Instruction
The problem with a strong grip
In my experience, the grip is the single biggest influencer on all golf swings. It controls the club face, the club face controls the flight of the golf ball, and the flight of the golf ball flight controls the swing. And like most other things that involve the golf swing, grips can be broken down into three types: strong, neutral and weak.
This article deals with a strong grip, which is currently a popular grip to teach in golf instruction. While it can be effective for some golfers, it is not a panacea. The problem with a strong grip is that it CAN open the club face. That sounds crazy, because most golfers think that a strong grip will help them close the club face, but here’s how it works.
Note: The first part of this story discusses the top hand in the grip, which is the left hand for right-handed golfers. The second part of the story discusses the lower hand, or the right hand for right-handed golfers. All references of left and right are written for right-handed golfers.
A lot of players who strengthen their grip create an extended, or “cupped,” left wrist position at the top of the swing. That’s because when you make the grip stronger, you extend or “cup” the left wrist from the start. In any case, a cupped left wrist at the top of the swing starts the club down steeply during the transition, which means that the club will be in a more vertical position as it moves toward the ball. That action actually OPENS the face.
Notice the accentuated “cup” in this golfer’s left wrist.
Yes, there are great players who cup the left wrist at the top of the swing and then move the right elbow forward enough in the downswing to lower the shaft back onto a functional plane — that’s exactly what Ben Hogan did — but I’m describing MOST golfers, and they don’t have Tour skills.
We know that when the center of mass of the club (a spot a few inches above the hosel) gets above the hand path, it is really difficult to square the face, and invariably this is what happens when the club starts down very steeply. From that position, there is a strong opening effect on the face, which defeats the purpose of the strong grip in the first place.
It is true that the strong grip closes the face to the back of the top hand, but the action it promotes often causes the opposite effect. That is why I rarely strengthen grips for slicers who are slicing from being too steep. If you are trying to get the club to come in on a lower vertical swing plane, which means it will be flatter into the golf ball, I DO NOT recommend strengthening your grip if you’re slicing or hitting weak fades.
The other problem with a strong grip is that when the downswing starts down quite vertically, most golfers will react to that steep position in one of these ways:
- Shortening the lead-arm radius (a.k.a. the chicken wing)
- Raising the swing center (a.k.a. bailing out)
- Reversing their weight shift (a.k.a. backing up)
Every one of those moves is the player’s way of trying to avoid hitting the ground too early. These “fat” shots are the tendency of golfers who get the shaft too vertical in the transition, which makes it very difficult to stay “in the shot.”
A strong left-hand grip can create a “blocking” action at the bottom of the swing.
Finally, if the stronger top-hand grip does succeed in creating a closed club face, it often creates a “blocking action” at the bottom of the swing. Golfers do this to keep shots from going left, and use a hanging-back motion to give the club face some loft so they can hit it higher. This is the classic move of a “shut-to-open” player, who usually suffers severe toe hits in the process.
I’m not suggesting that golfers can’t play with stronger grips: after all, some do it quite well. But if you’re slicing problem became more severe when you tried to strengthen your grip, I’m suggesting that the reasons above may be why. Regular readers of my articles know full well my definition of a good grip: One that squares the face! Different swings needs different grips and finding yours is one of the keys to better golf.
The Bottom Hand
Now for the bottom-hand grip on the club, which is the right hand for right-handed golfers. It is best in a fairly neutral position, with the “V” — which is formed by the right thumb and the index finger on the grip — pointed as far left as the chin and as far right as the right shoulder. Yes, there are always exceptions, but most players should stay in that range.
The “V” in this golfer’s right-hand grip points between his chin and his right shoulder.
One of the most obvious and immediate results of a bottom-hand grip that is too strong is a low, quick hook, also called a “quacker.” If you’re not getting the ball in the air very much and it’s diving low and to left, there’s a good chance that your right hand has turned too far under the club. A bottom-hand grip that is too strong is also easily the No. 1 cause of excessive club face rotation into impact.
There is much more to be said about the grip, but enough for now.
If you’d like me to analyze your swing, go to my Facebook page or contact me (dennisclarkgolf@gmail.com) about my online swing analysis program.
