"Golf Grip"

A proper grip will reduce your tendency to slice. A good grip will keep the clubhead square at impact and keep the shaft from turning in your hands. Pictured is the popular overlap grip, also known as the Vardon grip.

Try for a relaxed and comfortable feel. A tight grip will hinder your rhythm and release. The V.s formed by the index finger and thumbs on both hands point between the chin and right shoulder.

Turning hands counterclockwise on the shaft (weak grip), promotes a left-to-right flight of the ball (slice). Turning hands clockwise (strong grip) promotes a right-to-left flight of the ball (hook).

Purpose

To develop a simple, comfortable and effective grip. Your grip is the foundation of your golf swing. Make sure your grip is comfortable. It is important to develop a neutral grip that requires no compensations during the swing. The orthodox position with the V.s of both hands (formed by the forefinger and the thumb) pointing between the chin and right shoulder is a good place to start. Very few good players have grips with the V.s pointing very far from this position. If you want a little stronger grip move the left hand over to the right a little.

To learn how variations of the grip affect ball flight. Experiment with slight variations of your grip. Observe how the changes affect the flight of the ball. A weak grip encourages a slice or fade. A strong grip encourages a hook or a draw. The V.s formed by the index finger and thumbs on both hands should point between the chin and right shoulder.

To develop the best possible grip for you. Every golfer swings and grips the club differently. Over 90 percent of golfers use the Vardon or overlapping grip. Players with smaller hands sometimes find the interlocking grip, with the little finger of the right hand interlocked with the index finger of the left hand, works best for them. Players with smaller should use a baseball type grip.

Do and Don'ts

Don't grip the club too tightly. A tight grip inhibits a smooth swing and follow-though. Also, keep the grips on your clubs in good condition. Worn grips force you to hold the club too tightly. Replace the grips on your clubs as they get worn and smooth. When first learning the grip, keep a club around the house and practice gripping and regripping the club a few minutes each day. Remember to keep fingers secure and arms relaxed.

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