Your hands are the only connection between your body and the golf club, making the grip one of the most fundamental aspects of your golf swing. Having the proper grip and grip pressure are the first step to achieving a perfect golf swing. If you struggle with your golf game, going back to the fundamentals of the grip may help you improve your scores and become a better player.
Grip Fundamentals
Setting up a standard grip takes a few simple steps. Start by holding the club with your right hand where the grip meets the shaft -- switch the steps if you're left-handed. Place your left hand under the grip in between your first set of knuckles on your fingers and the palm of your hand. The tip of the grip should be just poking out past the edge of your palm. Wrap your fingers around the shaft. Lift the index finger of your left hand and interlock it with the pinkie finger of your right hand. Close both hands so that your thumbs are aligned with the grip of the club.
Grip Pressure
Achieving the correct grip pressure is essential for making sure you have enough wrist action to properly hit the ball, but also ensuring the club stays in your hands. According to T.J. Tomassi, a "Golf Magazine" Top 100 teacher, on a scale from 1 to 10, your grip should be about a 5, meaning you should aim for a medium grip on your shots. Another way to look at it is by imagining you are holding a live bird in your hands. You don't want to grip the bird so tight that you squeeze the life out of it, but hold it tight enough that it can't get away.
Putting Grip
According to professional golf instructor Dave Pelz, you should adjust your grip when you're putting. Using the power grip you use on drives and iron shots won't translate well to the green. Adjust your grip by moving the end of the club more towards the center of your palm than in your fingers. Cock your wrists slightly forward to create more of a connection between your hands and arms that will help you maintain a solid stroke through impact.
Golf Glove
If you want to achieve the best grip possible, it's important to purchase and use a golf glove. The material on the outside of the glove helps ensure you have the proper grip on the club during your swing. To help you get the proper fit, try different sizes of golf gloves before you purchase. The glove should fit tightly across the palm of your hand when it's open, and tightly around the knuckles and back of your hand when your hand is closed.
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