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A good golf swing starts off with the correct golf grip. There is however no such thing as one correct golf grip. This is Part 2 of a 3 part series on The Correct Golf Grip.

There are basically three different ways to grip a golf club and each is dependent upon personal preference.

The first and most common grip is the overlap grip – also known as the Vardon grip – where the small finger of your non-target hand rests in the slot between your index and middle finger of your target (left for right handed golfers) hand. A slight variation of this is to let it rest on the index finger itself. Regardless of which method you prefer be sure to have the middle fingers of your non-target hand resting closely against the index finger of your target hand.

This grip is popular amongst players with large hands as it is the most comfortable grip for big fingers.

The second most common grip is the interlocking grip. This grip is preferred by many golfers as it offers a secure feeling of control over the club. The grip is formed by interlocking your left hand’s index finger and non-target hand small finger. Once you’ve positioned your left hand on the club (see Part 1 of The Correct Golf Grip), add your non-target (right) hand and make sure that the palm faces the target. Now interlock the fingers and fold your thumb over your target hand. Do not interlock your fingers before you’ve established the position of your non-target hand.

Nor should you jam your fingers together as this often forces the non-target hand into a position excessively to the non-target side of neutral, too much under the grip. This may feel more powerful, for the club is held more in the non-target palm, it has instead a marked effect on clubface control, and commonly results in a hooked shot.

The interlocking grip is recommended for women and anyone with small hands.

The Ten Finger grip is the last of our three grips. There is no linkage between the two hands on the club. Highly recommended for juniors and less powerful players. If you want to maximize club head speed and can handle the possibility of less accurate shots try this grip.

Having positioned your left hand correctly on the club, put the three upper fingers of your non-target hand against the index finger of your left hand and fold the rest of your non-target hand over, ensuring that you conceal your left thumb. This style of grip works particularly well for golfers who slice the ball as it promotes more hand action.

At this stage of the 3 part series of The Correct Golf Grip you should know how to place your hands on the club and which type of grip you are more comfortable with. In the third and final part we will cover the four P’s - Placement, Position, Pressure and Precision.

I hope that part 2 of The Correct Golf Grip has further helped you with your game and look forward to seeing you in part 3.

By: Lawrence Bredenkamp

About the Author:

How to Grip the Golf Club like Tiger Woods.

First we need to establish some reference points on your hands so that you can easily place your hands in the correct position for each grip style that will be described. Although this article will give instruction as if you’re a right handed golfer, if you are a Lefty, then use the instruction in the same manner just reversing the hands (Right instead of Left etc.) An easy way to apply this golf grip exercise will be for you to use a marker to draw reference points on your hands and/or a golf glove(s).

Grip Reference Points

The reference points listed below have abbreviated identifiers marked in parenthesis that will be used to identify them throughout the remainder of this golf instruction guide.

Left Hand Marks

“(AS)” Anatomical Snuffbox – If you hold your hand in front of you with your fingers pointing away from you and your palm facing down, the “Snuffbox” (Actual Anatomical Name) is located on the right side of your wrist at the “base” where the wrist hinges. Continue pointing your fingers away from you and turn your hand counter clockwise pointing your thumb straight up. Flex your wrist so that your hand moves up and down vertically. While doing that, place the tip of the index finger of your Right hand on the “top” of your Left wrist. While your Left hand is flexed vertically upward, you will be able to feel two tendons on top of your Left wrist. In between those two tendons it feels like there is a “pocket. That “pocket” is your “Snuffbox.” Draw a small inch “X” on top of the “pocket.” “(BK)” Dots on your Big Knuckles – Make a fist with your Left hand putting the big knuckles that are located at the base of your fingers on “top” of your fist, palm facing down, and draw a inch size dot on the “top” of each of your first 3 knuckles. “(BIF)” Dot at the base of Index Finger – Looking at your palm, draw a inch dot at the base of your index finger in the center of the finger on top of the crease or fold in the skin. “(D)” D on the Callas Pad at the base of your pinky – With your palm facing you, draw a letter “D” (Short for Distance) atop the Callas at the base of your Pinky finger. “(N)” N on the Right side of your palm – With your palm facing you and your fingers pointing straight up, visualize a horizontal line in the middle of your palm. Now draw a letter “N” (short for Neutral) on the right side of your palm on the horizontal line you just visualized. The “N” will be located just below the “D” that you just marked. “(C)” C on the Heel Pad – With your palm facing you and your fingers pointing straight up, visualize a vertical line running through the “D” and “N” that you just marked. Draw a letter “C” (Short for Control) on top of the Heel Pad. The letter C should be about 1-1.5 inches below the N that you marked. “(TRS)” Line on the top right side of thumb – Point your thumb away from you with the thumbnail on top. Visualize the top center of your thumb, splitting your thumbnail in two equal halves. Focusing on the “right half”, now visualize the center of that half and mark it down the center by drawing a line from the first to second knuckles. This is the top-right side of your thumb. “(LV)” V between thumb and forefinger – With your palm facing away from you and your fingers pointing up, hold your thumb against your index finger. A “V” is formed between the top of your thumb and index finger.Right Hand Marks

