How to best deal with finger calluses in disc golf

I can’t speak for all disc golfers.

But that’s never stopped me from trying:

Calluses are a badge of honor.

Finger calluses, that is.

Guitar players get ‘em, and they’re proud of ‘em. It means they’re shredding so hard their fingers have to adjust to survive. I feel the same way about the one forever-callus on my throwing hand.

In writing this piece, I’m going to assume you’re not wanting to get rid of your calluses. Because if you do, you can soak your fingers in a bowl of warm, soapy water for five minutes like an old woman. The pumice-stone treatment at the end of it all is the proverbial “cherry on top.”

However, if the plan is to continue playing disc golf like a madman on a regular basis, you’ll want those baby calluses to practically turn into pebbles. The friction isn’t going anywhere, so the tougher they can be, the better. In the interim, though, the calluses straight-up suck …

Pain. Blood. Cracks.

And the whole “rub-some-dirt-on-it” mantra isn’t all that helpful, either.

As such, here are a few ways I deal with them …

Maybe one will work for you, too.

First, Band-Aids. If you’re bleeding, you’ll likely already have one on there. This can work, but only momentarily – they’re not that tough. After two or three good tugs of the disc, it’ll have fallen off entirely. Yes, Band-Aids are better than nothing, but save ‘em for post-round use.

Another more effective method is electrical tape. I used to keep a black roll of the stuff in my bag exclusively for this purpose. If that’s all you’ve got lying around the house, give your finger a quick once-around. It’ll get the job done for 18 holes in a pinch. By nature, however, electrical tape is slick and struggles with sweat – this isn’t great for grip.

Which leads me to this …

Athletic tape.

ACE is best, in my experience. It’s the stuff that’s used to tape (not wrap) ankles, if that helps. Yet again, circle the affected finger. It’s flexible, durable and might actually help with grip, too. Even better, if you’ve still got that Band-Aid nearby, put this on over it – it’s the best of both worlds.

Lastly, this one is a bit out there …

Superglue.

Put a pea-sized dollop of the atomic-level goo atop your soon-to-be callus, and it’ll work wonderfully (and artificially) until your skin’s able to one day safeguard itself.

Also, it’s worth mentioning these two no-brainer methods:

• As long as it won’t compromise your game, consider changing your grip.
• If it’s flashing– or damage-related, some fine-tuned disc-sanding can work.

Forehanders and fan-grippers see the worst of the finger-callus world. The latter is responsible for my lone callus. Thankfully, it’s now practically tough enough to enlist in the armed forces.

It’s seen some things.

THIS is when you know disc golf has become a full-blown obsession.

Welcome to the club.

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