You must find a fundamentally sound grip that works for you to maintain a successful golf swing. Renowned golf guru Hank Haney discusses the importance of a sound grip in an article on Hankhaney.com when he states, "The most important fundamental in golf is the most basic fundamental and that is the grip." You can manipulate your grip to make up for swing faults as well as to shape shots as necessary on the course. You can vary your grip by the placement of your fingers on your club as well as the angle at which you hold your club.
Neutral Grip
You can use the neutral grip if you are a beginning golfer or if your ball flight tends to be straight as opposed to right to left or left to right. Begin by leaning forward and letting your arms hang. If you are right-handed, place the golf club across the pad of your left hand and close your hand with your thumb going straight down the grip. Bring your right hand around the club directly below your left hand. Your right thumb and forefinger should form a V around the front of the club's grip. Lastly, you may choose to rest your right pinkie on the crevice between your left index and middle fingers, known as the overlap grip. The overlap grip is the most widely used grip in golf. You also may choose to interlock your right pinkie and left index finger, known as the interlock grip. This grip us useful for people with small hands or weak forearms as well as novice players.
Strong Grip
For right-handed players a strong grip will encourage a right-to-left ball flight. You can use this grip to combat a slice or to draw your ball around an obstacle. Lay the club grip across your left hand the same as the neutral grip then rotate the club counterclockwise a few degrees. Place your right hand on the grip. The club face should be pointing slightly left or "closed."
Weak Grip
For right-handed players, a weak grip will encourage left to right ball flight. You can use this grip to combat your tendency to hook the ball or to fade your shot around an obstacle. Lay the club grip across your left hand the same as the neutral grip, then rotate the club clockwise a few degrees. Place your right hand on the grip. The club face should be facing slightly to the right, or "open."
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