“(BP)” Dot at the base of your Pinky – Looking at your palm, draw a inch dot at the base of your pinky finger in the center of the finger on top of the crease or fold in the skin. “(MIF)” Dot on the middle knuckle of the index finger – Looking at your palm, draw a inch dot in the middle of your index finger over the middle (2nd) knuckle where the crease is in the skin. “(LL)” The Lifeline – With your palm facing you and your fingers pointing up, mark the lifeline in the palm of your hand. It’s the line at the base of your thumb pad that runs from the bottom of your palm up and in-between your thumb and forefinger toward the top right side of your palm. “(RV)” V between thumb and forefinger – With your palm facing away from you and your fingers pointing upward, hold your thumb against your index finger. A “V” is formed between the top of your thumb and index finger. “?” and “(RV)” support the golf club – Hold your hand in front of you with your fingers pointing straight up, the palm facing left and your thumb facing you. Fold all 4 fingers over at the second knuckle. Tilt your index finger to the right so that it leans backward and notice that your index finger should now look like a question mark (?). Your question mark (?) shaped index finger and the “V” shape between your thumb and index finger (RV) are what supports the golf club at the top of your golf swing.A Few Rules

The palms on both hands “Always” face each other – The correct placement of your Right hand on the grip is determined after first placing the Left hand on the grip to ensure the correct positional relationship between both hands. If you hold your hands out in front of you with your fingers outstretched and your thumbs pointing up and press your hands together with the palms facing each other and then rotate your hands clockwise, and counterclockwise, that “relationship” between both hands maximizes your wrists ability to “cock” and “un-cock” during the golf swing and maximize the potential for club head speed. No matter whether your Left hand uses a strong grip or weak golf grip, your Right hand always mirrors what your Left hand is doing so that the palms face each other. One alternative to this rule is taught by some instructors. I’ve seen this grip style called a butterfly grip. Place your palms together in front of you. Leave your thumbs together and separate your hands at the bottom until your hands form a right angle or a 90 degree angle.Whilemaintaining the angle of yourhandsplace the lifeline of your right hand on top of your left thumb. Use this relationship when you place the right hand in “Step Two: The Right Hand Grip” later in this article. Each hand’s thumb and forefinger are “Always” held together creating a “V” as mentioned previously in the “Grip Reference Points” section. The Right hand “Always” uses a finger grip with the golf shaft lying across the fingers always at the same angle.Left Hand Grip Variables

Three Grip Angles

The Grip angle is the angle at which the golf shaft runs across the palm and/or fingers of your left hand.

The “Distance” Grip. – This is the one that Tiger Woods uses. Tiger says it gives him the best combination of sensitivity and control.

Advantages

Maximizes wrists ability to “cock” and “un-cock” for maximum club head speed. Good for distance and sensitivity.Disadvantages

Requires more strength and skill to square the club face at impact.A distance grip is achieved by gripping the golf shaft in the hand at an angle that runs from the base of the index finger (BIF) across the base of the fingers to the top of the callus that is located at the base of the pinky finger (D). After wrapping the fingers around the club, most of the gripping strength will be felt in the fingers with “some” pressure on the bottom of your heel pad. The thumb is placed against the index finger (LV).

The “Neutral” Grip. – Good grip for most people.

Advantages

Gives the most flexibility in terms of shot-making ability. Balance between distance and accuracy.Disadvantages

None.A neutral grip is achieved by gripping the golf shaft in the hand at an angle that runs from the base of the index finger (BIF) across the palm to the (N) marking. Wrap the fingers around the club. The gripping strength will be felt between the fingers and firmly against the bottom of your heel pad. The thumb is placed against the index finger (LV).

The “Control” Grip.