The LPGA Tour is kicking off its 2026 season this week at Lake Nona Golf and Country Club in Orlando, and the pros are dealing with something most Florida golfers rarely face: freezing temperatures.
“It’s colder here than in the UK at the minute, which is a first,” said England’s Charley Hull during Wednesday’s media day at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions.
Even Lydia Ko, who lives at Lake Nona, seemed surprised by the cold snap. “We’re pretty much getting to below zero in celsius here, which maybe in other parts of the country they would be thankful, but when you’re in Florida it is a little bit of a surprise,” she said.
If the world’s best players are adjusting their games for cold weather, recreational golfers should, too. Here’s how to play smart when the mercury drops.
Understand What Cold Does to Your Game
Before you change anything, you need to know what you’re fighting against. Cold air is denser than warm air, which means your ball won’t fly as far. Period.
Hull noticed this immediately during practice rounds at Lake Nona. She mentioned hitting a gap wedge into the 18th hole during a previous win but needing a 4-iron during Tuesday’s practice round. That’s a difference of four or five clubs for the same shot.
Action item: Expect to lose 5-10 yards on every club in your bag when temperatures dip below 50 degrees. Plan accordingly and don’t be stubborn about club selection.
Layer Up Without Restricting Your Swing
Hull admitted she wore three pairs of pants during practice. While that might be extreme for most of us, staying warm is critical to playing well in cold conditions.
Your muscles need warmth to function properly. When you’re cold, your body tightens up and your swing gets shorter and faster. Neither of those things help you hit good golf shots.
Action item: Wear multiple thin layers instead of one bulky jacket. Look for golf-specific cold weather gear that stretches with your swing. Keep hand warmers in your pockets between shots. And don’t forget a good hat because you lose significant body heat through your head.
Take More Club Than You Think You Need
This is where ego gets in the way of good scores. When it’s cold, the ball doesn’t compress as well off the clubface. Combined with denser air, you’re looking at serious distance loss.
The pros at Lake Nona are dealing with a course that measures 6,642 yards but plays much longer this week. If they’re adjusting, you should too.
Action item: Take at least one extra club on every approach shot. In temperatures below 40 degrees, consider taking two extra clubs. It’s better to fly the ball to the back of the green than to come up short in a bunker.
Adjust Your Expectations on the Greens
Cold weather affects putting in ways most golfers don’t consider. The ball is harder and doesn’t roll as smoothly. Your hands are cold, making it harder to feel the putter. And if there’s any moisture on the greens, they’ll be slower than normal.
Ko mentioned that she still sometimes reads the greens wrong at Lake Nona despite being a member for years. Cold weather makes that challenge even tougher.
Action item: Hit putts more firmly than usual. The ball needs extra speed to hold its line on cold greens. Take a few extra practice strokes to get a feel for the speed before you putt.
Embrace the Mental Challenge
Hull said something interesting about cold weather golf: “I like the mental toughness of it.”
That’s the right attitude. Everyone on the course is dealing with the same conditions. The player who stays patient and doesn’t get frustrated by the extra difficulty will come out ahead.
Action item: Lower your expectations by a few strokes. If you normally shoot 85, accept that 90 might be a good score in 40-degree weather. Focus on solid contact and smart decisions rather than perfect shots.
Warm Up Longer and Smarter
This might be the most important tip of all. Cold muscles are tight muscles, and tight muscles get injured easily.
World No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul revealed she’s been protecting a wrist injury that bothered her late last season. Cold weather makes those kinds of injuries more likely if you don’t prepare properly.
Action item: Spend at least 20 minutes warming up before your round. Start with stretching, then hit easy wedge shots before working up to your driver. Keep moving between shots on the course to maintain body heat and flexibility.
The pros at Lake Nona this week will adapt and compete at the highest level despite the cold. You can do the same at your local course by following these tips and keeping a positive attitude.
PGA Professional Brendon Elliott is an award-winning coach and golf writer. You can check out his writing work and learn more about him by visiting BEAGOLFER.golf and OneMoreRollGolf.com. Also, check out “Playing Through” now on R.org, RG.org’s partner site, each Monday.
