Get a “grip” on your game

Why is the grip so important? The grip is your only physical contact with the club. You need to know what the grip end of the club is doing during your swing.

So often golfers hold the club incorrectly because it feels comfortable in their hands. However, comfortable isn’t always correct.

How to place your hands on the grip?

•  Position the grip so that it sits diagonally across your fingers; see 2 to 3 knuckles of your target hand. Add your dominant hand so that it forms a “V” with your thumb and index finger.

There are three main golf grips that are taught depending on the size of your hands:

• Vardon (overlapping) grip – the pinky finger of your trail hand fits over the index finger of you target hand. This is a good grip for golfers with larger hands.
• Interlocking grip – with this grip you simply “interlock” your pinky finger of your trail hand and your index finger of your target hand. This is a good grip for golfers with smaller hands.
• Ten finger (Baseball grip) - all eight fingers are under the grip with your two thumbs on top forming a “V”. This is a good grip for golfers with arthritis.

With all the above grips, the target thumb fits inside the lifeline of your dominant hand. The “pad” of your target hand needs to be on the top of the grip. This helps control the hinging of your wrist during your swing.

A good practice idea is to mark your glove with a “V” at index finger and thumb. Where that “V” is pointing in important.

• Strong Grip – turn both hands away from the target so the “V” is toward your trail side. This tends to close the clubface which promotes a draw or hook.
• Weak Grip – turn both hands toward the target, causing the thumbs to be more centered on the grip. This tends to open your clubface, which promotes a fade or slice.
• Grip pressure – Think of holding a tube of toothpaste and you don’t want to squeeze the paste out. Another thought could be that you are holding a bird just tight enough that it doesn’t fly away.

Tension in your grip kills tempo and feel. Squeeze too tight and your wrist lock-up. Gently “hold” the club.

A great practice is to put a molded grip on an old club and practice your swing with the proper grip. (See picture)

Do like Scottie Scheffler and check your grip before you go through your pre-shot routine. Remember your grip is your only physical contact with the club.

Dr. Jean Harris is an LPGA Master Professional and teaches at local golf courses. jean.golfdoctor.harris@gmail.com; golfdoctorjean.com