Golf may not look like a high-impact sport, but walking 18 holes means covering up to 10 kilometres on your feet — often in stiff, narrow golf shoes. For many Australian golfers, that adds up to significant pressure on the toes, and ingrown toenails are a more common result than most players realise.
Your handicap shouldn't include your toenails.
With the US Open taking place from 18 to 21 June 2026, golf is front of mind for players across Australia. Whether you're a weekend golfer or a club regular, now is a good time to think about your foot health before the season heats up.
Why Golf Is Hard on Toenails
Several factors make golf particularly demanding on the feet and toenails:
- Long distances on foot: A full round of golf involves several kilometres of walking, often on uneven terrain, putting sustained pressure on the toes.
- Stiff golf shoes: Traditional golf shoes offer limited toe box space, which can press the nail edge into the surrounding skin over the course of a round.
- The golf swing: The rotational force of a golf swing places lateral pressure on the foot, particularly on the lead foot, which can contribute to nail problems over time.
- Downhill lies and slopes: Playing on sloped fairways causes the foot to slide forward inside the shoe, increasing pressure on the toenails — similar to hiking on descents.
Signs You May Have an Ingrown Toenail
Watch for these warning signs after a round of golf:
- Pain or tenderness along the side of the big toenail
- Redness or swelling around the nail edge
- Discomfort when putting on golf shoes
- A feeling of pressure or tightness under the nail
- Signs of infection such as warmth, pus, or increased pain
Choosing the Right Golf Shoes
Footwear choice is one of the most effective ways to reduce your risk of ingrown toenails on the course. When selecting golf shoes:
- Look for a shoe with a wide toe box that allows your toes to spread naturally.
- Ensure there is at least a thumb's width of space between your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
- Try shoes on in the afternoon when your feet are slightly swollen.
- Consider modern athletic-style golf shoes, which tend to offer more flexibility and a better fit than traditional leather styles.
Treatment: Getting Back on the Course Fast
You've got a Saturday morning tee time booked with mates. The last thing you want is to cancel because of a painful toenail. The good news is, you don't have to.
The BS Brace is a non-surgical ingrown toenail treatment applied by podiatrists across Australia — and it's ideal for golfers who can't afford downtime. The only thing worse than a bogey is finishing the round in pain.
- No surgery, no injections — the brace is applied in a single podiatry appointment.
- Immediate relief from nail pressure — most patients feel the difference straight away.
- No recovery time — you can return to walking and light activity the same day.
- Comfortable in golf shoes — discreet enough to wear on the course without affecting your game.
- Gradual correction — the brace gently lifts the nail edge over time, treating the root cause rather than just the symptoms.
Don't push through the pain. An untreated ingrown toenail can become infected and take you off the course for weeks. Early treatment with BS Brace means a faster return to the game you love — and no need to cancel on your mates.
Prevention Tips for Golfers
- Trim toenails straight across and avoid cutting them too short before a round.
- Wear moisture-wicking socks to reduce friction inside the shoe.
- Check your shoe fit regularly — feet change shape over time.
- See a podiatrist at the first sign of nail pain — early treatment is always easier than late treatment.
When to See a Podiatrist
If your toenail is red, swollen, or painful after a round of golf, book an appointment with a podiatrist promptly. A podiatrist can assess the nail, apply BS Brace if appropriate, and advise on footwear and nail care to prevent recurrence.