, August 26, 2025
News Summary
The golf community is abuzz after a prominent golfer was seen with heavy makeup on the back of their hand, provoking widespread theories on social media. Initial reports suggested minor tissue irritation from frequent handshakes, but many experts argue that such markings are inconsistent with typical golf-related injuries. Observers linked the makeup to possible bruising associated with medical conditions, particularly chronic venous insufficiency. As the debate continues, golfers are reminded to closely monitor their hand health, especially as injuries and conditions can influence performance on the course.
Washington — Golf Talk Heats Up After Bruised Hand Sighting
The golf world went into detective mode this week after a prominent figure was photographed with heavy makeup on the back of the right hand. That small detail unleashed a storm of theories across social media and clubhouses, and the chatter was loudest among people who know a thing or two about grips, swings and what actually happens to a golfer’s hands.
What kicked off the speculation
Images and video from a round at a private Virginia club showed marks on the upper surface of the hand, and the official explanation given to the press attributed the appearance to minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking. That answer didn’t calm the conversation; it only stoked it. Golf fans, medical observers and casual scrollers weighed in, and many found the handshake story hard to square with what they know about golf mechanics.
Why golfers pushed back
Inside the ropes, players know where a golf club leaves the evidence. Experienced hands pointed out that club contact and friction usually show up on the palm and fingers, not the top of the hand. When you grip a club, the pressure points and blisters tend to appear where the leather or rubber meets the palm or along the fingers, not on the dorsal surface above the knuckles. That detail led many in the golf community to publicly refute the idea that a round of golf produced the look seen in the photos.
Medical angle and other theories
The conversation did not stay on the range. Some observers suggested the makeup might have been applied to disguise bruising from intravenous treatments, citing past instances where cosmetic cover-up was visible. The person in question has a documented diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a condition that can increase bruising and swelling, especially as bodies age. Medical sources familiar with the condition said CVI can make the smallest bump look worse than it otherwise would.
Even so, the attending physician reportedly stated the visible marks were not related to CVI and were instead tied to handshakes and aspirin use in a daily health regimen. That explanation added another layer to the debate, because aspirin can indeed make bruises more noticeable by thinning the blood, while frequent handshaking could conceivably irritate soft tissue—though many golfers remained unconvinced and stuck to the biomechanics argument.
On the course: recent play and mobility concerns
Over the weekend, the person in question played a round at a private Virginia club alongside a well-known former major-league pitcher and the pitcher’s son. Photos from that outing captured the hand marks and also fueled conversations about walking gait and stamina; recent public appearances have shown a noticeable limp that some fans and critics have picked up on. For golf lovers, two things stand out: the game remains a favorite pastime, and how someone moves on the course often becomes a public health bulletin.
What golf experts want you to know
- Grip-related wear typically appears on the palms, finger pads and between the thumb and forefinger, not the top of the hand.
- If you notice bruising on the back of the hand, look to other causes: impact, medical treatments, medications that affect clotting, or underlying vein issues.
- Makeup can be used to conceal cosmetic marks, but repeated cover-up often raises more questions than it answers in a public setting.
Why this matters to golfers
Beyond the gossip, the story is a reminder for golfers to keep an eye on their hands. Age, medications and chronic conditions change how the body reacts to knocks and strains. Even a casual round can show you where your body needs attention—grip adjustments, new gloves, or a visit to a medical professional if bruises appear for no clear reason.
The official line restated that the individual remains in excellent health, but the mixed signals—makeup use in other appearances, the limp, and the debate over cause—left observers with more questions than answers. For the clubhouse crowd, the tale will live on as one of those curious intersections where politics, medicine and golf meet on the fairway.
Bottom line for players
Pay attention to where wear and bruising actually show up on your hands. If you see unusual marks on the back of your hand, consider causes beyond club friction. When in doubt, check with a medical professional—especially if you’re on blood thinners, have a vascular condition, or notice swelling that doesn’t go away.
FAQ
Can gripping a golf club cause bruises on the back of the hand?
No. Standard golf grips create pressure on the palm and fingers. Bruising on the back of the hand usually points to a different cause, such as direct impact, medical procedures, or circulation problems.
What is chronic venous insufficiency and can it cause bruising?
Chronic venous insufficiency is a vein condition that can cause poor blood return from the limbs, leading to swelling and increased bruising. It can make seemingly minor bumps look worse, particularly in older adults.
Could makeup be used to hide hand bruises?
Yes. Cosmetic products can conceal discoloration and bruising. Repeated use of makeup to hide marks can attract attention and speculation, especially in public figures.
When should a golfer see a doctor about hand bruising?
Seek medical attention if bruises appear without clear cause, if they are painful, growing, accompanied by swelling, or if the person is on blood-thinning medication.
Do frequent handshakes cause lasting hand bruising?
Frequent handshakes can cause temporary irritation but are unlikely to create prominent bruising unless there are underlying conditions or anticoagulant medications involved.
Quick Reference Table for Golf Fans
| Topic | What to look for | Quick tips |
|---|---|---|
| Typical golf-related marks | Palm calluses, fingertip blisters, pressure marks between thumb and forefinger | Adjust grip, change glove, check swing mechanics |
| Bruising on back of hand | Discoloration over knuckles or dorsal hand | Consider impact, medical procedures, or medications; get a check-up if unexplained |
| Signs of vascular issues | Persistent swelling, frequent unexplained bruising, varicose veins | See a vascular specialist; review medications with a doctor |
| Makeup concealment | Sudden even skin tone on a specific area, repeat cover-up | Don’t assume cause from looks alone; medical context matters |
| When to worry | Pain, growth, spreading, or bruising without explanation | Seek prompt medical advice |
For golfers who love the gossip as much as the game, this is one story that blends tee-time talk with real health signals—keep your eyes on the ball and on unexplained bruises.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- The Daily Beast: Trump Soothes Bruised Hand with Golf Outing
- BuzzFeed: Trump’s Bruised Hand and Golf Concerns
- The Mirror: Health Concerns for Trump on the Golf Course
- HuffPost: Trump’s Bruised Hand Raises Health Questions
- Wikipedia: Golf
- Google Search: Golf Health Concerns
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
