Why the Proper Golf Grip Doesn’t Exist For as long as golf has been a sport, the grip has always been considered a fundamental of the swing. Whether it’s an instructional video on Youtube or an article written in a magazine on how to grip a golf club, instructors continue to talk about what they believe is the proper golf grip.
Full Answer
What are the most common golf grip mistakes?
The most common golf grip mistakes are gripping the club too weakly or too strongly. If your grip is too strong your right hand will be too far underneath the golf club. If your grip is too weak, your right hand will be too far over the golf club’s top.
What is the correct grip for a golf club?
The grip of the golf club should sit diagonally across your fingers into the palm of your left hand. When you close your left hand, you should be able to see the knuckles of your left index and middle fingers. How do you place your hands on a golf club?
Why is the golf grip important?
In golf, the only connection a player has with the golf club is the grip. Without the grip, none of us are even playing the game. Having the proper golf grip is essential, and its a part of the game that every player needs to master. In this guide, we have put together the steps to master the golf grip.
What happens if you grip a club too tight?
"Gripping the club too tight can cause thin, weak shots that slice. A lighter grip pressure enhances wrist hinge — a vital power source in the swing. This light pressure also increases the amount of clubface rotation, thus improving your chance of squaring the club at impact.
Is the grip the most important thing in golf?
The grip is important because the positioning of our hands on the golf club permits the control of the of the orientation of its face at the moment of impact(open,closed or square on) Also, this permits us to have more fluid movement on our wrists and in consequence, better the strength in moving the club.
Does a grip on a golf club make a difference?
Does golf grip size matter? Yes! Whether the grip is too small or too thick, it can impact your swing, tempo, and overall performance. Don't spend thousands of dollars on new clubs but forget to make sure grips are right for your game.
Do any PGA players use 10 finger grip?
Scott Piercy is one of a handful of players on the PGA Tour with a 10-finger grip. In fact, since Bob Estes went to something else a few years back, Piercy is the only guy that I know of who still uses it. Most players either use an interlock grip or the overlap grip.
Does golf grip affect distance?
For players using a grip that's too large, hand movement is often restricted and can impact swing speed and shot distance. On the other hand, if a player is using a grip that's too small, hand movement is too pronounced which leads to inconsistent shots and difficulty hitting the ball straight.
Do Tour players use midsize grips?
Tony Finau meanwhile opts for 4 wraps under the left and 3 wraps under the right hand of his Lamkin UTX Midsize Full Cord grips....Breakdown of Golf Grips Used by Top 100 PGA Tour Players.GOLF GRIPNO. OF TOP 100 PGA TOUR PLAYERSPING ID8 White 1/2 Cord1 (Lee Westwood – irons)Check eBay18 more rows
What grips does Tiger Woods use?
Many leading professional golfers, such as Tiger Woods use the interlocking grip. Place your hands on the golf club and intertwine your pinky finger on the trailing hand with the index finger on the lead hand. This is a good grip for people with smaller hands.
Is a baseball grip OK for golf?
The 10 finger grip (also known as a “baseball grip”), is considered to be the best grip for beginner golf players. This is an easy grip to use and allows for maximum leverage. The baseball grip got its name as the club is held in a similar way to how baseball players hold their bats.
How does Bryson Dechambeau grip the club?
2:0614:10How To Swing A Golf Club (like me) | Bryson DeChambeau - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWell.MoreWell.
How does Jordan Spieth grip the golf club?
The Jordan Spieth Grip: Hand Position In terms of hand position, Spieth's left hand is in a relatively weak position, or rotated toward the target while his right hand is somewhat strong (rotated away from the target). Spieth's right hand stays under the golf club's grip, thus keeping the clubface square for longer.
Do pros have strong grips?
Yes. Many pros use a strong grip on the PGA Tour. Dustin Johnson, Tiger Woods, Zach Johnson, and Bubba Watson are all known to use a strong grip. Compare this to the time of Jack Nicklaus when a more neutral grip was the predominant grip style on tour.
Do any PGA players use baseball grip?
Pro Golfers That Use Baseball Grip: Bob Estes. Moe Norman. Lance Ten Broek. Tom Gainey.
How does Phil Mickelson grip the club?
Phil Mickelson grip – the claw, that is – finds the right hand grasping the top of the club, his thumb extended down the shaft. With his left hand separated from the right, he cradles the handle lightly between the thumb, index and middle fingers.
Why are neutral grips not good for golf?
