The golf grip is the singularly most important choice any amateur golfer makes. The slightest change to the position of the hands has a tremendous impact on whether the ball finishes in the woods or in the middle of the fairway. Focusing on how to hold a golf club is the first step to developing a great golf swing. After choosing how to hold your hands on the club, it is now time to experiment with your hand position to decide if you need to use a strong, weak or neutral grip.
Determining if you naturally hold the club in a strong or weak way is determined by the thumb and index finger of each hand (Vs). A strong grip, the Vs are right of the centre of the shaft. As a visual cue, you can see the knuckles of your left hand. A neutral grip, the Vs are down the center line of the shaft and you can see three knuckles on each hand. A weak grip, the Vs are left of center and you can see the knuckles of your right had. (The above description is for a right-handed player; the opposite is true for a left-handed player)
A strong grip has several benefits: it closes the club face on impact, helps players draw the ball and can help players with an inside-out swing. Golf Magazine’s “The Best Driving Instruction Book Ever” recommends the strong grip for amateurs with fast hips. Fast hips force the club head to lag behind on contact resulting in an open face. Using a strong grip reduces the tendency to push or slice the ball. The club face will close with a strong grip and allows for a natural draw.
A neutral grip is generally used by players who have all aspects of their swing in order. The neutral grip helps a player to ‘shape the ball’ easier, but it takes practice to find the proper technique to make that happen. Golf Magazine recommends players with medium hip speed to use the neutral grip.
A weak grip has its benefits as well. It produces a natural fade and recomended for players with an out to inside swing plane. Golf Magazine recommends that players with slow hips use a weak grip to center the club face being closed on impact. Slow hips force the club head in front of your body on contact and by using a weak grip, it reduces the tendency to pull or hook the ball.
Choosing how to hold a golf club that best suits your swing is important to success on the links. Employing a strong, neutral, or weak grip is an important step to building a strong swing foundation. Determining which grip is best for you will require some effort on the practice range. Once you have found what works best for your, lower scores will in your future.
I use a neutral grip. Through the years of trial and error, the neutral grip continues to make its way back into my swing. This year, however, I am going to experiment with a strong grip. It might increase my distance off the tee, but more importantly to increase my course management options.
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links.
I have seen many images, videos, and websites that have very different interpretations of what constitutes a strong, weak, or neutral grip. I have a ten finger grip and I put my hands on the club in a way that feels natural to me. From the image you posted, my grip most closely resembles a neutral grip. I hit the ball straight-ish and I will never change it.
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Dwayne,
And so you should not change your grip. If it is working for you, then changing would not make sense.
Cheers Jim
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Thank you for the info. I liked the points you made about the weak golf grip.
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You are welcome.
Cheers Jim
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Great article and a great tip. Was wondering if I can use your photo in my lesson program. Thanks
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Thanks for the kind words. The inforgraphic is mine and you can use it if you it is for instructional purposes and not to make money. The picture is not mine and I could not find the original reference. I use it because I do not sell anything, so I am not sure I can give you the rights to use it.
Cheers Jim
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I have used two different swings and two different grips my whole life. One for the driver (not a descending swing) and one for every other club that require a descending strike.
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Carl
If that works for you, then keep on doing it. I try to simplify things by using one swing. But, that works for me.
Cheers Jim
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I probably have a neutral to weak grip and it is interesting what the affect is when you try to change your grip. Not only does it affect the ability to hook or fade the shot as you mentioned, but it also affects hour swing. The stronger the grip, the easier it is to bend your wrists at the top of the backswing. If your left hand is in a weak position, it is almost impossible to get the club back to parallel. Every time I have changed my grip, it took a long time to get the swing comfortable with the new feel.
Brian, dailygolffix.com
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Brian
You are spot on on your grip assessment. Anytime we make a change there is a domino effect that should be watched. Even the slightest change can have a dramatic affect.
Cheers Jim
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Hi Jim, before I got to strong, neutral or weak, I had to find the actual grip that best suited me. Shot 83 today, which could and should have been better.
Pete
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Pete
I agree that selecting the right grip for your game is definitely important. I use an interlocking neutral grip.
An 83 is great! I know what you mean about leaving some thing on the course. Good luck today!
Cheers
Jim
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I used to have one of the worst grips when I started as a youngster, but as time went on, I learned to use a harder grip with a lot of practise of the tee
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Martin
You are right that practice is needed to improve your game. Not sure using a harder grip will help, but everyone must own their game. Thanks for commenting.
Cheers
Jim
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I tend to use a strong grip off the tee, and then a neutral grip with other clubs. The problems come when I use the wrong grip, neutral on the driver goes right.
Pete
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Pete
That is very interesting. I am not sure I know of anyone who changes grips like that. Why switch?
Cheers
Jim
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I will try anything that I think will help get the ball on the green, and stay there!!
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Pete
Haha, I guess we are all like that!
Cheers
Jim
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The RBZ driver is going to the bin, back to the Super Quad.
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That is too bad! Not hitting it well? Good luck with the Super Quad!
Cheers
Jim
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Will keep you posted
Pete
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Jim
Before I had any structured lessons (starting a couple years ago), my grip was a bit weak. My instructor has got me with a stronger grip now, a bit stronger than neutral. It has definitely helped my ball striking and power, and has helped eliminate my left miss (I’m left handed). I agree the grip is very important, it’s the only thing that connects us to the club.
Good write-up!
Josh
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Josh, Thanks. How long did it take you to get comfortable when you went from a weak to strong grip? I think it is important that the readers understand the it takes time when making an changes to your golf game.
Cheers
Jim
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Jim,
It took a full season before it started to feel second nature. I still find myself checking it from time to time as i address the ball. My check is to look down and see 2 knuckles on my top hand.
Cheers
Josh
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Josh,
Thanks. We all need visual cues to remind us of what to do!
Cheers
Jim
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Jim – can you post an image of your grip? I find the grip fascinating. I actually switched from inter-locking to overlapping back in 2000. I’ve always a little stronger than neutral hand position. I also typically have been comfortable hitting a draw most of my playing days
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Rick, I sure can. I will put in my next post in a couple days. Neutral works for me for sure, but have toyed with both strong and weak grips through the years.
Cheers
Jim
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