The right intensity in the grip is fundamental to good golf
One of the more common questions I get from players is: what is the optimal grip pressure to allow the golf club to be used how it is designed to be hit and generate the most speed and power?
In my experience, most players relax their grip too much and then tighten up their shoulders and arms to compensate, which builds unnecessary tension in the wrong spots, causing a slew of technique errors. So I’m going to give you a simple little tactic that you can use to ensure that you’ve got the right grip pressure.
Here’s a quick summary of what you should do to ensure you’re gripping it just like a tour pro:
1. Before addressing the ball, start with the club up in front of you and create an ‘L-Shape Structure’ with your arms level with the ground and the clubhead above your head.
2. Keeping your arms in front of your chest, draw small circles with the clubhead in the air while also softly pumping your arms in and out from your body.
3. When making these moves just make sure the golf club is not slipping in the fingers or in the palms. You need a secure hold but soft arms – think of how you would hold a tennis racquet or hammer.
4. Finally, bend from the hips and make a mini version of these movements over the ball (this is called a waggle and will keep you moving in an athletic and dynamic manner).
5. If you’ve done this correctly, you’ll feel a more free-flowing and effortless golf swing, and you’ll create a lot of speed in the right way by having a secure hold on the golf club but not too much tension through the upper body.
Watch a video of this tip:
Kerrod Gray is an industry-awarded PGA professional and the spearhead of a new generation of golf coaches. He is based at Joondalup Resort in Perth. Visit kggolf.com for more.
GETTY IMAGES: Hyoung Chang
