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Grip Basics

The placement of your hands on the grip is your only link to the club. If that link is broken, so is your swing.

Published: December 01, 2006

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This story is for you if...
• Your shot pattern is wildly inconsistent.
• You release the club too early or not at all.
• You don't grip the club the same way every time.

Why your grip is important
Wherever your hands turn or point, so too will the clubface. That's why it's critical for your hand positions on the club to be consistent from swing to swing.

Why it works
1. Assume your golf posture with your knees flexed and a club against your right thigh. let your arms hang freely. 2. Slide your left hand over and grab hold. Notice how your natural arm hang encourages a strong left-hand grip.

Taking your grip while standing in your golf posture allows you to sync your grip to your natural arm hang. Now, all you have to do is maintain a 5 on a 1-10 pressure scale. This grip pressure allows your hands and forearms to use the momentum of your swing to square the clubface at impact.

Drill Instructor: Another way that works

1. Get into your normal address position, then take your right hand off your club and let it dangle while you keep your left hand in place. 2. Slip your club into your open right hand (an odd angle, but it works). Both hands are now perfect. Return the club to the ball and make your swing.