In this writing I will discuss The Grip, which is Step 1 of my seven step checklist for the golf swing. After years of reading, practicing and experimenting with different methods and techniques to prepare for the golf swing I have broken it down simply to seven steps that work for me. Since I am not a professional golf instructor and I don’t claim to be, I will only present proven ideas and methodology that work for me. Every golfer is different and what works for one does not always work for someone else. On the other hand there are basic principles and techniques that can be gainfully utilized by 95% of golfers and I strongly feel that the steps I am presenting here will work for a majority of those reading this article. I have taken over thirty years of experience and assimilation of the correct golf swing to present this information to you. The seven steps in my swing checklist are 1- The Grip, 2 – The Set Up, 3 – The Waggle, 4 – The Backswing, 5 – Tempo, 6 – The Downswing, & 7 – The Follow Thru. I placed Tempo in the middle beacuse it is an integral part of the entire swing from start to finish and will be elaborated on in a future writing.

As stated previously, when I first learned to play golf, it required a lot of experimenting and reading golf books and magazines in order to really get a feel for the correct golf swing for me. The grip is a very important and integral part of the golf swing. There are a number of different types of grip methods. There is the Vardon Grip ( named after the great Harry Vardon one of the premier golfers of the early 20th century ) The Baseball Grip, also appropriately named because the grip is similar to one you may use to hold a baseball bat, and my personal favorite, The Interlocking Grip, which incorporates the interlocking of the two hands together to form the grip. Note: Many of the instructional books, DVD’s and Videos will illustrate these grips if you would like to see them in a visual presentation. If you are sports oriented and have never read or viewed any instructional information about the grip then you may have a tendency to use and feel more comfortable with the baseball grip as I did initially.

Although it felt more comfortable I wasn’t satisfied with the results. One day I was playing in a group with a considerably better player, probably a two to four handicap. I took note to some of his swing techniques and one of the things I noted was his golf grip. As we were waiting on one hole I asked him about it. He showed me how to do it and I have not changed my grip since. The steps I now use in setting my golf club grip are as follows: 1- I set or cradle the club in the creased part of the fingers of my left hand allowing the top of the club to protrude approximately 1″ to 1 1/2″ past the bottom part of the same hand which will actually be facing upward and toward your waist and belt area when you set the club to prepare to swing. Note: While gripping with the left hand make sure the clubface stays closed or close to perpindicular to your target line. Also for a fairly strong grip, which I would highly recommend, make sure the first two or even three knuckles of your left hand are positioned facing up so you can see them when looking down on your hand and club.

Then allow the thumb of the left hand to lay across the top of the grip on a slight angle to the right while keeping the thumb straight and on top of the club. Note: There are various ways to grip the club ( stronger and weaker grips ) to allow your swing to work the ball right or left but it is a more advanced technique should not be attempted until your game has progressed to a certain level. Next, set the club in the creased part of the fingers of the right hand and interlock the pinky of your right hand with the index finger of your left, thus the derivative of the name interlocking grip. The meaty part of the palm of your right hand, connected to the thumb, should be facing upward so you can also see it similar to the knuckles of the left. Note: You can experiment at the range with the adjustment of the strength of the grip that works best for you, (turn hands to right for a stronger grip and left for weaker ) Also, please note that the grip methodology noted above is for the right handed player and should be reversed for the left handed golfer. Another important thing to remember, which will also be addressed in Step 2 – The Set Up is – Do Not let your right shoulder come forward when taking the grip with the right hand. It should remain back and aligned with your left shoulder. It should also be slightly lower than your left since your right hand is set lower on the club when taking the grip.

A tip I would suggest to help with your alignment to the target is to pick an intermediate target, that is in close proximity in front of you, ( it could ba a leaf , dandelion ,or discoloration in the grass, etc. ) that is also in line with the golf ball and target line to the intended landing area in the fairway or on the green and use that spot to line up your shot. The Vardon Grip is similar to the interlocking grip except for the fact that the right pinky finger is cradled between the outside part of the left hand index and middle finger and does not interlock at all. The baseball grip is basically the same as if you were holding a bat in your hand and preparing to hit a baseball. It is probably the most comfortable, especially to the new golfer, but in my opinion the least effective of the grip selections available. The interlocking or Vardon grips may feel more uncomfortable at first but once you get used to them you will be much happier with the improvement they may promote in your game. This is the first part of my “Swing” checklist and an important one at that. When you are at the range or swinging in your yard take the time to work on your grip so it becomes second nature to you.

In closing, I would like to add one very important and so often overlooked part of the ENTIRE golf swing – “RELAX” – do not let tension creep into any part of your golf swing. The club should be cradled gently in your hands with about as much pressure as if you were holding a babies hand or a small bird in your hand ( an analogy I think used by Sam Snead, one of the all time golfing greats ) and use the old expression to “Let the club do the work”. You will be amazed at how swing speed and technique, together with a relaxed body and mind, produce so much greater results. Happy Golfing to All !

By: Mike D'auria

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Want to hit farther and straighter?