Editor’s note: Brendon shares his nearly 30 years of experience in the game with GolfWRX readers through his ongoing tip series. He looks forward to providing valuable insights and advice to help golfers improve their game. Stay tuned for more tips!
Brooks Koepka is back on the PGA Tour, and whether you love him or hate him, the guy knows how to win when it matters. After his LIV Golf stint, the five-time major champion returns this week at the Farmers Insurance Open.
What makes Koepka fascinating? He doesn’t fit the mold. His swing isn’t textbook. He doesn’t obsess over mechanics. Yet he’s won three PGA Championships and two U.S. Opens, regularly making it look easier than guys with prettier swings.
So, what can average golfers learn from someone who treats the game so differently? Quite a bit.
Stop Overthinking Every Shot
Koepka describes his approach as “reactionary” rather than mechanical. While most tour pros grind over swing thoughts, Brooks sees the target and hits it. No mental checklist.
This might be the most valuable lesson for weekend golfers who’ve watched too many YouTube swing videos.
How to actually do this:
On the range, hit five balls where you stare at the target for three seconds prior to addressing the ball. Don’t think about grip or stance. Just burn that target into your brain. You’ll be shocked at how pure you hit it when your brain focuses on where the ball is going instead of how you’re swinging.
Next time you play, give yourself a rule: Once you pull the club, you’ve got 15 seconds to hit. Koepka is one of the fastest players on tour because he doesn’t give his brain time to sabotage him.
If you feel tension in your hands at address, you’re trying to control too much. Koepka’s grip pressure is famously light. Loosen up until the club almost feels like it might slip, then add just enough pressure to hold on. That’s your swing thought: soft hands, see the target.
This approach works better under pressure. When you’re standing over that shot with water left and OB right, the last thing you need is a mental checklist. See it, feel it, hit it.
Play to Your Strengths (Even If They’re Not Pretty)
Koepka uses a strong grip that wouldn’t pass muster in some teaching circles. But he’s built his game around what works for him, elite driving distance and recovery skills. He doesn’t try to be someone he’s not.
Here’s how to build your game like Brooks:
Look at your last five rounds and figure out where you’re actually gaining strokes. Bombing it off the tee, but can’t hit greens? Lean into it. Play courses where distance matters more than precision. On tight holes, grip down on your 3-wood instead of trying to thread a driver through a keyhole you’ll miss seven times out of ten.
Koepka knows he can scramble, so he’s not afraid to miss greens. If you’re deadly from 50 to 75 yards, start leaving yourself those distances on the par 5’s instead of going for them in two every time.
Know when to take your medicine. Koepka in the trees at the PGA? He’s punching out to 100 yards, not trying to bend a 6-iron around three oaks. You’re in the rough with a flyer lie and water short? Hit your 8-iron to the middle and move on. That’s not playing scared, that’s playing smart.
Save Your Best for When It Counts
Here’s a wild stat: Koepka’s putting average in majors is often more than a full stroke better per round than in regular events. He elevates when pressure is highest.
How does an amateur tap into that gear? It’s not about trying harder, it’s about caring differently.
Here’s what actually works:
Decide which rounds matter to you. Club championship? Member-guest? That annual trip with college buddies? Circle those dates and treat them differently. Koepka doesn’t care much about regular tour events, but majors? That’s when he locks in.
Two weeks before your big round, change your practice. Stop beating balls mindlessly. Play nine holes in which every shot has consequences. Miss the fairway? Hit from the rough on the next hole too. Three-putt? Twenty push-ups. Koepka’s practice intensity ramps up before majors because he’s rehearsing pressure, not just swings.
Develop a between-shot routine that resets your brain. Koepka is famous for his blank expression after bad shots. Try this: After any shot, take three deep breaths while walking, then find something specific to notice, a tree, a cloud, someone’s shirt. That’s your reset button. By the time you reach your ball, the last shot is gone.
The Bottom Line
Brooks Koepka’s return reminds us there’s no single path to success in golf. His “substance over style” approach proves that results matter more than looking good.
You don’t need a perfect swing; you need a reliable one that holds up under pressure. You don’t need to hit every shot in the book; you need the shots you can count on. And you don’t need to play great every time; you need to play great when it matters.
