FARMINGTON — The pain began in Joe Boros’ left thumb in the middle of June.

He battled through it until, finally, he went to see a doctor to diagnose the source of the discomfort.

The result was grim. The 51-year-old club professional at Treesdale Golf & Country Club had arthritis in the base of his thumb.

And it wasn’t going to go away.

“It is what it is,” Boros said. “He gave me a shot. I don’t know what the magic potion was. But a friend of mine who is a very good golfer and physical therapist told me I was going to have to learn a new way of holding a golf club.”

From his experience as a club pro and a teacher, Boros said he knew that was easier said than done.

“Any change in grip is a major change,” Boros said.

Boros is a quick learner, apparently.

He unleashed his new grip Monday and Tuesday at the 2013 Falling Rock Classic at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and shot a 71-70 for a 141 to finish second, three strokes behind winner Kevin Shields of The Club at Nevillewood.

Boros had never used his new grip before Monday’s first round.

“I hadn’t hit a ball since the Monday before,” Boros said. “Someone asked me what I thought I needed to shoot on the second day to win. I just hoped I could play the second day. I didn’t know what the thumb was going to do.”

Boros said the injury did affect his game — he didn’t hit the ball as crisply and true as he was accustomed to doing.

He made up for it, though, with his stellar short game, particularly in the final round on Tuesday.

“I didn’t hit a lot of good shots,” Boros said. “But I didn’t hit a lot of bad ones, either. Chipping and putting got me out of trouble and allowed me to survive.”

Boros’ thumb came through the tournament with flying colors.

He plans on resting it, though, before his next tournament.

It also has him thinking about ways to better teach a swing so players can avoid complications with their bodies later in life.

The theory is Boros’ arthritis was caused by his swing.

“As a golf pro, maybe we need to look into what we can do with the golf swing to save people’s joints and let them play longer,” Boros said. “Some of these young players, their swings are pretty violent. It might be something to look into.”