01. Perfect Grip

The way you hold the club has a great influence on the aim of the club face at impact. Where possible a good grip will help you hit more consistent shots.

1.1. Left hand

The grip should rest in your fingers from the middle pad of your index finger to the base crease of your little finger, not running through your palm. Your thumb should be down the top of the grip, just right of centre, the ‘V’ shape made by your thumb and index finger will point in between your right shoulder and your right ear. 2 knuckles will be visible on your left hand. Leave approx I cm from the top of the grip showing. When your hand is in the correct position, feel that you hold firmer in your little finger and ring finger.

1.2. Right hand

Key to this hand is to see 2 knuckles visible. Start with your hand flat with your palm facing the target, point your fingers directly down to the floor below the grip. Similar resting position of the grip in regard of your fingers. The fleshy pad of your thumb sits on top of your left thumb so it can not be seen, keep pressure onto your left thumb during the swing. Similar to your left hand the ‘V’ shape made by your thumb and index finger will point in between your right shoulder and your right ear. The end of your thumb and the end of your index finger knuckle should be the same length down the grip.

1.3. Grip pressure

Grip pressure should be 6/10. This pressure should be maintained throughout the swing. Too tight will cause thin or block shots as a result of not been able to rotate and release your hands and forearms. Too loose will cause all kinds of erratic shots due to lack of control.

1.4. Three types of grip.

1. Overlap- right little finger rests in the groove between your left index and middle finger.
2. Baseball- where your fingers are all in a line underneath the grip.
3. Interlock- left index finger and right little finger interlock.

I prefer the baseball grip for most beginners as all your fingers are touching the grip but as long as the above positions are correct I don’t mind.

There should be no gaps in your fingers and the grip.

1.5.

Most golfers want to have a stronger right hand position as this feels more powerful, but unfortunately this will cause a closing (aim left) of the club face at impact, which will more than likely lead on to more errors to compensate.

1.6. Key quick check points

• V shapes point in between your shoulder and ear?
• Is your left thumb hidden?
• 2 knuckles both hands?
• 6/10 pressure?
• Club in your fingers not your palms?