Advantages

Gives maximum control for accuracy.Disadvantages

Minimizes wrists ability to “cock” and “un-cock” resulting in less distance.A Control grip is achieved by gripping the golf shaft in the hand at an angle that runs from the base of the index finger (BIF) across the palm to the (C) marking. Wrap the fingers around the club. The gripping strength will be felt between the fingers, the palm and the top of the heel pad. The thumb is placed against the index finger (LV).

Three Grip Strengths

The “Strength” of the grip is determined by the position of your hand on the grip in comparison to the relative position of the clubface as you rotate your hand around the grip to the left or the right. The reference point used to determine the correct rotational position of the hand on the grip is the anatomical snuffbox (AS). To view the “Strength” of the grip using the (AS), setup to a golf ball as if you are going to hit it with the clubface pointing squarely at the target. Grip the club with your Left hand and look down at the top of your Left hand and determine whether the (AS) is over the top of the club shaft (neutral) or on the left side (weak) or right side of the shaft (strong). The following descriptions will include what the particular “Strength” being described looks like.

The “Weak” Grip.

Advantages

Helps eliminate hooking the golf ball.Disadvantages

Very difficult to hit the ball right to left.Looking down at the top of your hand, with the clubface pointing squarely toward the target, the anatomical snuffbox (AS) is just off to left side of the grip. Your thumb will be on top of the club shaft and your “V” (LV) points toward your chin and you can see 1 – 1.5 knuckles (BK).

The “Neutral” Grip. – This is the one that Tiger Woods uses. It’s a good grip for most people.

Advantages

Ideal grip for hitting the golf ball left to right or right to left.Disadvantages

Requires more strength to release the club squarely at impact.Looking down at the top of your hand, with the clubface pointing squarely toward the target, the anatomical snuffbox (AS) is directly over the top of the grip. Your “V” (LV) points toward your right ear and you can see 2 – 2.5 knuckles (BK). Tiger Woods sees 2.5 knuckles (BK).

The “Strong” Grip.

Advantages

Helps eliminate slicing the golf ball. Good for getting more distance. Good amateur grip as it requires less strength to square the clubface at impact.Disadvantages

Difficult to hit left to right.Looking down at the top of your hand, with the clubface pointing squarely toward the target, the anatomical snuffbox (AS) is on the right side of the grip. Your “V” (LV) points toward your right shoulder and you can see 3 knuckles (BK).

Three Unifying Grips

These Grips describe how to unify and snug your hands together so that your hands function as a single unit. Note: When placing your hands together, don’t try to smash them together to make them tighter because that looses valuable leverage. Just make them feel unified and snuggly fit together.

The “10 Finger Grip.” – This Grip places all 8 fingers on the golf shaft.

Advantages

Good leverage. Good alternative for kids and women.Disadvantages

Less Club head speed especially if the hands are allowed to spread out down the grip and not be snuggly against each other.
A 10 finger grip is achieved by gripping the golf shaft with all of the fingers on the shaft. The outside of your Right hand pinky finger is pressed against the outside of your Left hand index finger.

The “Overlap Grip.” – This is considered by many pros as the preferred method of unifying the hands.

Advantages

Good for larger handsDisadvantages

On people with small hands, the Right hand can tend to slip too far over or too far under the club in an effort to feel snug and fitted.An overlap grip is achieved by placing all of the hands on the shaft and lifting the pinky of the Right hand off the grip and pointing that finger straight out and then sliding the Right hand toward the Left hand until the third finger on the right hand is placed snuggly against the index finger of the Left hand. Now lay the Right hand pinky finger down over the notch that is formed between the Left hands index finger and second finger.

The “Interlock Grip.” – This is the grip that Tiger Woods likes. Tiger started using it because his idol Jack Nicklaus used it.

Advantages

Good for smaller handDisadvantages

There is a tendency to grip the club too much in the palm of the Right hand.An interlock grip is achieved by placing all of the hands on the shaft and lifting the pinky of the Right hand off the grip and pointing that finger straight out and then sliding the Right hand toward the Left hand until the third finger on the right hand is placed snuggly against the index finger of the Left hand. Now raise the index finger of the Left hand off the grip and point it straight out and interlock the Left hand index finger and Right hand pinky finger by laying the Right hand pinky finger down in the crotch between the Left hands index finger and second finger and laying the Left hands index finger down in the crotch between the Right hands pinky finger and third finger.

Maintaining stability throughout the swing

The correct placement of the Left hand down the grip is obtained by allowing inch of the grip to extend out or protrude out beyond the bottom of your hand. If you were gripping the club in both hands, you should be able to see inch of the end of the club shaft grip protruding to ensure that you have the maximum stability of the golf club in your hands throughout the swing. Doing this does not cause you to lose any distance.

