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Transcript: How to Grip a Golf Club Correctly

Hello! My name is Michael Lamanna, Director of Instruction with Troon Golf at the world famous Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale Arizona. Today we are going to discuss one of the most overlooked fundamentals in golf, the grip.

Why is Golf Grip Important?

The correct grip gives golfers three significant advantages. First, to a large degree the grip controls the face position of the club at impact. With the correct grip you have a better chance to hit straight, solid shots.

The second, if you place your hands correctly on the club, you can be a powerful golfer. The only physical connection to the club is through your grip and correct hand placement will help you hinge your wrists correctly during the swing and wrist hinge is an important power source.

Finally, during the course of the swing, the club travels some 35+ feet and the entire time you must keep your eyes focused on the ball. If you place your hands on the club correctly you will be able to feel where the club is in space to optimize both power and control.

Perfecting Your Grip

To assume the correct grip, right hand golfers should follow this procedure:

1. Hold the club about 3 feet in the air and in front of your body. Make sure the face of the club is square, not open or closed.
2. Place the club at an angle through the fingers of the left hand. The club should touch the base of the little finger and just above the first joint of the index finger (on the dots).
3. Place your left thumb toward the back side of the shaft-a 1:00 position for the right-handed golfer.
4. With the left hand grip completed:
   a.the left thumb should rest at 1:00
   b.you should be able to see the knuckles of the index and middle finger in the address position
   c.the thumb and forefinger V should point between your right shoulder and right ear.

Adding the Right Hand to the Grip

Now it is time to place your right hand on the club. Place the club in the fingers of your right hand at angle. Position the club handle so it touches the dots. This locates the club handle between Section 1 & 2 of the right ring finger, directly on Section 2 of the middle finger, and between Section 2 & 3 of the index finger.

Cover the left hand thumb with the lifeline of the right palm and make sure that the V formed by the right thumb and forefinger is parallel to the V on the left hand.

Putting the Grip Together: Common Golf Grips

The hands must work together as a single unit when striking a ball so it is best to link the hands together in one of three ways:

1. The Vardon Overlap is the most common grip among professionals.
2. The next most common grip is called the Interlock.
3. The least common but an effective connection is the Ten Finger Grip.

Golf Club Grip and Pressure

Finally, to hit the ball farther use a light grip pressure. On a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 is light and 10 is tight, I recommend a pressure of 3 or 4.

Remember: Ben Hogan said “good golf begins with a good grip”. It may feel uncomfortable at first, but once you get used to it, you will hit the ball straighter and farther.

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Transcript: Correct Golf Posture

Hello! My name is Michael Lamanna, Director of Instruction with Troon Golf at the world famous Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale Arizona.

Why Is Correct Golf Posture Important?

Correct posture plays a vital roll in golf. It puts you in position for balanced, powerful and consistent ball striking. With the correct posture, you can swing the club through impact with the little or no manipulation for consistent results.

The correct posture in golf puts you in an athletic setup which helps you create effortless power. It also creates the angle for you swing.

Correct Golf Posture

The right hand golfer should use the following setup:

1. Set your feet shoulder-width apart. The outside of your shoulders should fit inside your insteps.
2. Flex your knees only slightly for good balance. Your knees should be over the balls of your feet and your quads should be tension free.
3. Bend at the hips. Never allow your spine to slouch.
4. Your spine should be angled forward toward the ball, enough to create a right angle with the shaft of the club. Your spine will become the hub of your swing.
5. Make sure that your weight is centered on the balls of the feet. Never position too much weight on your heels or toes.
6. Tilt your spine slightly to the right. This side tilt keeps your head behind the ball, which is critical for power.
7. For driving, set 60% of your weight on the right foot and tilt behind the ball slightly more than irons.

Remember, the setup writes the script for the swing. Your posture forms the foundation for your swing and good posture will make the swing simple and easy to repeat.

Thanks for watching. To learn more, visit us at About.com.