The good news: we’ve been hard at work upgrading our garage into a state-of-the-art golf simulator. I’m totally psyched to have a space to play and practice all winter long. The bad news? More reps = more joint pain. My golfer’s elbow has been a recurring issue for years. I’ve tried it all, from arm bands, PT, reverse Tyler twists, to alternating ice and heat. All helpful… but none of it feels like a true pre-round solution when I just want to play pain-free. That’s what sent me down the rabbit hole of golf CBD and golf supplements.
If CBD works for recovery in other sports, could it help golfers manage chronic elbow pain, joint stiffness, and post-round soreness?
While researching, a brand specifically creating hemp-derived formulas for golfers caught my eye: Back 9 Botanicals. I got my hands on a few samples and here’s what I found.
Why Golfers Are Looking at CBD
Golf doesn’t look violent. It’s not football or hockey. But it is repetitive. Thousands of swings. Hours gripping a club. Long walks. Range sessions layered on top of rounds.
The stress accumulates quietly.
And while anti-inflammatories work, they’re not something I want to rely on long-term. A topical solution, something targeted and localized, felt more aligned with how I want to manage pain.
That’s when Back 9 Botanicals crossed my desk. They’re a brand building hemp-derived formulas specifically for golfers, and I was curious enough to try it.
Back 9 Botanicals CBD Topical Therapy
The product I tested was their CBD Topical Therapy Salve Stick. Instead of a lotion or a squeeze tube, it comes in a twist-up stick, almost like deodorant. Which, practically speaking, is ideal for a golf bag.
Here’s what they’re putting into it, in simple terms.
The base is broad-spectrum hemp oil, delivering about 1100 mg of CBD per stick. Broad-spectrum means you get multiple cannabinoids working together, but no THC. Their claim is straightforward: support deep muscle and joint relief.
They layer in arnica, which is commonly associated with helping reduce swelling and bruising. Cayenne and clove oil provide a subtle warming sensation, intended to support circulation and ease discomfort.
There’s also DMSO, which is the ingredient that sets it apart. It’s known as a permeation enhancer, meaning it helps the active ingredients penetrate more deeply instead of just sitting on the skin’s surface.
Then there are the supportive ingredients, like olive oil, beeswax, shea butter, aloe, and vitamin E, which help the salve stay in place and keep the skin from drying out.
In plain English, Back 9 is positioning this as a deeper, longer-lasting option compared to a basic cooling gel. Less “quick fix,” more “serious recovery support.”
Golf CBD Options: Back 9 vs. Competitors
As I was investigating other golf CBD brands, like Parform, Back 9 stood out. It had a much higher CBD content for more pain relief, and stronger supporting formulas for added benefits. Here’s a quick comparison between the two…
| Feature | Back 9 CBD Topical Therapy Stick | Parform Golf‑FRZ Roll‑On |
| Product type | 1 oz salve stick | Roll‑on cooling gel |
| Total hemp/CBD | 1500 mg broad‑spectrum hemp oil (about 1100 mg CBD) per 1 oz stick | 300 mg broad‑spectrum hemp extract per bottle |
| Key actives | CBD, arnica, cayenne, clove oil, DMSO, humulene, caryophyllene for deeper penetration and anti‑inflammatory effects | Broad‑spectrum hemp extract, menthol, aloe, arnica, jojoba oil for cooling and basic topical relief |
| Main benefits pitched | Deep muscle and joint relief, inflammation reduction, recovery support, nourishing skin barrier | Fast, convenient cooling pain relief during play, helps with aches, cramps, strains, sprains |
| Texture / feel | Thick salve that stays on target areas, more slow‑release, slightly oily from butters and oils | Thin gel that absorbs quickly, strong cooling sensation from menthol |
| Best use case | Pre‑round warm‑up and post‑round recovery for chronic or intense pain spots | On‑course spot treatment when something starts barking mid‑round |
How it Worked
I started applying the salve before simulator sessions, rubbing it directly into the inside of my elbow and down the forearm.
The first thing I noticed was the format. The stick makes it easy to apply—no mess, and it makes it a controlled and localized application.
I also appreciated that the sensation of applying it is warming rather than icy. Not overpowering, just noticeable. Basically, it feels like something is happening beneath the surface rather than just numbing the area.
After using the salve over the course of a few weeks, I noticed two things:
First, the sharp, shooting pain during swings was noticeably reduced. It didn’t disappear completely, but it softened enough that I could practice without constantly thinking about my elbow.
Second, the next-day soreness was less intense. Typically, a heavy session means lingering aches that stretch into multiple days (if not a week). With consistent use, my recovery window felt shorter, and I was back in the sim sooner.
Is golf CBD a miracle cure? No. I still stretch. I still do PT. I still need to avoid overuse. But as part of a broader recovery routine, it meaningfully helped. And for under $40, that feels like a low-risk experiment for anyone dealing with similar pain.
Frequently Asked Questions About Golf CBD
Does CBD actually help golfer’s elbow?
CBD is being studied for its potential anti-inflammatory and pain-modulating properties. While it’s not a cure for golfer’s elbow, many golfers use topical CBD as part of a broader management plan that includes stretching, strengthening, and load management.
Is golf CBD legal?
Hemp-derived CBD products that contain less than 0.3% THC are federally legal in the United States. Broad-spectrum products like the Back 9 topical contain no THC. That said, always check local regulations and product labeling.
Will CBD make me feel high during a round?
No. Topical CBD products do not produce psychoactive effects. Broad-spectrum CBD contains no THC, and even full-spectrum hemp products contain only trace amounts below the legal limit.
Should I use golf CBD before or after a round?
It depends on your goals. Many golfers apply CBD topicals before a round to help warm up and manage discomfort, and again afterward to support recovery. For chronic pain spots, consistent use tends to be more effective than one-off application.
Is topical CBD better than CBD gummies for golf pain?
Topicals target a specific area, like an elbow or wrist, without affecting the rest of the body. Gummies and ingestibles work systemically. For localized golf injuries, many players prefer starting with a topical.
Final Thoughts on Golf CBD
Golf has a funny way of demanding more from your body the more you fall in love with it. More swings, more practice, more “just one more bucket.”
CBD isn’t a shortcut. It won’t replace mobility work or good mechanics. But if you’re looking for something to help make the grind more sustainable, especially with recurring joint pain, golf CBD deserves a spot in the conversation.
For me, adding a golf CBD topical to my routine has meant less obsessing over elbow pain and more focusing on my game. And for that reason, it has earned a permanent spot in my bag.
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