Making a complete Grip

Step One: The Left Hand Grip

Square the clubface to the target line. Grip the club inch down from the top of the shaft on the “grip angle” you have chosen; “distance”, “neutral”, or “control”. The thumb and forefinger are placed together forming the “V” (LV). With the club head resting on the ground and the clubface still square to the target, look down at the top of your Left hand and rotate your Left hand around the club, counterclockwise to the left or clockwise to the right to the appropriate Left hand “grip strength” that you have chosen using your reference marks to verify the correct position as “weak”, “neutral” or “strong”.Step Two: The Right Hand Grip

With the golf club still on the ground in your Left hand, the easiest way to visualize how to get the Right hand on the golf grip is by grabbing the golf grip just like you were shaking hands with someone. With your Right hands palm approximately facing your left hands palm, place your Right hands fingers on the grip at an angle from the dot at the base of your pinky (BP) to the dot in the middle of your index finger (MIF). Place the Lifeline (LL) on the top right side of your Left thumb (TRS). Wrap your fingers around the grip. Keep your thumb and forefinger together forming the “V” (RV) and form the question mark (?) with your index finger. The tip of your thumb and index finger on your Right hand will touch or nearly touch. There will probably be a gap between your index finger and the second finger of your Right hand on the grip because of you forming the question mark (?) with your index finger.Step Three: Unify your Hands

Unify your hands using one of the “Unifying Grips.” Your hands should fit together comfortably and snuggly.

Grip Pressure and Feel

The golf grip should feel snug and unified in your hands, if it doesn’t then un-grip and re-grip making small adjustments if necessary. You should maintain a consistent unchanging grip pressure throughout the entire golf swing. Grip the club as loosely as you can while still maintaining control of the golf club throughout the entire swing.

Regular Practice

After you’ve determined which grip combination you intend to use regularly, practice it until its memorized and use the grip reference points to ensure you place your hands correctly every single time.

By: Shane Henrie

About the Author:

Golf Swing Grip 1- The Vardon Grip

This grip was started with a famous old British player called Harry Vardon. It is the most common grip in use and promotes a neutral hold on the club. It involves getting the hands to work together by overlapping the little finger of the right hand with the left hand..by placing this little finger between the gap between your index finger and the next finger of your left hand. The aim is to encourage to encourage both hands to work together, rather than independently, throughout the swing. However it may not be the most suitable one for you and many amateurs and people who are not that strong could consider using an adaptation of the Vardon grip which is used be Tiger, Greg Norman and Jack Nicklaus.

Golf Swing Grip 2- The adapted Vardon grip

This grip involve intertwining, rather than overlapping, the little finger of the right hand with the index finger of the left hand. If you struggle with a slice or weak striking you might consider this grip as it allows a freer release of the club with the right hand through impact. This interlocking of the little finger can give you a greater sense of security between the two hands and allows a freer release through impact with the right hand..it is more suitable for those who struggle a little to get a good free release through impact.

Golf Swing Grip 3- The Baseball grip

This grip involves no overlapping of the fingers..it is simply done by putting both hands fully on the grip of the club. Both hands sit independently on the club. This can lead to the stronger right hand taking over and the danger with this grip is that the 2 hands can work independently..which is not what you want when you want to promote consistency in your swing. A few professionals have successfully used this grip including Ronan Rafferty and Moe Norman, the eccentric Canadian who was rated one of the best ball strikers of all time. This can be an extremely useful grip to help rid yourself of a slice and promote a draw and is encouraged in younger golfers and ladies who may not have the strength to play with the conventional neutral Vardon grip.

By: Terry Gorry

About the Author:

There are so many things to remember to try and hit the perfect golf shot that many of us are not sure where to start. The key is to try and make the swing as simple as possible so that it can be easily repeated over and over again. Practice is the key to developing a golf swing that can lower your score.

Before you ever even start your golf swing it is critical to put yourself in position to execute the swing. Your feet should be spread apart about shoulder length and your knees slightly flexed. Your upper body will be leaning forward slightly and your back shoulder a little lower than your front. Your arms should drop freely from your side and your head positioned just behind the ball.

