Focus on Your Grip

Focusing on your grip is essential to improving your golf game. The grip controls the club, and a proper grip leads to better control, consistency, and power. Here’s how to focus on your grip to improve your swing:

1. Grip Pressure

• Relaxed but Firm: Your grip pressure should be firm enough to hold onto the club but relaxed enough to allow for fluid wrist action. Too tight a grip can lead to tension, which negatively affects your swing. Aim for a pressure level similar to holding a tube of toothpaste without squeezing it.

2. Grip Type

There are three common grip types:

• Overlapping Grip (Vardon Grip): Most common among professionals. The pinky finger of your trailing hand overlaps with the index finger of your lead hand. This grip offers control and stability, especially for those with larger hands.
• Interlocking Grip: The pinky of your trailing hand locks with the index finger of your lead hand. This grip is often preferred by players with smaller hands, as it helps with better hand coordination.
• Ten-Finger Grip (Baseball Grip): All fingers are placed on the grip, with no overlapping or interlocking. This is the most natural for beginners or players with smaller hands and offers greater grip strength.

3. Hand Placement

• Lead Hand (Left hand for right-handed golfers): Place the club in the fingers, not the palm. The “V” created by your thumb and index finger should point toward your back shoulder (right shoulder for right-handed players).
• Trailing Hand (Right hand for right-handed golfers): Position the right hand so that the palm is facing toward the target. Your right hand should sit on top of the left hand, wrapping around the grip. The thumb of the right hand should fit comfortably next to or slightly overlapping the left thumb.

4. Align Your Hands Correctly

• The hands should be aligned in such a way that they feel comfortable while maintaining control. Both hands should be aligned along the grip, with no twisting or awkward angles. When properly gripped, your hands should feel as if they’re naturally part of the club.

5. Check Your “V’s”

• Both hands form “V” shapes between your thumb and index finger. Ensure the "V" from your lead hand points toward your right shoulder (for right-handed golfers) and the "V" from your trailing hand points toward your chin or right shoulder. These alignments help maintain consistency in your swing path and control.

6. Thumb Position

• Your lead thumb (left thumb for right-handed players) should rest along the top of the grip, with the pad facing directly toward the target. This helps stabilize the club throughout the swing. Your trailing thumb should rest comfortably alongside the lead thumb or slightly to the side of the grip.

7. Grip Adjustment

• Experiment with slight adjustments to your grip to find the most comfortable and effective position. Sometimes, small tweaks, such as rotating your hands slightly or changing pressure, can lead to better consistency.

8. Consistent Grip

• Always return to the same grip for every shot. Even small variations in how you grip the club can cause inconsistencies in ball flight and accuracy. Developing muscle memory for the correct grip is key to improving your game.

9. Grip Size

• Ensure your grip size matches your hand size. Too large or too small of a grip can cause issues with control. Visit a club fitter to make sure your grip is correctly sized for your hands. A proper fit will help you maintain better control and comfort during your swing.

10. Practice Your Grip

• Regularly practice your grip, especially before rounds or during practice sessions. Getting the right feel in your hands will help you develop a consistent and effective swing.

A proper grip will give you better control over your shots and help you hit straighter, more powerful shots. By paying attention to these grip fundamentals, you’ll improve consistency and performance on the course.