However, they aren’t the proper golf grip for every golfer. It is because the hands are not the only body part that directly influences the delivery of clubface and club path at impact.
Why is it important to have a strong grip?
Benefits and Matchups. The biggest and most obvious benefit to having a strong grip is helping you close the clubface. If you struggle with an open face at impact, the reality is that strengthening your grip will help. In many cases (certainly not all), there are better options out there.
What is the advantage of a neutral grip?
The biggest advantage of a neutral grip is the fact that it doesn’t require any added compensation to help control the clubface. Due to its neutral nature, your wrist angles are a direct representation of what the clubface is doing. For example, a perfectly flat wrist will (in theory) leave your clubface square.
What is the best matchup for a weak grip?
The best matchup you can have for a weak grip is a flat or flexed lead wrist. As I mentioned above, flattening the wrist will help close the clubface, which is exactly what a weak grip needs to help neutralize the open position that the grip is giving you.
Which swing was most functional with a strong grip?
Golfer A’s swing was most functional with a strong grip. Golfer B’s swing was most functional with a weak grip. In both cases, neutral was NOT the ideal grip matchup for their specific golf swing. If two golfers can have entirely opposing grips and hit the ball equally well, how can we sit here and say that all golfers “need” to grip ...
What is neutral grip?
Neutral Grip. A neutral position is the most balanced of the three due to the added freedom that comes with it. The hands/wrists are in a “square” position relative to the clubface. As such, there are fewer constraints being placed on your golf swing.
Can you swing with a flat lead wrist?
Simply put, you’re better off with an extended or flat lead wrist when using a strong grip . This could make it the proper golf grip for you.
What is the best grip for golf?
Some folks will tell you that you need a strong grip... Some say a neutral grip is the best way to play... And some will say that a weak grip is the best grip.
How to make sure your thumb is in the correct position?
Here's a secret tip that'll help you make sure your thumb and hand is in the correct position... Draw two lines that connect on your thumb and index finger. When you grip the club, the lines should be close to each other. If not, then you're thumb is likely too far down the shaft and your won't have the control you need.
What is a long thumb?
It's what I call the "long thumb," which is when your thumb sticks way out and doesn't cinch with your index finger. The problem with the "long thumb" is that it makes it tough for you to control the club. Here's a secret tip that'll help you make sure your thumb and hand is in the correct position...
How to get a golf grip?
Step One: Left Hand Position . Setting the left hand in the proper place is the foundation for a golf grip. When you first get your hands on the club, you must make sure that you get your left in the proper position. The golf club must sit in the fingers of your left hand.
Why is it important to have a lighter grip on a golf club?
The lighter golf grip will make it easier to get the club in the correct positions in your golf swing. If you are gripping the club too hard, it makes it much harder to release the club. Releasing happens as you come through the impact position, and you turn the clubface from open to square to eventually closed.
What are the different types of golf grips?
Baseball or Ten Finger Grip. The three types of golf grips are overlap, interlock and ten finger) The tree grips are very similar, except for one key factor. Depending on what type of grip you choose, your index finger on your left hand and your pinky on your right hand will have varying positions. Overlapping Grip: The index finger ...
What happens if you push your thumbs too far?
If you have them outstretched too far or pushed in too much, it will have some significant impacts on your golf club swing plane and potentially on your grip pressure as well.
How many types of grips are there in golf?
Before you can master your perfect golf grip, you must make sure that you choose the type of grip that works best for your body type. There are three main types of grips in golf. The tree grips are very similar, except for one key factor.
What is the connection between golf clubs?
In golf, the only connection a player has with the golf club is the grip. Without the grip, none of us are even playing the game. Having the proper golf grip is essential, and its a part of the game that every player needs to master. In this guide, we have put together the steps to master the golf grip.
What is the position of the right hand on a golf club?
The position the right hand takes on the golf club. When you place the right hand on the golf club, you will need to decide if you will try a ten-finger, overlap, or interlocking grip. You may have to grip the club with all three to see what makes the most sense for your game.
How to grip a golf club with your left hand?
Close your hand around the club.As you grip the club with your left hand, the heel of your palm should rest along the top edge of the handle (but you should still be able to see the tip of the handle). Rotate your hand to the right until you see two knuckles on your left hand when you look down.
What is the best grip for golf?
The overlapping or “vardon” grip is one of the most common in golf. This is when you positioning the pinkie finger of one hand and placing it in the ridge between your other hand’s index and middle finger. This grip’s biggest advantage is beneficial for anyone with particularly large hands.
How many fingers does an interlocking grip have?
