GOLF TIP: The Golf Grip
By Mark Hogan, PGA
Head Pro Treetops North
The golf grip in my opinion is the single most important part of the golf swing. Since it's the only part of your body that touches the golf club, a proper grip will typically determine where your shot starts and ends up.
As a PGA member for over 35 years, I understand that a grip change can be one of the most painful adjustments that golf has to offer. But, once you see and experience the results of a proper grip, any golfer will soon begin to reap the benefits of lower scores.
I've always been a show and tell type of teacher so visuals and props to me, are the easiest way to trigger that light bulb in the students minds a week or two down the road after the golf lesson is finished and they are on their own wondering “What did he say”! When students come to me and say that they're having issues with either hooking or slicing the ball the first thing I check is their grip. If I see that their grip is not in the correct position, I usually go through a few standard corrections which involves showing them instead of telling them.
When our arms hang at our sides, our hands are in the neutral or natural position facing our thighs. Once the student shows me that, I tell them that that is the way they need to be on the golf club. (Photo 1)
Another way to describe correct grip position, is if a person is praying, they simply slide their right hand towards the ground keeping the back of their right hand perfectly pointing to the right and the back of their left hand perfectly pointing to the left. (Photos 2 and 3)
My favorite way to show a student if their grip is correct or not, is to show them the V created by our pointer finger and our thumb. Once you place a golf tee in that crease, it should hold up and support a golf ball in both the right and left hands. (Photo 4)
The student can quickly determine if their grip is in the correct position. The student can then make their own appropriate corrections and once they hit a few good shots, meaning they're going straight, they will start to believe in the transformation and be able to work on that change on their own.
Always remember to consult your local PGA professional for the best advice, tips and golf lessons.
