Golf is a game of precision, and all golfers want to perform at their best, regardless of ability. Using tight grips is very detrimental to the golf swing, as the proper hand and forearm rotation is impossible to achieve with restriction and tension hampering the movements. Golfers should strive for lose, yet stable, grip pressure.
Grip Basics
There are three main grips used by experienced golfers: the overlap grip, the interlock grip and the baseball grip. Each grip has its advantages and disadvantages. The baseball grip provides the most sheer distance but the least control, whereas the interlock is designed for maximum control and accuracy. The overlap grip -- in which the right-handed golfer lays the forefinger of the left hand over the notch of the ring finger and pinkie finger of the right hand -- is a grip that balances both distance and control.
Grip Pressure
A tight grip, whether it is with the baseball, interlock or overlap grip, is very bad for the golf swing. Tightness and tension in the forearms and hands restricts the golf swing. Solid golf shots are produced by the entire body working together, and the hands and arms releasing properly through the golf ball. Any type of tightness restricts these motions and makes solid contact very difficult to achieve on a consistent basis.
Sources of Power
Tight grips are typically caused by poor fundamentals, lack of understanding, or plain tension in the hands and forearms. Without a proper golf grip, with both Vs formed by the index finger and thumb pointed toward the armpit, golfers will feel out of place and impact will feel awkward. This causes the hands to tighten and the grip pressure to intensify. Common errors produced by tight grip pressure include shanking, topping and skulled golf shots.
Common Remedy
Golfers must visualize the proper grip pressure to rid themselves of the problems caused by using a tight grip. One common visualization method used by low handicappers and better players is to envision holding the golf club as you would a bird or young child. You need to grip the club tightly enough to control it during the swing, but not so tightly that you choke the life out of it and prevent yourself from hitting solid golf shots.
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