Understanding the proper way to grip a golf club is an important aspect of playing well during your golf round. However, the pressure or manner in which you grip a club will differ according to the type of shot you are playing and the club you are holding. Practicing each shot with the appropriate golf grip pressure can help you lower scores this golf season.
Full Swing
When completing a full swing, gripping the club with the appropriate pressure can insure accuracy and distance control. According to Jim Irvin, director of instruction at Belfair Country Club in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, the proper grip pressure will prevent your clubhead from turning during the backswing and follow-through, which would otherwise cause the golf ball to fly off-target. Holding the grip diagonally through the bottom of your fingers in each hand and not in your palms will prevent you from squeezing the club too tightly during a full swing.
Putting
Grip pressure when hitting a putt can differ from one person to the next. It can also be significantly lighter than the grip you would have for a full golf swing with a wood or iron. According to licensed PGA teaching professional Geoff Mangum, you should grip the putter lightly when making a stroke in an effort to prevent your hands from moving the putter head off-line. Instead, use your shoulders to make the swinging motion of a putt while gripping the club just enough to maintain control throughout the stroke.
Chipping And Pitching
The manner in which you grip the club when executing a pitch or chip shot is very similar to how you would hold the club when completing a full golf swing. However, as with stroking a putt on the green, chipping the ball is done more by using your shoulders as opposed to using your wrists and hands. Therefore, you would be best served to have a lighter grip when chipping the ball. Since a pitch shot covers more distance than a chip, this grip pressure should be the same as your full-swing grip.
Considerations
Practicing your golf swing with differing grip pressures is the best way to improve your overall game and to find a grip pressure that is comfortable to you. While golf experts suggest one grip pressure over another, every player is different and you may benefit from a lighter or harder grip in comparison to another golfer.
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