This week we are going to talk about the grip. I have to admit it’s not the most exciting topic but we all know, deep down, that it’s important. I also know that many people that come for a lesson don’t want anyone messing with their grip as just the slightest adjustment can feel very awkward and the thought of how much time and pain will be involved before the adjustment feels comfortable.
Lately, I have had a few students who have requested I address their grips, as well, I have had some students just learning the game and having really no idea how to properly hold the club.
Last weekend, I conducted our first junior clinic for kids 5 to 9 years of age which came about from an earlier column which attracted 13 eager juniors! The first step was to get them to hold the club correctly and keep their hands together which was no small task. If you have a junior golfer, who’s just learning the game, please get them to keep their hands together and not hold them apart as you would in hockey.
So lets talk a bit about the grip and hopefully a slight adjustment here or there can help you out. Who knows, maybe this article will just confirm you already have an excellent grip!
First off, there are three commonly used grips, and one isn’t more right or wrong than the other. It’s your personal preference as to choice. When first learning the game I do stress choosing the grip that feels the most comfortable and natural for you. Let’s discuss the three grips.
1. The ten finger or baseball grip. It’s the most comfortable and easiest to learn and is very popular with women and juniors. This grip is illustrated in the picture by a junior golfing friend of mine, Ollie. It features all fingers on the grip and was used by Canadian PGA player Dave Barr.
2. Interlocking Grip. This grip features interlocking the baby finger into your index finger. Jack Nicklaus popularized this grip and it’s the grip used by Tiger Woods. I see alot of amateurs using this one.
3. Overlap or Vardon Grip. This grip has the baby finger of the lower hand resting on top of the groove of the index and middle finger. This is the most popular grip by far among golf professionals and top amateurs and is illustrated by me in the picture.
Choose one of these grips and follow these general principals.
Features of a Good Grip
1. Relaxed but firm grip pressure. First tee jitters? Squeeze hard then relax your grip. This will ensure you have a more relaxed grip for that first tee shot.
2. Bottom thumb at 11 o’clock, top thumb at 1 o’clock (a strong grip would be at 2 or 3 o’clock for the top thumb and a weak grip at 12 o’clock or down the middle of the grip).
3. Holding the club in your fingers with the bottom hand which seems tough to get for people new to the game.
4. Club under the heel pad of the top hand
Common Faults to Avoid
1. White knuckle grip pressure, gripping too hard.
2. Adjusting or changing your grip during the swing or on the take away.
3 Grip is too weak or strong. A weak grip can be a major cause of slicing. A strong grip promotes hooking.
4. Club is held in the palm of the bottom hand rather than fingers. A very common fault that leads to a loss of power and feel. Also a common feature interlock grip when the fingers are interlocked tightly together.
5. Both thumbs on the 12 o’clock position or down the middle with the thumbs pushing down hard causing tension up the arms and into the shoulders.
A good grip is essential in becoming a good golfer and being able to move the ball in both directions at will. Take the time to make some adjustments, be patient with it, and you WILL play YOUR best golf!
