COMMUNITY SPORTS TIPS: Grip

Grip is the most important fundamental to learn. Why? It is the only thing that is holding the instrument that hits the golf ball. Without a proper grip it is impossible to consistently hit good shots over and over again.

Some things to think about while placing hands on the grip:

The left hand is the first to hold the club, (for a right handed golfer) make sure the last three fingers of the left hand capture the club handle against the palm. Your thumb should be straight down the shaft. The “V” that you create with the first finger and the thumb should point to your right shoulder. (for a right handed player)

The right hand should be placed in very much the same way with last three fingers holding the club. Your thumb should be just to the left side of the shaft, not pointing down along with the other thumb.

Grip pressure should be firm enough to keep the club from turning in the hand on contact, yet not so firm that it puts pressure on other muscles in your arms and shoulders. This is very important. Too much pressure will not allow proper release at impact.

There are many different types of grips depending on hand size and strength. Ten- finger/baseball, inter-locking, and overlapping.

Once a grip style is chosen it’s not going to be an easy learn. Creating a grip or adjusting an existing grip is very time consuming and sometimes frustrating, but well worth it when mastered.

Melissa Williams is PGA Golf Professional at Tara Golf & Country Club. For more information, call 387-9151 or visit www.taragcc.com.