Last updated on July 9th, 2023
What is a Golf Grip and Why Is the Correct Golf Grip Important
Providing a connection between the club and the golfer’s hands, golf grips are a crucial element of a golfer’s swing.
A golfer’s grip strength and the angle at which they grip the club will influence the ball’s trajectory.
Different Types of Golf Grips
Weak Grip
When the palms of the hands face each other on the club’s handle, it’s called a weak grip.
The hands tend to spin too much during this type of grip, resulting in slicing shots. A weak grip makes it harder to generate power and consistency because it places more pressure on your wrists, forearms, and elbows.
Look down at the handle and ensure both palms face each other to determine whether you have a weak golf grip.
Strong Grip
In a strong grip, the hands are placed on the club’s handle with the palms facing downward. With this grip, you’ll be more likely to draw or hook your golf shots, while a weak grip can facilitate cutting.
Strong grips are good at curving the ball, giving you control over your club face and enabling you to hit the ball further. To create a strong grip, look down at the handle and ensure that your palms face slightly downward when grabbing the club.
Neutral Grip
A neutral golf grip lies somewhere in between a strong and weak grip.
For consistency and control, the neutral grip is ideal. It also helps to keep the wrists from breaking down during your swing, giving you more power at impact.
To get the perfect neutral golf grip, look down at the handle and ensure that your palms are facing each other but slightly pointed downwards.
By understanding the different types of golf grips— weak, strong and neutral—, you can find out what works best for your game.
Strong Golf Grip Benefits
Golfers can benefit from the strong golf grip in numerous ways, including improved control over the club face.
This can help you hit better golf shots with more accuracy and power.
A stronger grip enables you to generate more torque and clubhead speed during the swing by reducing wrist breakdown. By increasing your power, you can improve your distance off the tee and your approach shots.
A strong grip can also facilitate a hook or draw shot, which can be useful in certain circumstances. By doing this, you can adjust your shots to the curve of the golf course and shape the golf ball around obstacles and hazards.
Strong Golf Grip Problems
Some golfers may have problems with a strong golf grip.
It is common to over-rely on hand action when swinging, resulting in poor control and accuracy.
A strong grip promotes a draw or hook shot, so hitting fades and straight shots require more precise timing and technique.
Due to the required grip strength, some players may find a very strong golf grip uncomfortable. Throughout the round, this can lead to fatigue and decreased performance.
Transitioning from a weak golf grip or neutral golf grip to a strong grip can be challenging. Getting comfortable with strong grips takes time and practice, so don’t give up if it doesn’t happen right away.
Considering the pros and cons of strong golf grips can help you decide whether or not they are right for your golf game.
Weak Golf Grip Benefits
Due to lower grip pressure, weak golf grips offer numerous benefits to the average golfer, such as reduced wrist, forearm, and elbow strain.
A golfer’s swing can be more powerful and consistent if pressure is reduced on muscle groups in these areas.
A weak grip can also help to promote a slicing shot, which can be useful in particular golfing scenarios. A shot like this is particularly useful when trying to curve around obstacles or hit the ball from a tight position.
Players starting out with a weak grip may find it easier to transition to strong or neutral grips.
By having a weaker grip on the club, you can gradually increase grip strength and develop a strong golf grip with more practice.
A weak grip can benefit most golfers, but it’s important to understand the drawbacks.
Weak Golf Grip Problems
There are several problems golfers can face with a weak golf grip.
A weak grip makes it harder to control the club face during your golf swing, resulting in a lack of power and accuracy.
Weak grips can be comfortable, but too much reliance on them can make it difficult for some players to become accustomed to strong golf grips.
The Overlapping Golf Grip vs. the 10 Finger Golf Grip
Most professional golfers use the overlapping grip, which involves overlapping your right pinky finger over your left index finger.
By using this, you will be able to keep the golf club in your palms, giving you a better feel. It also eliminates excessive wrist movement by keeping them connected to the club.
Known as the baseball grip, the 10-finger golf grip involves both hands holding the golf club separately. This is most popular among amateur golfers.
Players may benefit from this grip type due to its increased flexibility and comfort, but proper control and accuracy require extra wrist action during swings.
What Grips do Professional Players Use?
