Disregard the grip at your
peril, for it would be foolish to build a swing with anything other than
a perfect one.
As the Grip or hold is the only connection we have to
a golf club it stands to reason that it is this that has the majority
control over which way the clubface points during a golf swing. An incorrect
grip will cause, tension, loss of power, little control over direction
and encourage many compensating negative movements during the swing.
From that I hope you can all see the importance of the
‘Perfect Grip’.
Upon taking a lesson with your local credible PGA Professional
notice that they will always insist upon a perfect grip, I know that in
11 years of my teaching experience all my clients have a lesson with nothing
other than one correct grip. Unfortunately I have also found that the
grip is about the hardest thing to change therefore it would be wrong
to suggest immediate positive results. Be prepared for it feeling uncomfortable
for a while but then massive rewards in the long run!
I expect all my
personal clients to be reading this section before any other on the site
so I ask you all therefore to read it 20 times and make the following
steps second nature.
THE LEFT HAND
Step
1 - Hold the butt of the grip with the thumb and index finger
of the right hand.
When I refer to ‘the top of the grip’ imagine this as
being a line straight down the grip usually illustrated by a word
– (see golf pride on photo).
Step 2 - Point
the fingers of the left hand straight to the ground with the back
of the palm facing the target.
Step 3 - Position
the club across the middle joint of the index finger and below the
fleshy callus at the top of the hand.
Step 4 -
Close the hand onto the grip so that:
- the left thumb is positioned just to the right of the top of the
grip
- it is in a short or retracted position
- 2-2½ knuckles are visible from above. (see photo
right)
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Notes: Do not make the
most common mistake of resting the club in between the 2 fleshy pads of
the hand, remember it is the fleshy pad in line with little finger that
rests on the tip of the grip not the thumbs fleshy pad.
A secure left hand grip, means that the little finger
of this hand is fully wrapped around the grip and securely holding.
THE RIGHT HAND – USING A VARDON
GRIP
Step
1 - Place the right hand below the left. Position the underneath
of the grip along the middle joints of the middle two fingers.
Note: If in the correct position fingers will be visible both sides
of the grip. (see photo right)
Step 2 - Rest
the little finger of your right hand piggy back between the index
finger and next finger of the left hand.
Step 3 - Rotate
the right hand over the top of the grip so that the left thumb fits
snuggly between the fleshy pads of the right hand
Step 4 -
The ‘V’ made between the thumb and index finger will
be either side of the top of the grip. |
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Notes:
3 Total Grip Check Points:
- 2-2½ knuckles on left hand are visible
- left thumb is completely hidden
- ‘V’ formed between thumb and index finger on right hand
is either side of the top of grip (usually illustrated by a word on the
grip).
Grip pressure is primarily in the last 3 fingers
of the left hand and middle 2 on right hand. Also feel the left thumb
absorbing a little pressure from the right hand.
GRIP CONNECTION VARIATIONS
(i)
Baseball Grip
As you can see from the picture there is no connection with hands
however they are placed as close together as possible. Not a recommended
grip however for smaller fingers i.e.: Junior, Ladies this grip
will offer more strength.
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(ii)
Interlocking Grip
A picture says a thousand works. Study this
and notice that the connection is made by inserting the little finger
of the right hand between the index finger and next finger of one
left hand. A secure hold reducing a little power from the usually
dominant right hand.
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(iii)
The Vardon Grip
As you can see from the picture opposite the little finger of the
right hand rests piggy back between the index and next finger on
the left hand. This grip reduces even more power from the usually
dominant right hand. The most commonly used grip amongst professionals.
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| Pro's grip tips
- Never make a swing without
the perfect grip.
- Initially the new grip
will feel awkward but persevere for incredible benefits.
- Once you have become
comfortable with the perfect grip, never adjust it.
- Pretend to throw a ball,
notice the position of the ball in your right hand, it’s
in the fingers. We all throw from the same place therefore bare
this in mind when assuming the correct finger hold on the right
hand.
- Read this section 20
times again!
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Posture >>
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