OUCH! Practice takes its toll on golfer's hands

Cape Town - Swedish golfer Alex Noren is the consummate professional on the European Tour - and it is taking its toll physically.

The 34-year-old, who has won eight times on the European Tour, is currently participating in the Abu Dhabi Championship in the United Arab Emirates.

After a practice session on Wednesday, the European Tour posted a picture of Noren’s blistered hands.

It showed the hard toil professional golfers go through in the highly competitive sport.

Sore hands aside, Noren played shot a 1-under par 71 in Thursday's opening round, for a share of 39th position.

South African golf fans will remember Noren for winning last year’s Nedbank Golf Challenge at Sun City.

All we can say is OUCH!

Hard work ??????

Photo of @AlexNorenGolf's hands after some intense practicing

(?? via @kristoffer0801) pic.twitter.com/2jrQMeTPfx

— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) January 18, 2017