To achieve that, a correct golf swing sequence will give you the power and control to a golf game.

When you improve the basic fundamentals of a correct golf swing sequence, you will hit the ball
farther and straighter with very little effort.

Although there are no quick fixes to having a correct golf swing, here are some basic tips to a correct golf swing sequence-

1) Grip – A grip that is too strong or too weak will not give you a correct golf swing first up. A balance of the grip is needed every time you address the ball. As well ,the angle the club lies in your hand is critical.

2) Balanced Posture – A Key requirement of a correct golf swing, but importantly protects your back and aligns your body into a good position.

- Bend from the hips whilst keeping your back straight;

- Your feet shoulder width apart;

- Legs are flexed at a minimum;

- Hands and arm should hang directly below the shoulder.

3) Ball position

4) Aim and Alignment – Club face must be set perpendicular to the target line

3) Pivot – How you move your body will determine the golf swing sequence; the back swing, the down swing, impact and post impact.

- At address, left arm is straight, right arm is slightly bent and elbows close together. With a proper grip, posture and pivot, your Hands and arms will start the back swing, and swing the club.

Your body turns in a controlled manner to assist this golf swing, promoting arm leverage which will allow a full swing of the left hand and arm.

At the top of the back swing, left arm should be extended as far as possible whilst the right elbow is bent in, pointing towards the ground. During this back swing, the right leg must remained flexed, which allows a full body turn for a correct golf swing.

As you can see, the back swing is crucial to an entire golf swing sequence!

- A correct golf down swing will start from the legs and hips, not your hands and arms. Hold your shoulders in the fully turned position as the left hand and arm begins to swing down.

- Shoulders must be squared at impact for a powerful swing into and along the intended line of flight. Your left arm should be straight, and right arm almost straight.

4) Post impact, follow through with your stroke to complete a golf swing.

5) Like any other sport, you should warm up before a game of golf by stretching the muscles for optimal performance, and hence allow a full correct golf swing for power.

6) Use golf specific exercises for added strength and flexibility to your body muscles. At times, a poor golf swing can be attributed to muscle fatigue. A Correct golf swing requires endurance and adaptability of the body muscle over a long session of golf. With added strength and endurance, you will be ensuring correct golf swing techniques.

Without question, the more focus on the smaller fundamentals of a correct golf swing sequence will result in effortless power, and the more strokes shaved off a golf game.

By: Jason Oh


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Interested in the correct golf swing sequence! Carry out following golf swing drill …

Many beginners are interested in the proper technique. In the first step, you should position yourself in line with the flag. After taking position, while approaching your ball you should watch out for a small stone or a fallen leaf in a direct line between your ball and the flag you are aiming for. Just draw an imaginary line between these two points in your mind, put your club face square to it, and stand parallel to this imaginary line. You are ready to begin the perfect golf swing.

The second step is to grip your left hand properly. Place the club in the left hand in a way so that the shaft lies across the top of the forefinger. It should fit under the thicker part of the palm so that the club remains stable. You should not provide any room for the club to move therefore make sure that the little finger is around the grip and the thumb is straight on top of the shaft with a natural grip.

In the third step, grip your right hand correctly. Fold your right hand just over the left thumb. The thumb of the right hand should point to the right shoulder.

In step four I suggest three golf swing grips which help you to grip the back of the golf club correctly. The most common method used in golf is the Vardon or Overlapping Grip. In this method you have to place the little finger of the right hand between the index finger and middle finger of the left hand. The Interlocking Grip is easier for those with small hands. In this method the right little finger and the left index finger are locked together. This is the second most common method to grip. Finally comes, the Baseball Grip which is popular among people and children with very small hands as they can wrap their fingers around the club.

The fifth step points towards adoption of correct stance. The proper posture will allow perfect balance and poise throughout the swing. For a mid iron shot, the feet should be apart at the same width of the shoulders. The feet, the shoulders, the hips and the knees should be parallel to the target. The right foot should be placed straight at a right angle to the line of flight of the ball. This will allow your weight to come on the inside of the foot and result in an easier follow through. Place your left foot a bit to the side to make it easier for the body to follow through the swing.The upper torso should lean forward slightly from the waist, while the knees slightly bent to allow flexibility.

Maintain a distance of about a hand between your body and the club. Your posture should keep the weight of the body on the balls of the feet and not on the heels. As you approach the ball, keep your arms straight but relaxed, and the left shoulder higher than the right. Next dip your right shoulder a bit so that the club touches the inside of your left leg.

Step Six: In this final step you finally perform the swing. Some people find it very useful to perform the waggle at this point as it ensures that the body weight is evenly distributed on the feet. But remember your upper body and shoulder should not move during the waggle. Waggle helps to relax your body. The action of the arms starts with the rotation of the body, by maintaining the same grip pressure of the hands throughout.

Remember your body should be relaxed for a perfect golf swing. The hips should lead the shoulders all the way through until the swing ends. Practice the swing sequence a couple of times. Soon you will have a better golf swing.

By: John Davenport

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