There are a couple of different ways to grip the club with your hands and one is not better than another. Choose the one that feels best to you. One of the grips is the interlock and the other is the overlap. In an interlocking grip, the pinky finger on your top hand is linked with the index finger on the bottom hand. An overlap grip places the pinky finger on the top hand on top of the first and second fingers of the bottom hand. While it doesn’t matter whether you use the interlock or overlap, it is critical where you place your hands on the grip. It should sit in the middle of the palm on your top hand and rest in the fingers of the bottom hand. Your hands should be placed in such a position that the V formed by the finger and the thumb should point up to your back shoulder.

Now that you have the proper stance and grip you are ready to swing the club. Most golf teaching professionals recommend a one piece take-a-way. The hands start to move the club back as the hips and shoulders turn. Push the club away from the ball slowly do not pick the club up. As you move the club back, lock the wrists and stop at about shoulder height. The first move coming down should be with your legs. Drive your knees forward, turn at the waist and start the club back toward the ball; at this point the butt of the grip should be pointed straight down. As you accelerate down, roll the wrists to close the club face at impact.

Even though you have already struck the ball, the golf swing is not finished. Your follow through should be low to the ground as you continue to rotate the shoulders and hips. It is very important that you do not slow down your swing immediately after impact. Accelerate all the way through the ball finishing with your belt buckle pointing toward your target and the club wrapped around your back.

By: Lee LaCasse

About the Author:

To learn how to swing a golf club can be one of the most challenging things to actually master especially if you’re a beginner. It requires commitment and effort on your part to put in the practice necessary to learn how to swing a golf club effectively. There are a few basic things you need to keep in mind in order to learn the golf swing and it is recommended that you take it slow and learn one thing at a time.

Once you feel comfortable with a particular aspect of the golf swing then move on to the next step. If you really want to learn how to swing a golf club then by mastering these 5 steps you will have it in no time at all, but you will have to practice to make it perfect. My 5 essential steps are: Grip, Stance, Backswing, Downswing and Follow Through.

#1 The Grip

There are basically three kinds of ways to grip the golf club. It is important to spend the time necessary to master your grip as this is a critical aspect of the golf swing. If your grip is incorrect it will affect your performance negatively even if everything else is fine.

The first kind of grip is the interlocking grip, this is where the index finger of the left hand and the small finger of your right hand interlock or hook each other. If you have short hands or your hands are very thick then this kind of grip may be the best for you.

The next kind is the overlapping grip. With this grip the little finger of the right hand will sit on top of the index finger of the left hand. You need strong wrists and arms to use this grip. Test each grip method and decide on the one that feels most comfortable to you.

The baseball grip is commonly used by most beginners. The index finger of the left hand and the little finger of the right hand do not overlap or interlock but they do make contact. This is basically as the name suggests the way you would grip a baseball bat.

#2 The Stance

The important point to remember with the stance is to keep your weight balanced and your feet position getting wider up to shoulder width as the club you are using gets longer. So for the driver you will want the most stability thus a wider stance with your legs shoulder width apart is ideal. Also the ball position should start at the center of your stance for a wedge and move up to the heel of your left foot for the driver.

#3 The Backswing

One of the biggest mistakes that beginners make is that they rush their backswing. Make sure that you take a slow relaxed backswing. You are better off being too slow than too fast when it comes to the backswing. Also work on keeping your left arm as straight as possible throughout the backswing.

#4 The Downswing

An important key to the downswing is to keep your head in the same position or as close as possible to its original location throughout the downswing. Make sure that you do not try to use your right arm to try to generate power. Instead you should get the feeling that you are pulling the club with your left arm. The power will come from the leverage that is created between the angle between the club and you left arm. The longer you can hold this angle the more power you will create.

#5 The Follow Through

At impact make sure that your head is behind the ball and keep your head down and let it come up with your right shoulder. Keep in mind also that at no point in the golf swing should you feel like you need to add power or strain yourself. Stay relaxed and you will soon develop an effortless swing that is not only accurate but also generates a lot of power and distance.

My advice would be to spend a week or two practicing your grip, stance and basic swing movements. Once you are ready to trust your mechanics then you can head out on the course and focus on your targets. When you are on the course do your best to stay away from thinking about swing mechanics and just concentrate on your targets. Train your swing and then trust it, this is the best way to get lower golf scores.

I realize that to master this process can take some time and some practice. Therefore i have spent months putting together a comprehensive package that teaches exactly how to swing a golf club the most effective way possible. To take a look at this guide click here: http://www.slideshare.net/improveyourgolfswing/how-do-i-swing-a-golf-club-1741725.

By: Tony Sharp

About the Author: