Right hand tremors

[Chilidog]

Hey guys,

 

Here is the condensed version of the story: my dad had to quit golf because he developed tremors in his hands so bad that he could not putt anymore. He was a scratch player that by the time he was in his mid 60s, his hands shook almost like he has Parkinson’s. I am 46 and am a +2.7 handicap and over the last 3 months, my right hand has developed a tremor that has become so bad when I’m trying to hit delicate putts that it almost spasms. In our club championship last month I missed 4 putts inside 2.5 ft one round because of its uncontrollableness. It doesn’t affect full swings or long putts. Only delicate, light grip pressure putts. 
 

Anyone had anything like this and beat it. A college teammate of mine developed this in his 20s and quit golf when he couldn’t anchor anymore. 
 

I’ve tried left hand low and letting my left control 95% of the putter but I’m all over the place with that. Thinking of trying a broomstick just to see if it helps. Doubt it will. 
 

If anyone has dealt with this and overcome, please let me know. 

[Byrdman2230]

PM.

Edited November 5, 2023 by Byrdman2230
PM

[MattM97]

It's going to be a lot of trail and error with this. Broomstick, claw grip, wrist lock, arm lock, some kind of modified grip. I've seen a few DPT and KFT guys with odd grips like someone basically grabs the lead arm with their trail arm and almost putts with 1 hand.

[Chilidog]

I like the arm lock but I can’t get the putter grip to press forward enough to really even touch my lead arm. When I press it with my right hand to get it there, I basically delist the putter so much that when it’s a king putt, they’ll often bounce instead of roll and it shuts down to the left. If there was an armlock like the press grip on the LAB where enough grip is out front that it touches my left forearm, that might have a chance. 

[thedunedain]

Tried left handed? I’ve messed around with a lefty putter in the same grip as right handed (so right hand low) and was shocked how consistent it ended up being.  You’d be “pushing” the handle with your right hand in lefty instead of “pulling” it like you would in righty so it’s a different feel for sure

[Nickb333]

When my right hand starts giving my putter grief, I just move up the grip and overlap my left hand. I try to make my left arm a true pendulum and let my right hand just go along for the ride. 
 

The doesn’t roll quite as far so I have to allow for that. 

[Chilidog]

Unfortunately it isn’t as simple as changing my grip. I have tried every iteration at this point. 
 

 

I like the arm lock but I can’t get the putter grip to press forward enough to really even touch my lead arm. When I press it with my right hand to get it there, I basically delist the putter so much that when it’s a king putt, they’ll often bounce instead of roll and it shuts down to the left. If there was an armlock like the press grip on the LAB where enough grip is out front that it touches my left forearm, that might have a chance. 

[smoky25]

Sounds like you and your father have essential tremor, which can be passed down from parent to child. I inherited it from my mother.  I had the same problems as you describe but "benefited" from developing heart disease that required a beta blocker prescription.  This basically cured my putting yips.  I take the lowest dose of the beta blocker Coreg (carvedilol).  As it happens, one of the primary treatments for essential tremor is beta blockers, so you might be able to get your doctor to prescribe one for you.  I also take 200mg of magnesium glycinate twice/day which also seems to help.  Also get your doc to check your B12 level as it is the most important vitamin for neurologic function.  Hope this helps.

[ChaosTheory]

1 hour ago, Chilidog said:

 

I like the arm lock but I can’t get the putter grip to press forward enough to really even touch my lead arm

 

Check out this putter.  A guy at my club has one.  I’ve only had a chance to roll a few putts with it.  I like the concept.

 

https://gravesgolf.com/locknrollputter-2023/

[Nickb333]

3 hours ago, Chilidog said:

Unfortunately it isn’t as simple as changing my grip. I have tried every iteration at this point. 
 

 

I like the arm lock but I can’t get the putter grip to press forward enough to really even touch my lead arm. When I press it with my right hand to get it there, I basically delist the putter so much that when it’s a king putt, they’ll often bounce instead of roll and it shuts down to the left. If there was an armlock like the press grip on the LAB where enough grip is out front that it touches my left forearm, that might have a chance. 

My suggestion wasn’t just a grip change. The main change is taking your right hand completely out of the putting motion. Literally, the right hand is just going along for the ride on a left arm pendulum. 
 

I do use a shorter putter so that may factor in. 

[Jc0]

How short is short? Based on what you are describing I would try a clawish grip but with your right hand only hold the grip with your thumb and pointer finger (and maybe middle finger). It should give enough stability vs left hand only but not have so much right hand influence that it really effects the stroke. My other thought with this suggestion is that by only using your thumb and pointer finger the extra force need by only using two fingers gets your hand to calm down. 

[Nickb333]

27 minutes ago, Jc0 said:

How short is short? Based on what you are describing I would try a clawish grip but with your right hand only hold the grip with your thumb and pointer finger (and maybe middle finger). It should give enough stability vs left hand only but not have so much right hand influence that it really effects the stroke. My other thought with this suggestion is that by only using your thumb and pointer finger the extra force need by only using two fingers gets your hand to calm down. 

Me? 33”. 
 

I’ve never had success changing the natural hang of my left arm. I take a wide stance so 33 works well. I never stub it. 
 

I prefer a normal putting grip. Equal input from both hands with a slight forward press. But I’m very very right side dominant. Sometimes my right hand just wants to take over. When it has too much tension for any number of reasons, putts can be yanked or pushed all over the place.
 

Without making any other odd grip changes, just sliding the right hand up over the left and making the right hand totally subordinate cures all the goofy yips, pulls and pushes for me. Obviously, ymmv. 

[Chilidog]

42 minutes ago, Jc0 said:

How short is short? Based on what you are describing I would try a clawish grip but with your right hand only hold the grip with your thumb and pointer finger (and maybe middle finger). It should give enough stability vs left hand only but not have so much right hand influence that it really affects the stroke. My other thought with this suggestion is that by only using your thumb and pointer finger the extra force need by only using two fingers gets your hand to calm down. 

Short. Inside of 4’. I figured out towards the end of the round that if I absolutely held it with my right hand like I was trying to hurt the grip, I could putt it decently on line. But, if not, the grip you could see shaking if I put it on their softly. 

[hammergolf]

5 hours ago, Chilidog said:

Hey guys,

 

Here is the condensed version of the story: my dad had to quit golf because he developed tremors in his hands so bad that he could not putt anymore. He was a scratch player that by the time he was in his mid 60s, his hands shook almost like he has Parkinson’s. I am 46 and am a +2.7 handicap and over the last 3 months, my right hand has developed a tremor that has become so bad when I’m trying to hit delicate putts that it almost spasms. In our club championship last month I missed 4 putts inside 2.5 ft one round because of its uncontrollableness. It doesn’t affect full swings or long putts. Only delicate, light grip pressure putts. 
 

Anyone had anything like this and beat it. A college teammate of mine developed this in his 20s and quit golf when he couldn’t anchor anymore. 
 

I’ve tried left hand low and letting my left control 95% of the putter but I’m all over the place with that. Thinking of trying a broomstick just to see if it helps. Doubt it will. 
 

If anyone has dealt with this and overcome, please let me know. 

I would try two things:

1 Try an armlock putter on your left forearm. But here’s the key, instead of your right hand being lower on the grip, hold it up top pushing against your left forearm to help anchor your left arm to the putter. Since your right hand is in a different position it should eliminate the spasm.

 

2 If the armlock method is too long or uncomfortable, use the method that Langer used where he did the same thing with his right hand to lock in the putter and left wrist. See pic below.

 

 

[Jc0]

2 hours ago, Chilidog said:

Short. Inside of 4’. I figured out towards the end of the round that if I absolutely held it with my right hand like I was trying to hurt the grip, I could putt it decently on line. But, if not, the grip you could see shaking if I put it on their softly. 

 

Look up how Tommy Fleetwood holds his putter. I think that is what you are looking for. 

[philly2kuk]

I understand a thicker grip can help with things like tremors and yips. When I got the yips when younger I went to claw for a season and it helped immensely as it took my (dominant) right hand out the equation completely. Might be worth a try.

[Chilidog]

Just got back from the doc. I had several people PM or state here about essential tremors. That is the same my doc thought without me even mentioning it. He did a test on me with basically just writing on paper. It’s become hard for me to write with a pencil or pen without it being shaky. He is starting me on a low dose of beta blockers and wants to follow up next week to see how it’s doing. He said my tremors were fairly noticeable just when I held my hands straight out in front of me and had to hold them as immovable as possible. My right pinky and ring finger were just going crazy. He thinks the beta blockers will help but only take them when I notice it at first. Thanks guys!

[Mecca]

Chilidog… just curious how this is working out for you.  I have essential tremors as well with similar symptoms to yours.  My handicap is about a 3 right now but should be lower. One challenge I’ve developed is dealing with chipping yips.  On my backswing I notice oscillating flexing and extension of my wrists.  It makes it tough to hit chips under pressure.  When I use my HackMotion trainer the problem is really visible.  The normally straight response line is a drastic wave form. 
I take propranolol but it has become less helpful over time (about 8 years).  I also take some supplements (magnesium and B12) but I’m looking for a new drug as it is getting tougher to golf.  I like to compete and want to bet back to a + handicap but the tremors are holding me back. 
if anyone else has any advice, please post it. 

[Mikey_HACKilroy]

I would suggest also trying a compression sleeve for your wrists and forearm. Perhaps a wrist wrap that you can tighten to different pressure to see if it helps to stabilize your tremors. Not the rigid kind, but the flexible elastic kind with Velcro. It won't stop the underlying problem, but it is worth a try to see if it'll help.

Edited May 4 by Mikey_HACKilroy

[Pastit]

On 11/5/2023 at 8:16 PM, Chilidog said:

Hey guys,

 

Here is the condensed version of the story: my dad had to quit golf because he developed tremors in his hands so bad that he could not putt anymore. He was a scratch player that by the time he was in his mid 60s, his hands shook almost like he has Parkinson’s. I am 46 and am a +2.7 handicap and over the last 3 months, my right hand has developed a tremor that has become so bad when I’m trying to hit delicate putts that it almost spasms. In our club championship last month I missed 4 putts inside 2.5 ft one round because of its uncontrollableness. It doesn’t affect full swings or long putts. Only delicate, light grip pressure putts. 
 

Anyone had anything like this and beat it. A college teammate of mine developed this in his 20s and quit golf when he couldn’t anchor anymore. 
 

I’ve tried left hand low and letting my left control 95% of the putter but I’m all over the place with that. Thinking of trying a broomstick just to see if it helps. Doubt it will. 
 

If anyone has dealt with this and overcome, please let me know. 

in all seriousness I knew a 1-HCP’r who couldn’t play unless he’d 4 ales. 

[SwingBlade]

I too have essential tremor.  Beta blockers really help essential/familial tremor.  Also, trying to remain still or extra precise in your putting will only exacerbate essential tremor.  I would  suggest getting fit for a LAB DF3 putter with the 2* grip.  It is the only putter that requires zero assistance from the player, hence, you can relax your hands completely because they are not required to make any precise movements.  Best wishes.  

[SwingMan]

On 11/5/2023 at 2:16 PM, Chilidog said:

Hey guys,

 

Here is the condensed version of the story: my dad had to quit golf because he developed tremors in his hands so bad that he could not putt anymore. He was a scratch player that by the time he was in his mid 60s, his hands shook almost like he has Parkinson’s. I am 46 and am a +2.7 handicap and over the last 3 months, my right hand has developed a tremor that has become so bad when I’m trying to hit delicate putts that it almost spasms. In our club championship last month I missed 4 putts inside 2.5 ft one round because of its uncontrollableness. It doesn’t affect full swings or long putts. Only delicate, light grip pressure putts. 
 

Anyone had anything like this and beat it. A college teammate of mine developed this in his 20s and quit golf when he couldn’t anchor anymore. 
 

I’ve tried left hand low and letting my left control 95% of the putter but I’m all over the place with that. Thinking of trying a broomstick just to see if it helps. Doubt it will. 
 

If anyone has dealt with this and overcome, please let me know. 

 

Happened to me, too.

 

I went to a lighter headed traditional putter - 340g at 34.5 inches, and that helped. The heavy weight is a problem. Tiger had his putters about D2. So all of us who are going to 360g at 34 and more inches might want to re-think.

 

I should say that I've tried every putting technique, Faxon, Utley, Rock the shoulders, etc. and it's just too much extraneous movement.

 

You've got to believe in yourself (confidence) but first you need, at least I did, needed to remove all unwanted movement. The idea is to relax.

 

First, I took a more relaxed grip on the putter and that helped.

Second, I let out my breath to relax and then began the stroke.

Third, I removed all hand and wrist movement.

Fourth, I did not rock the shoulders. I am right handed and my mantra was right shoulder back, left shoulder back. Don't move the chest.

Fifth, just say "1 and 2." That takes your mind off the putt.

Sixth, I went to Porzak Golf YouTube vid and he has a great setup for putting. But they use a shoulder rock whereas David Orr advocates right shoulder back, left shoulder back. Don't move the chest. I think that's the way to go - think about it - and what a torso rock does. Not good.

 

I still had an issue with the traditional putter closing a tad too much unless I was paying attention. So I bought a LAB DF3. I don't worry about the opening and closing of the putter any longer.

Seventh, GET THE PUTTING BOARD. It is an OMG revelation and helps in many ways. You can set the lie angle of your putter with the board. It tells you about the lie angle of your shaft and whether your shaft is set straight at address and tells you if you are flipping or subtracting loft, etc.

 

https://theputtingboard.com

 

 

 

Edited May 4 by SwingMan

[st1800e]

4 hours ago, Mecca said:

Chilidog… just curious how this is working out for you.  I have essential tremors as well with similar symptoms to yours.  My handicap is about a 3 right now but should be lower. One challenge I’ve developed is dealing with chipping yips.  On my backswing I notice oscillating flexing and extension of my wrists.  It makes it tough to hit chips under pressure.  When I use my HackMotion trainer the problem is really visible.  The normally straight response line is a drastic wave form. 
I take propranolol but it has become less helpful over time (about 8 years).  I also take some supplements (magnesium and B12) but I’m looking for a new drug as it is getting tougher to golf.  I like to compete and want to bet back to a + handicap but the tremors are holding me back. 
if anyone else has any advice, please post it. 

Tagging @Chilidog for you.  

[Chilidog]

5 hours ago, Mecca said:

Chilidog… just curious how this is working out for you.  I have essential tremors as well with similar symptoms to yours.  My handicap is about a 3 right now but should be lower. One challenge I’ve developed is dealing with chipping yips.  On my backswing I notice oscillating flexing and extension of my wrists.  It makes it tough to hit chips under pressure.  When I use my HackMotion trainer the problem is really visible.  The normally straight response line is a drastic wave form. 
I take propranolol but it has become less helpful over time (about 8 years).  I also take some supplements (magnesium and B12) but I’m looking for a new drug as it is getting tougher to golf.  I like to compete and want to bet back to a + handicap but the tremors are holding me back. 
if anyone else has any advice, please post it. 

Hey, I think mine may be less dramatic than yours. I know when I wake up in the morning if that day I will need propranolol or not when I’m eating breakfast. If my cup is shaking when I bring it to my lips, I take it. If not, I don’t. It really only bothers my game on the days when the cup shakes. I don’t really get nervous in golf so it’s not a yip that I’m dealing with. It’s when I am lining up the putt, the face is twisting from the shaking. It gets exacerbated when I start the head back and through. 
 

It’s not comforting to hear that propranolol is wearing off for you. It’s been really helpful on those days when I wake up with the tremors. But I’ve been able to play a lot of rounds just fine when they aren’t bothering me. 
 

Another good thing that has helped is the long putter. It lets me really focus on the shoulders moving back and forth and takes the feel out of my hands. 

[Chilidog]

2 hours ago, SwingBlade said:

I too have essential tremor.  Beta blockers really help essential/familial tremor.  Also, trying to remain still or extra precise in your putting will only exacerbate essential tremor.  I would  suggest getting fit for a LAB DF3 putter with the 2* grip.  It is the only putter that requires zero assistance from the player, hence, you can relax your hands completely because they are not required to make any precise movements.  Best wishes.  

I currently use the LAB Mezz Max Broomstick. 😊