Welcome back, Brooks. Thanks for the reminder that golf is ultimately about getting the ball in the hole, not winning style points.
PGA Professional Brendon Elliott is an award-winning coach and golf writer. You can check out his writing work and learn more about him by visiting BEAGOLFER.golf and OneMoreRollGolf.com. Also, check out “Playing Through” now on R.org, RG.org’s partner site, each Monday.
Editor’s note: Brendon shares his nearly 30 years of experience in the game with GolfWRX readers through his ongoing tip series. He looks forward to providing valuable insights and advice to help golfers improve their game. Stay tuned for more tips!
Blades Brown made a big impression last week in the California desert, and not just because he’s only 18. He put up numbers that would catch any weekend golfer’s attention. Most of us won’t hit 317-yard drives or find 86% of our greens in regulation, but there’s a lot to learn from how Brown managed his game at The American Express.
Here are three practical lessons from his performance that you can use on your own course this weekend.
Step 1: Give Priority to Accuracy Over Distance Off The Tee
Brown’s driving stats are impressive. He averaged almost 318 yards off the tee, ranking 12th in the field. More importantly, he hit 76.79% of his fairways, tying for fourth place in the tournament.
Think about that ratio for a second. Brown could have swung harder, chased more distance and tried to overpower the course. Instead, he played smart golf and kept his ball in play.
Your Action Item: Next time you’re on the tee box, ask yourself a simple question before pulling the driver. Do you need maximum distance here, or do you need to be in the fairway? If there’s trouble lurking or the hole doesn’t demand every yard you can muster, take something off your swing. Grip down an inch. Make a three-quarter swing. Do whatever it takes to find the short grass. Brown’s approach illustrates that fairways lead to greens, and greens lead to birdies. He made 22 of them last week, along with an eagle.
The math is simple. When you’re hitting three out of every four fairways like Brown did, you’re giving yourself legitimate looks at the green with your approach shots. That’s when scoring happens.
Step 2: Commit To Hitting More Greens
This is where Brown really separated himself. He hit 62 of 72 greens in regulation, an 86.11% clip that tied for first in the entire field. Read that again. An 18-year-old kid tied for the lead in one of the most important ball-striking statistics in professional golf.
How did he do it? By keeping his ball in the fairway (see Step 1) and giving himself clean looks with mid-irons and wedges.
Your Action Item: Start tracking your greens in regulation. You don’t need a fancy app or a statistics degree. Just mark down whether you hit the green in the regulation number of strokes. Par 3s in one shot. Par 4s in two shots. Par 5s in three shots.
Once you know your baseline, set a goal to improve it by 10%. If you’re currently hitting five greens per round, aim for six. The beauty of this approach is that it forces you to think strategically about club selection and shot shape. Brown’s strokes gained approach number was positive (0.179), meaning he was better than the field average. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be on the dance floor more often.
When you hit more greens, you eliminate the need for heroic short game shots. Brown only had to scramble 10 times all week, and he got up and down 70% of the time. That’s solid, but the real story is that he rarely put himself in scrambling situations to begin with.
Step 3: Minimize Mistakes And Stay Patient
Here’s the stat that jumps off the page: Brown made only three bogeys all week. Three. In four rounds of professional golf against the best players in the world.
He also made just one double bogey. That kind of clean card doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when you play within yourself, avoid the big miss and trust that pars are never bad scores.
Your Action Item: Before your next round, decide that you’re going to play boring golf. No hero shots over water. No driver on tight holes just because you can. No aggressive pins when there’s a safe side of the green.
Brown’s performance shows us that consistency beats flash every single time. He didn’t lead the field in any single strokes gained category, but he was solid across the board. That’s how you post numbers and cash checks.
Give these three steps a try. Your scorecard will thank you.
PGA Professional Brendon Elliott is an award-winning coach and golf writer. You can check out his writing work and learn more about him by visiting BEAGOLFER.golf and OneMoreRollGolf.com. Also, check out “The Starter” now on R.org, RG.org’s partner site, each Monday.
Editor’s note: Brendon shares his nearly 30 years of experience in the game with GolfWRX readers through his ongoing tip series. He looks forward to providing valuable insights and advice to help golfers improve their game. Stay tuned for more tips!
