2. Control shots with your grip
Before ...
Tiger, like Jack Nicklaus before him, has always used the interlocking grip (the pinkie finger of the right hand wedged between the index and middle fingers of the left hand). What he's changed is the strength of his grip. (A "strong" grip is one where the V's formed by your thumb and forefinger point right of center; in a "weak" grip, those V's point left of center.) As you can see in this 1996 photo [inset], his grip was stronger — both hands turned more toward the right from his point of view. With a strong grip, Tiger had a tendency to close the face at the top and he had to compensate for that in his downswing.
Now...
Tiger's matched his hands better and made his
grip neutral, as you can see in the main image, so that his clubface will be square
at the top, which makes it easier for him to
make a compensation-free power move on the
way back down.
How this grip can help you
The ideal grip puts the clubface in a square or neutral position at the top. For Tiger, that means a neutral
grip, but you might need a different grip for your swing. Next time you're at the range, have a friend
stand behind you. When you get to the top of your backswing, stop and ask your friend to
check your clubface position. If it's closed at the top [pointing straight up], then weaken your grip (move those V's between your thumbs and forefingers left). If your friend sees an open clubface at the top [the toe points straight down],
then strengthen your grip. Keep adjusting until your clubface is square at the top (right) — that's the right grip for you.
Watch a video of Peter Kostis demonstrating this drill: |
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The Grip of the Future |
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