A hook, a slice and the straight shot can all be caused or fixed by correctly gripping the club. In fact, 70 percent of the club face at impact is controlled by the left hand alone (right handed golfers). To start off, lets show you what a neutral grip looks like:
NEUTRAL GRIP
- A neutral grip will have two V’s created by the forefinger and the thumb of each hand that should point to the right shoulder. (right handed golfers)
- You will also be able to see one or two knuckles of the left hand.
- If you grip it in the palm of your hands, this look will not be achievable.
If you have problems slicing the ball, then a neutral grip might not be the right grip for you. Most people who slice the ball make impact with an open face, so slicers need a strong grip to help them release or close down the club face at impact. Here are the details of a strong and a slicer grip:
STONG GRIP
- A strong grip will have two V’s created by the forefinger and the thumb of each hand that should point to the right of the right shoulder. (Right handed golfers)
- You will also be able to see three or more knuckles of the left hand.
- SLICE FIX- this grip will help you close down that club face to help decrease the slice effect.
SLICER GRIP
- A slicer grip will have two V’s created by the forefinger and the thumb. The left hand V usually is pointed
to the left of the body.
- You will also be able to see no knuckles of the left hand.
- Slicers tend to grip it in their palms as well
- This grip will slow the releasing of hand and will lead to a slice and shorter hits!
DISTANCE GRIP FIX
When it comes to distance the grip also plays a major role. If you grip it in your palms, you tend to grip it firmer which encourages slower swing speed and more off center hits. However, if you learn to grip it in your fingertips, you will have more freedom for your wrists to move correctly. You can hold it with less effort and this all translates to straighter shots and increased distance!
FINGERTIP GRIP
- Imagine you’re hanging from a ledge and you are just holding on by your fingertips, this is the easiest way to describe how to grip it from your fingertips!
- If you hold it too deep in your palm, you will not be able to create the neutral or a strong grip.
- If your grip looks like you are holding a baseball bat, then you’re again griping it too deep into your palms.
Changing your grip can take time and feel uncomfortable. If you stick with it and really concentrate on changing your grip, in the end, your distance, ball striking, and control will all improve.
By Jared Danford, PGA