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LiveForGolf
Jul 8, 2022 at 3:13 am
Old article, but it’s wrong unfortunately, a strong bottom hand with a shoulders pull swing from the inside / skim the stone, cut the ball with a really open face works really well with a strong right hand.
kim howard
Oct 23, 2021 at 11:50 pm
For me showed immediate improvements and even hiting driving iron really well. However easy to only go half way and creep back into too strong right hand position. With reasonably small hands and age 71 I found that could quickly lock in correct grip by changing from overlap to interlocking. Also worth noting that too strong right hand grip can very likely result in hip movement on downswing resulting in impact closer to the heel and even dreaded shanks.
Nick Lakin
May 5, 2019 at 3:53 pm
Well written article. You seem to be talking about my swing to a tee (pun intended). Seriously. I’m going to start working on weakening my grip. I’m thinking I should do this in increments? Or should I just weaken it to the desired position and go from there? Thanks again for your insight to the strong grip.
Funkaholic
Mar 22, 2019 at 10:52 am
This is an ignorant and backwards article, keep your strong grip and work on your rotation.
Raymond
Aug 15, 2021 at 8:48 pm
This is an ignorant and backwards comment.
miquel
May 24, 2018 at 11:29 pm
Thanks for the informative article. I am guilty of the strong right hand, and most of the faults you mention. I will work on the grip asap.
Andy
Sep 15, 2016 at 8:36 pm
Totally agree with all of this. I’m a caddie and I’m constantly trying to fix peoples grips because they come in way too steep with a strong grip and hit the ball terribly inconsistently. I’ve tried to get my grip to dead neutral and to see 3 knuckles on my right hand. It has gotten me much more shallow and taken my hands out of the swing in turn allowing me to use more of my body in turn allowing me to gain more distance.
Dennis Clark
Aug 19, 2015 at 5:17 pm
Yes it might help
David
Aug 18, 2015 at 6:43 pm
Would a weaker grip, for someone who has a strong grip and steep, flatten the down swing at all?
Ryan S
Aug 18, 2015 at 2:37 pm
Dennis, you mentioned a strong grip leading to too steep a downswing and potentially an abbreviated follow through (chickenwing). I believe this is my problem – any thoughts on how to remedy? I can’t seem to consistently follow through (almost to the point where i’m stuck inside and under the plane). Thanks in advance!
Dennis Clark
Aug 19, 2015 at 5:20 pm
the chicken wing is usually a reaction to something…it might be a steep transition or a very early release…id have to see it really
Shawn Lavin
Aug 17, 2015 at 10:04 am
Dennis, can’t believe I stumbled upon this article. We were paired together in the PA Open years ago at Nemacolin. I think that my strong grip leads to crossing the line, then over the top in transition. But instead of staying over plane, i lay the shaft down, then use too much hand action to square it. Works most of the time, but in competition it can be unpredictable and ball flight gets lower.
Fabian Lozano
Aug 17, 2015 at 4:53 am
The strong grip has jothing to do with low hooks. In fact with an stronger grip you can square the clubface earlier reducing ROC (Rate Of Closure) during impact zone resulting in straingther shots.
Is a bad release that causes hooking by a clubface closing at impact. If you let your hands rolling or underflip then you can hit a low hook or high hook.
But if you mantain a good release (left wrist supination-flexion / right wrist pronation- extension) Driving and Holding then you can hit straighter as ever.
http://www.kelvinmiyahira.com/articles/articles-2/2011-articles/66-2011-09-pga-tour-grip-styles-part-2-continued
geohogan
Aug 5, 2020 at 9:51 am
The total DS from top of BS to impact is less than 1/4 second
Too short a time to know(proprioception) where our hands are in space in real time.
So thinking a golfer can square the clubface “earlier” is a mirage.
Ball clubface impact is 5/ 10,000 second. Thinking “release” earlier is also beyond
even Trumps imagination.
Chuck
Aug 15, 2015 at 6:47 pm
Interesting stuff. I don’t have much of a comment on the substance, but I had a lesson recently with a nationally-known instructor; the head of instruction for one of the better-known golf schools in the world.
