If you're a right-handed golfer using a standard Vardon or overlapping grip, how you hold the club in your left hand will affect how well you play. The left hand has the most control of the club because it's the only one that has complete contact with the club's grip--the right hand has some influence, but comparatively, it's just along for the ride. Master your left-hand grip, and you'll be able to hit the ball consistently with a club face that is square to your target.
Step 1
Ground the club. In his book "Power Golf," Ben Hogan said it made sense to him to put the club head on the ground at the ball, square to the target, before setting the left-hand grip.
Step 2
Set the club diagonally across your left palm. Hogan said the grip's end should rest against the pad at the base of the hand, and line up across the palm to the index finger.
Step 3
Shorten the thumb. Hogan said he had more control when he "shortened" his left thumb about 1/2 inch. Master instructor Butch Harmon agrees, saying the shorter thumb helps you release the club on the downswing for more club head speed.
Step 4
Grip it neutral. A weak grip is where the left hand is more to the left, and you see one knuckle when you look down as you take your stance. A strong grip puts the left hand more to the right on the club, showing three or more knuckles. Use a neutral grip to start, showing two knuckles. The V formed by your thumb and index finger should point at your right shoulder. You can later adjust to a strong grip if you slice the ball left-to-right, or weaken the grip if you hit hooks.
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