The interlocking grip starts with the 10-finger grip; you simply interlock one hand’s pinkie finger with the other hand’s index finger to get your hands closer together. The biggest advantage is that this ‘locks’ your fingers together so both of your hands work together, which can give your golf swing some added power.
How to get a V on a golf club?
Don’t cover the butt of the handle with your palm. Your right hand’s thumb and forefinger should make the shape of a ‘V’ on the handle. Experiment with the three basic grips until you find one that’s comfortable. Stay loose and don’t squeeze the club too tight. When all else fails, go back to the basics.
How to make a straight line on golf club?
Hold your club waist-high in front of you, horizontal to the ground, and square the club face. Always grab the club with your left hand first. Stretch out the fingers of your left hand; align the club handle with your left palm so it makes a straight line diagonally across your fingers.
How to play golf with your left hand?
Place your left hand on the club, then place your right hand on the club so your right hand is overlapping the ring and middle fingers of your left hand. After you place your right hand on the club, make sure your right thumb and index finger creates a “V” so it lines up with the middle of your torso.
What are the different types of golf grips?
Types of Golf Grips. There are three basic types of golf grips: the overlapping, interlocking and 10-finger grips. Of course, there’s no one-size-fits-all grip when learning how to hold a golf club, but it helps to know the differences.
What happens when you over grip a golf club?
Over gripping ironically also leads to energy loss and reduced clubhead speed. Instead of allowing the motion of your core to drive the swing, strain in the hands and wrist decrease some of that power. Other symptoms could be fades or slices. This happens when the club over rotates, crossing the square plane too soon.
Why is my golf grip so small?
With the focus being on feel, you might find your grip being too small if your hands, wrist, and/or forearms are experiencing tightness through the swing or you notice your fingers digging into your palms. Your hands should be relaxed and holding the club lightly, just enough so that the club doesn't slip away from you.
What does it mean to dial into the right grip size?
Dialing into the right grip size means the energy transfer from your swing to the ball is at its highest efficiency. This means nothing gets wasted. And that's how you can achieve maximum ball speed, and perhaps more importantly, lossless energy transfer. Traditionally, players would use glove size to determine grip size.
How does tackiness affect grip?
Generally the tackier the grip the less force you'll need to hold onto the club. With all things considered, it makes sense that grip feel is much more important that actual grip size.
What is the standard grip size?
Standard is usually defined as the diameter of the grip (at the butt end) being around 1". This isn't a hard and fast rule. But most grip manufacturers generally follow this sizing for Standard grips. All other grip sizes are created relative to Standard. Midsize +1/16" over Standard. Oversize/Jumbo +1/8" over Standard.
How to improve your golf shot?
Changing your shaft or head is a big undertaking, and definitely requires a professional's consult. Changing your grip to the right size and model however is one of the easiest and most effective things you can do to improve your shot. The grip is also the only part of the club that you’re touching.
What factors affect golf shafts?
There are so many factors of the shaft that can help or hurt your shots (flex, shaft weight, frequency, torque, launch, tip stiffness, to name a few). Quick side note - we always recommend working with a professional club fitter when selecting your golf shafts.
What happens if you don't hold your golf club?
The golf swing is a forceful movement: If you don't have a good hold on the club, it could go flying out of your hands. But a key in gripping the club is holding it just firm enough. The famous golf instructor Jim Flick once wrote: "Quiet hands respond on their own to the weight of the clubhead. Tight hands have to be told what to do.".
What is the best grip pressure for golf?
A lighter grip pressure enhances wrist hinge — a vital power source in the swing. This light pressure also increases the amount of clubface rotation, thus improving your chance of squaring the club at impact. "On a scale of one to 10, where one is light and 10 is tight, I recommend a pressure of four or five.
How to keep your grip pressure from sliding?
Reduce your grip pressure to just enough to keep it from sliding through your hands.". In addition to the baby-bird analogy, the other best-known way of visualizing the correct grip pressure is the toothpaste analogy. Hold the golf club with the pressure it takes to hold a tube of toothpaste firmly but without squeezing out any toothpaste .
How to hold a golf club with toothpaste?
Hold the golf club with the pressure it takes to hold a tube of toothpaste firmly but without squeezing out any toothpaste . So when it comes to grip pressure, remember: A four or five on a scale of 1-10. Or think, "Don't crush the bird" or "don't squeeze out any toothpaste.".
Who said "Hold the club as if you had a baby bird in your hand"?