And he worked on my grip right away, which I had always presumed was solid and book-neutral. He is definitely part of the new strong-grip thinking in golf instruction; such a thing really does exist. In my case, he thought it might help with me crossing the line at the top of the backswing, and it might get me back to a better position at impact. I like the teacher in question; he’s a genuinely good guy. But I am still mystfied by the (very!) strong grip insistence of some modern instructors.
He mentioned to me; there are an increasing number of tour players going to stronger grips. I think he is right about that but I have no idea about how to quantify such a thing.
Dennis Clark
Aug 15, 2015 at 10:08 pm
Interesting comments Chuck…how r u hitting the ball with the new grip? I’m curious about stronger grip NOT crossing the line? It usually has the opposite effect.
CT
Aug 14, 2015 at 3:29 pm
I have a question. My hands are on the smaller side and I notice that my right hand is always in a strong position because it does not sit well otherwise using the overlap grip. Anyway, I can grip my driver and hover the head above the ground, then let go with might right hand and the club twists a bit to the right (opening the face). I swing with an inside swing path and get hooks once in a while when I don’t turn hard through impact. I also block/push the ball once in a while, especially with my irons. I am not a steep angle of attack player, but I’m pretty sure I have some issues with my grip and release. Btw, a 10 finger grip allows my right hand to sit properly on the grip, but I cannot see myself playing with a baseball grip. Any thoughts?
Gubment Cheeze
Aug 14, 2015 at 8:13 pm
You just need a good swing thought
I have/had the same problem
my swing thought is to keep my index finger knuckle on my gloved hand pointing at 12 o’clock
When I start under releasing again I think more towards 11 o’clock then or if your left handed 1 o’clock
Maybe that helps
Gubment Cheeze
Aug 14, 2015 at 8:15 pm
You may need to do a little work on ball position also
Gubment Cheeze
Aug 14, 2015 at 8:15 pm
And work on more of a body release
Dennis Clark
Aug 14, 2015 at 9:22 pm
Butt diameter is the first thing you need to check. Small hands need thinner
10 finger grip is perfectly OK. I HAVE A SCRATCH PLAYER USING IT.
the face twisting open is a toe hit for sure.
Robert
Aug 14, 2015 at 12:43 pm
This is interesting. I think if someones grip is weak, it’s ok to strengthen it. But I see your point. However, if someone had a strong grip, I would suggest that, at setup, they not cup their wrist like the example you have above.
When I hit the ball my best it was with a very strong grip. However, I put a lot of shaft lean in at address so that I got rid of that awful cup wrist. That cupping can really hurt a swing.
If you only strengthen your grip, but don’t adjust anything else, I agree that you will really make things worse. But if you adjust your wrist with the grip, you will hit low, piercing shots. And it actually becomes more difficult to hook the ball because it’s harder to flip your wrists over at impact.
I’m not as strong as I used to be so I don’t do that anymore, but it was sweet to hit those low piercing shots back then. They were so consistent.
Dennis Clark
Aug 14, 2015 at 9:07 pm
Robert this is exactly correct. BUT…when you deloft you have effectively turned your 6 into a 5 iron AND the club goes much more inside and can get trapped behind the hands and can be laid off at the top. A lot of low hooks are the result of strong grip delofted to “appear” weaker. Also when you deloft significantly you have to careful of not aiming the face right and getting the golf ball too far back in the stanceI’ve never corrected anyone other than a quick fix with the deloft. But if it works for you, DO IT! A little is fine BTW. Thx
Robert
Aug 14, 2015 at 11:25 pm
Yeah, agreed. You shouldn’t do it without proper instruction on HOW to do it. I think we are on the same page here for sure. I’ve been playing for 27 years and every time I end up playing with someone that is new to the game I tell them, “You need to make sure you have a good grip and posture. Without those, it is impossible to have a consistently good swing. I’ve been playing for over 25 years and I STILL work on making sure my grip and posture are correct. And when they get off, I hit it bad.”
