This week’s tip is from Vail Golf Club Professional Chris Johnson ~ The Grip
Learning the game of golf
The number one aspect that I adjust when people come for a lesson is their grip. The grip is the only way we are connected to the golf club, and, if the grip is incorrect it will be difficult to play with any power or consistency. If you pick up a club with your hands you will notice as you move them, the club face moves in the exact same manner as your hands. The way in which you hold the club directly affects the club face, which is the main factor in the direction your golf ball travels.
A common mistake when taking your grip is to have the club rest too far in the palms of your hands. This restricts the amount the wrists can hinge during the swing, which will make it difficult to get sufficient club head speed when swinging. The club should rest down where the palm and the fingers meet on both hands. This will increase the leverage you can create giving you increased power and distance.
The other main factor for a successful grip is the orientation of the hands on the grip. For a right-hand golfer, the left-hand should be rotated toward the topside of the grip or to your right side and looking down in your address posture you should see two or three knuckles on your left hand. The thumb and forefinger create a “V” which should be pointed at your right shoulder. The right hand should follow the left, which will make this hand go a little bit underneath the grip. The “V” on the right hand should also point at the right shoulder. Having these hands work together and setting them in a way that allows them to work naturally is essential to a consistent and powerful golf swing.
We hope these ideas help you to understand a bit more about grip. For a better understanding of all aspects of the game, we suggest a lesson with one of our PGA Professionals at the Vail Golf Club. For details, click here or book a lesson by calling 970-479-2260.
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