Tiger Woods’ Grip
Tiger Woods’ strong yet adaptive golf grip has helped him become one of golf’s most famous and successful players in history.
First seen in 1997 with powerful shots that sent the golf ball soaring down range, he was known for his strong grip.
After switching to a neutral grip in 2000, however, he was able to hit low, a natural fade with consistency.
During 2004, Tiger’s left-hand grip weakened, and by 2010, he had developed an interlocking grip.
As of now, he prefers a strong yet neutral interlocking grip that helps him remain centered over the ball and increase shaft lean at impact for more power and accuracy.
Jordan Spieth’s Grip
Spieth’s golf grip is unorthodox, unlike most professional golfers’ strong or weak grips.
The left hand of Spieth is relatively weak compared to his right hand, while the left hand of most experienced players matches the left and right hand on the handle.
This causes Spieth’s left arm to bend slightly while his left wrist bows outward at the top of the backswing.
While this has worked for Spieth, many observers believe he will have to alter it in the future for long-term success.
Bryson Dechambeau’s Grip
Dechambeau adopted a left-to-right shot shape influenced by Ben Hogan, one of his idols.
To do this, he had to grip the golf club weakly with his left hand and practice holding off the club face.
Due to his speed-training sessions and increasing need for greater stability with faster swings, his grip has become stronger in recent years.
Due to the higher swing speeds, he grips the golf club like a baseball bat, applying more pressure than before.
Rory McIlroy’s Grip
A strong, interlocking golf grip lends Rory McIlroy the strength and control he needs to maintain control during his swing.
His left hand is in the palm-down position, and his right hand is in the palm-up position, which creates an overlapping effect.
Jon Rahm’s Grip
Jon Rahm’s grip interlocks, giving him control and accuracy with woods and irons.
This strong grip helps him keep his hands from flying open during the backswing while still providing enough control to shape the golf ball.
He also uses a reverse overlap putting grip style, which helps keep the hands out of his putting stroke.
Ben Hogan Grip
Ben Hogan developed his famous strong grip technique as an effective way to reduce the hook he was prone to have in his swing.
He placed his lead hand on the club normally, with a relaxed but firm hold. Then, he would place his trailing hand on the club with his thumb pointing directly down the shaft instead of forming a V shape.
This overlapping grip covered more of the lead hand, allowing him to have a strong hold for control during his swing.
Hogan’s strong grip also caused his swing arc to be wider than normal, with a significantly larger wrist hinge at the top of the backswing.
This strong grip was essential in helping him become one of golf’s most successful players.
Proper Golf Grip Pictures
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a right hand strong golf grip differ from left hand?
A strong golf grip is where the strong side of the hand (right hand for a right-handed golfer) creates a strong grip.
This strong grip should be duplicated for both left and right hand strong golf grips, with a strong grip with the strong side of the hand.
Is there a golf grip trainer I can buy?
Yes, various golf grip trainers are available to help beginner golfers refine their perfect grip technique.
These trainers use a combination of impact foam, weights and even lasers to give you feedback on your grip pressure and ensure you hold the club tighter.
How does changing your golf grip position impact your shot?
Changing your golf grip position can significantly impact the accuracy and control of your shots.
If a golfer uses a strong grip, they will have more control over the club face and shot shape than a weak or neutral grip. A strong grip allows for increased power and accuracy, as the strong side of the hand can maintain a strong hold on the club throughout the swing.
Conversely, if a golfer uses a weak or neutral grip, they will lose some control of the club face and struggle to shape shots.
Which is the best golf grip for seniors?
The best golf grip for seniors is typically a strong grip.
Seniors often require a strong grip due to their decreasing wrist strength and flexibility, making it difficult to maintain a strong hold on the club during the swing. A strong grip ensures seniors have increased control and accuracy when executing shots.
Importance of a Strong Golf Grip
Any golf enthusiast looking to improve accuracy and control in their golf game needs a strong golf grip.
The strong side of the hand should create an overlapping effect on the club, providing increased power and consistent golf. Famous players such as Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm and Ben Hogan have all relied upon a stronger grip to gain success in their careers.
A strong grip may also give seniors more control due to decreased wrist strength and flexibility.
As you refine your swing mechanics, make sure that you keep these tips in mind when finding the right grip for yourself.