I’ve seen too many people go get lessons and they work on the persons swing first instead of the grip and posture. With a bad grip and posture, if you hit a good shot, it’s luck. With a good grip and posture, it makes it hard to hit terrible shots.
mo
Aug 14, 2015 at 1:15 am
That looks exactly like my grip and I definitely don’t have open face issues. My misses are pulls and hooks.
Andy
Aug 14, 2015 at 2:37 pm
Probably because the face is open and you snap it shut right at impact.
James Saylor
Aug 13, 2015 at 10:07 pm
Nice article. But make no mistake a stronger grip can help some golfers
Jeff*
Aug 13, 2015 at 8:58 pm
Dennis, would you write an article called, what it means to play with a “shut face,” especially if DJ is gonna contend in another major, I’d really like a better understanding of that term.
Dennis Clark
Aug 13, 2015 at 8:38 pm
Id have to know your ball flight, skill level and shot tendencies.
Joe D
Aug 13, 2015 at 8:11 pm
Wow…you described me to a T. Although I am left handed it obviously makes sense. One thought though, my left hand, which is dominant….just doesn’t feel right in the neutral position. It feels weak.
I feel more power with my left hand(lower hand) under the club slightly. Any suggestions for the downswing with this grip? Thanks Dennis.
Dennis Clark
Aug 13, 2015 at 6:21 pm
make no mistake a stronger grip can help some golfers. What Im saying here is that if you fight steep in your swing, stronger may not be the way to go. Who it can help is some players who play slightly from outside or players who “lag” the club late into impact. Thx
new-spanishfly
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Jim Jaworski
Aug 13, 2015 at 4:45 pm
This is a very interesting article since I recently changed my neutral grip to a stronger grip at the advice of my teaching pro. I was fading and slicing my shots previously. I still hit some big push fades and slices with this grip.
My big issue is a sore left pinky finger after making this grip change. Any thoughts on that?
JP
Aug 14, 2015 at 4:29 am
try bigger grips. helped my friend. just too much movement in the hands.
Hawk
Aug 13, 2015 at 12:57 pm
I always like reading grip articles but they always miss a piece and that is the clubface when gripping the club. I have used a strong grip, looked exactly like that in the picture. However; I had a closed face when gripping the club. At address it looked square, and the result was slightly more forward shaft lean. I had 0 issues with keeping it straight and never had an issue with the face opening, only because I griped the club with a closed face already.
Dennis Clark
Aug 13, 2015 at 12:08 pm
it really has to start with a flat left wrist, and a lower body drive at the golf ball. hitting balls on a side hill is great drill…
Bill S
Aug 13, 2015 at 11:32 am
Very clever article! In the past years, my grip have become imperceptibly stronger and stronger, months after months. And then I had to deal with with left cupped wrist at the top which caused me big issues. Finally, wanted to work to have a flatter wrist at the top, I came to conclusion that I should go with a weaker grip and it’s much better.
JustTrying2BAwesome
Aug 13, 2015 at 10:33 am
Great article! This really hits home in my complete inability to square the face. I’ve tried everything, including a stronger than strong grip, without success. I know one of my (probably many) problems is I can’t get the club head in the slot or below my hand path in the downswing. It’s always above the hand plane (is that a term???). I just can’t see in my minds eye how a club face can be on or below the hand plane, still create lag, and square at impact. Thinking about those effects in the swing I imagine a club face can ONLY be wide open, almost parallel to the target line. If I can’t envision it, it’ll never happen.
Do you have any drills or suggestions on how to keep the path of the club head on or below the plane of the hands through the downswing?
Greg V
Aug 13, 2015 at 10:14 am
Interesting article. I never associated my slightly vertical downswing with a cupped left wrist.
Good stuff, Dennis.
Alex T
Aug 13, 2015 at 9:17 am
Excellent article! I always thought of my grip as one contiguous thing, but actually seeing it broken down into a right and left hand grip has made me realise that, yes I have a strong left hand and yes I have a cupped left wrist, but actually my bad shots are caused by my right hand being too strong (quackers, as per the article). Often on a tee box if I feel less than confident over the ball or that I want to hit it a bit harder I’ll inadvertently strengthen my right hand, not because of any swing intent but because I feel more comfortable that way, and that’s causing the duck hook. One more habit to ditch, I guess. Fantastic article Dennis!