Lamanna reminds readers of Sam Snead 's famous quote about grip pressure: "Hold the club as if you had a little baby bird in your hand," Snead said . To keep a bird in your hands, you have to grasp it well enough that it doesn't fly away.
How does a golf grip go wrong?
So how does a grip go wrong? “The most common fault of a golfer with a bad grip is his inability to get a complete release and a full extension at the golf ball at the time of impact ,” he says. Typically, Nicklaus argues, golfers fall in one of two camps.
What does grip do in golf?
It can either free up the remainder of your swing to help you maximize power and clean up your impact position, or it can limit the remainder of your swing, making it harder for you to return to a neutral position at impact.
What does Jack Nicklaus say about grip?
But in this week’s Flashback Jack, Nicklaus explains how your grip is holding your game back (and what you can do to fix it). “A good grip allows everything in the swing to happen naturally,” Nicklaus says. Driving. Jack Nicklaus reveals the ‘most important’ golf swing fundamental.
Is Nicklaus' grip strong?
Either their grips are too strong (what Nicklaus calls a “motorcycle grip”), or they’ re not strong enough (what he calls a “weak grip”). The result is a golf swing that simply can’t work. “ (The golfer) feels very strong in this position, but in fact, it’s a very weak position,” he says. ADVERTISEMENT.
Why is Rory's grip so interesting?
Rowles: Rory's grip is so interesting because of the combination of strong-weak. It's as if he's twisting his hands toward each other. That makes his lead hand strong and his trail hand weak. His strong left hand matches up to his really fast hips. His right hand is slightly weaker, which suits him.
Why are strong grip players good pitchers?
Strong grip players tend to be great pitchers of the ball, because it matches an in-to-out path where you almost draw the ball. He knows that's how he has to make his money. He and his coach have built a system around that grip, and he's gotten an unbelievable amount out of his career.
How to tell if DeFrancesco grip is strong?
DeFrancesco: An extraordinarily strong grip. You can tell by looking at the extension or cupping of the left wrist past impact with the face released to toe up. If the grip were no so strong, the face would be wide open.
What is Rahm's weak grip?
DeFrancesco: Extremely weak grip with lots of wrist flexion, or bowing, at the top. Rahm maintains this wrist position into impact—seemingly a simple technique, something you're seeing more of these days from players like Spieth, Koepka, DJ and Collin Morikawa.
Who was the guy with the weak right hand?
A stroll back through history reveals Arnold Palmer ("The Grip," Rowles calls him) with his weak right hand turned toward from the target, Johnny Miller with both of his hands set weak and Lee Trevino and David Duval (below), who both believed you couldn't grip it strong enough, or turned away from the target.
Is Henrik like Rory?
Rowles: Henrik is very similar to Rory, actually, with the hands twisted toward each other. It's a grip Pete Cowen favors. And like Rory, those are two guys who are amazing ball-strikers.
How to tell if your golf grip is weak?
Look down at your hands as you hold your golf club. If you can’t see any of the knuckles on your lead hand, your grip is weak.
How to grip a golf club with your hands?
Here’s how it works: Grip the top of the handle with the fingers of your lead hand. Place your trail hand around the handle just below your lead hand. Cover your top thumb with your bottom hand. Make sure you’re gripping the club with the fingers of both your top and bottom hands, not with the palms.
How to grip your golf swing?
Overlap the pinky of your bottom hand over the index finger of your top hand. Let it rest between the index finger and middle finger. If you already have a lot of strength in your swing, we recommend this golf grip. The overlapping little finger keeps you mindful of where your hands are in relation to one another.
How to overlap grip on golf club?
To create an overlap grip: Grip the top of the handle with the fingers of your lead hand. Place your trail hand around the handle just below your lead hand. Cover your top thumb with your bottom hand. Make sure you’re gripping the club with the fingers of both your top and bottom hands, not the palms.
What is a ten finger grip?
If all ten fingers are against the handle of your golf club, you have a ten finger grip. This is also known as the baseball grip. If you were to lift the club off the ground, you would see that you’re holding it the same way you’d hold a baseball bat. Here’s how to achieve a proper ten finger grip.
What is the best grip for golf?
Your golf grip impacts the orientation of the club face. And as you may be aware, face control is vital for a successful golf swing. Now, a neutral grip is the best grip for easy, no-fuss face control. But if that grip is not the most natural grip for you, don’t worry.
What is overlap grip?
The overlap golf grip is especially popular among men and strong golfers. You may see some Tour professionals using other grips, but generally, those who want to play at the highest level opt for the overlap grip.