Choose the Right Grip

Which grip is best for your game?

Mark Oswald
General Manager
The Highlands at Dove Mountain in Marana, AZ.
Marana, AZ
oswaldpga@gmail.com

More Information

Which grip is best for your game? There are three basic grip variations for the golf swing, the strong, weak or neutral grip.  Each of these grip positions have a purpose and directly influence the ball flight.
 The strong grip is for the Slicer. The slicer is hitting the ball with the clubface open at impact. The strong grip promotes more hand turn thus closing or squaring the clubface before impact. This grip is taken with the left hand (for the right handed golfer), in a position where you can see three to four knuckles at address. Look at the “V” lines on your hands. These lines are formed between the index finger and thumb.  These “V” lines on both hands should be pointing towards your right shoulder. If you are still hitting the ball to the right, adjust the “V” lines even more right and you should see four knuckles on the left hand.
 The weak grip if for the Hooker. The hooker is hitting the ball with the clubface closed or pointing left at impact. This golfer needs less hand rotation during the swing. Look at the left hand position, you only want to see one to two knuckles and have the “V” lines pointing more to the right side of your face or even chin if the ball is still going left.
 The neutral position is down the middle. For the neutral or starting position, you should see two knuckles on the left hand and have the “V” lines pointing just between your right cheek and right shoulder. I refer to this as the starting grip because from here you will make your grip adjustments to a stronger or weaker position to control you ball flight.
 The grip is directly affecting the curve in the ball flight. If you are slicing the ball move both hands to the right, strengthening the grip. If you are hooking the ball move both hands more to the left.
 Your grip position and pressure are equally important. If you have been changing your grip position and not seeing any ball flight changes you need to adjust your grip pressure. If the ball is slicing lighten the left hand pressure at address and make sure you do not readjust it during the swing. The lighter left hand pressure will assist the club in turning more and squaring up before impact. If you are hooking the ball apply slightly more pressure in the left hand, which will reduce the amount of rotation during the swing.
 Remember grip pressure and grip position directly affects ball flight. Change your grip and pressure before tearing your swing apart.
Mark Oswald is a PGA Professional and General Manager at the Oro Valley Country Club in Oro Valley, Arizona. For more information, contact Mark via email moswald@orovalleycountryclub.com or visit www.acceleratedgolfacademy.com.