?

An elbow brace may help reduce strain and improve comfort during activity, especially while you are adjusting technique or giving the area time to settle.