Tip From the Archives

Strong Versus Weak Grip

Problem

You find yourself asking what is a neutral grip? How can I take a strong or a weak golf grip?

Cure

For most players, a neutral grip will be when the V shape formed by your thumbs and forefingers should be pointing up along your trailing arm towards your trailing shoulder. If you rotate your hands in either direction it will strengthen or weaken your grip. This will require them to make adjustments during their swing to compensate for it. Many players can correct their slight hook or slice by taking a neutral grip. This will stop or the cascade of problems during their swing that causes their inaccuracy.

Therapy

Some players can benefit by a stronger grip. This will help move your hands ahead of the clubhead at impact and shut the clubface at the same time, giving you a nice draw and extra yardage because of the reduced loft. If you want to try a stronger grip all you need to do is rotate your hands around the grip so that the V shape of your hands are pointing past your trailing shoulder. This will cause your trailing hand to be more underneath the grip of the club. Strengthen your grip to help reduce your fade or slice. Try weakening your grip if you are hooking the ball. You might want to consider weakening your grip if you have a hard time hitting the ball straight by rotating your hands around the grip towards the target. This is because it makes it harder to get your hands ahead of the ball and keeps the clubhead moving square through the target zone longer. Although you will gain accuracy from weakening your grip, it will also cause you to sacrifice distance.

  • Currently 4.71/5
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17 votes

 
Trent | 3 years ago, at the start of December

I recently changed my grip and it changed the way I play. It took me a few month to make the change and trust it but I am glad it did because I went from a slice to a slight draw because I am finally releasing the club.



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