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Golf Tips The Grip

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Golf Tips The Grip - The Common Golf Grips - Golf The Grip

The hands must work together as a single unit when striking a ball with power. There are three common and fundamentally sound grips from which to choose from.

In addition to the type of grip you choose, another characteristic of a sound grip is light grip pressure. Gripping the club too tight can cause thin, weak shots that slice. A lighter grip enhances wrist hinge - a vital power source in the swing. This light pressure also increases the amount of clubface rotation, thus improving your chance of squaring the club at impact.

On a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 is light and 10 is tight, I recommend a pressure of 4 or 5. This allows the club to be swung with power and control. At address, feel relaxed and tension-free in your hands and forearms.

Sam Snead said, "Hold the club as if you had a little baby bird in your hand." This pressure, combined with the proper placement of the hands on the handle, will give you your greatest chance to produce longer, straighter shots.

Golf Tips The Grip - Vardon Overlap Grip - Golf Tips The Grip

The Vardon Overlap is the most common grip among great players. Harry Vardon popularized this grip around the turn of the 20th century. This grip places the club in the fingers and is the most preferred grip among top golf instructors.

To place your hands on the handle using the Vardon Overlap, take the little finger on the trailing hand and place it between the index and middle finger on the lead hand. The lead hand thumb should fit in the lifeline of the trailing hand.

Golf Tips The Grip - The Interlock Grip - Golf Tips The Grip

The next most common grip is called the Interlock. This grip is very popular on the LPGA Tour and has been used by many top male players including Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods.

This grip literally locks the hands together but one also runs the risk of having the handle stray into the palms of the hands. People with small hands, weak forearms and wrists and beginners in many cases prefer this style of grip.

To use the Interlock grip, take the little finger on the trailing hand and intertwine it with the index finger on the lead hand. The lead hand thumb should fit in the lifeline of the trailing hand.

Golf Tips The Grip - The Ten Finger Grip - Golf Tips The Grip

The Ten Finger grip is the least preferred grip among teachers, however it has its advantages. Hall of Fame Member Beth Daniel, PGA TOUR members Bob Estes and Dave Barr and Masters Champion Art Wall Jr. have all used the Ten Finger grip. Teachers often suggest this grip to beginners as it simplifies early instruction. People who experience joint pain, have arthritis or small, weak hands often benefit by using the Ten Finger grip.

To position your hands properly using a Ten Finger grip, start with a perfect lead hand grip, then place the little finger of the trailing hand close against the index finger of the lead hand. Cover the lead hand thumb with the lifeline of the trailing hand.

Golf Tips The Grip - Do Not Choke it to Death - Golf Tips The Grip

Many golfers think they have to grip it hard to hit it hard. Actually, a tense muscle is a slow muscle! Clubhead speed is crucial for distance, and light muscles can work faster. On a scale of 1-10, try to attain a grip pressure of 5 or 6. Grip it light to hit it far!