Collin Morikawa is a professional golfer who has made a name for himself in the sport with his precise ball-striking ability. One of the key factors that contribute to his success is his grip on the golf club. Morikawa uses a unique grip that sets him apart from many other golfers on the PGA Tour.
The Grip:
Morikawa’s grip is known as the “overlap” or “Vardon” grip, which is a common grip among golfers. However, Morikawa’s variation of the grip involves him placing his left hand further down the club than usual. This is known as a “strong” grip because it allows him to more easily close the clubface at impact, which can result in a lower ball flight and less spin.
The left hand:
Morikawa’s left hand is positioned on the club with the thumb pointing down the shaft, and the grip running diagonally across the base of the fingers. The heel pad of his left hand is placed on top of the grip, which helps to create a strong grip. He also interlocks his left pinky finger with his right index finger for added stability.
The right hand:
Morikawa’s right hand is positioned on the club with the thumb pointing down the shaft, and the grip running diagonally across the base of the fingers. His right hand is placed slightly more on top of the grip than his left hand, which helps to prevent him from hooking the ball. He also overlaps his right pinky finger with his left index finger for added stability.
Advantages:
Morikawa’s grip allows him to have a consistent and repeatable swing, which is essential for success in golf. It also helps him to create a lot of lag in his swing, which can result in greater clubhead speed and more distance off the tee. Additionally, the strong grip can help him to hit a controlled draw shot, which is a useful shot to have in his arsenal.
The grip pressure:
Morikawa is known for having a relatively light grip pressure on the club, which is a key factor in his success. By using a light grip, he is able to maintain control of the club throughout his swing without adding unnecessary tension to his muscles. This allows him to have a smoother and more consistent swing, which can lead to more accurate shots.
The role of the grip in his success:
While the grip is just one part of a golfer’s swing, it plays a crucial role in determining how the clubface will be oriented at impact. Morikawa’s grip allows him to easily close the clubface, which can help him hit a controlled draw shot. This shot is especially useful on dogleg left holes, where a shot that curves from right to left can help him gain extra yardage and set up a more favorable approach shot.
Adjustments based on the shot:
Like all great golfers, Morikawa is able to adjust his grip based on the shot he wants to hit. For example, if he wants to hit a fade shot, he may adjust his grip to make it slightly weaker, which will help him to leave the clubface slightly open at impact. This can result in a shot that curves from left to right and can be useful on dogleg right holes or when he needs to avoid a hazard on the left side of the fairway.
Influence of his coaches:
Morikawa has worked with several top golf coaches throughout his career, including Rick Sessinghaus and Mark Wood. These coaches have helped him to develop his unique grip and have also provided guidance on other aspects of his swing. By working closely with his coaches, Morikawa has been able to refine his technique and develop a swing that is both consistent and powerful.
Collin Morikawa’s Grip Types
| Grip Type | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages | Common Usage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vardon Overlap | Left hand pinky finger overlaps the right hand index and middle finger | Increased stability and control | Can lead to inconsistent shots if grip is not strong enough | Most commonly used grip by professionals |
| Interlocking | Left hand pinky finger interlocks with right hand index finger | Provides better club control and increased power | Can cause discomfort or pain in the hands if grip is too tight | Often used by golfers with smaller hands |
| 10 Finger | Both hands grip the club like holding a baseball bat | Provides maximum control and stability | Can limit club head speed and distance | Popular among beginners or seniors with less strength |
Collin Morikawa’s Grip Pressure
| Grip Pressure | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages | Common Usage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light | Gentle grip pressure with the hands | Increases club head speed and promotes a more relaxed swing | Can cause loss of control or accuracy if grip is too light | Used by golfers with a natural fluid swing |
| Medium | Moderate grip pressure with the hands | Provides good control and stability without sacrificing speed | Can cause tension in the hands and arms if grip is too tight | Used by most golfers |
| Firm | Strong grip pressure with the hands | Provides maximum control and stability | Can lead to fatigue and decrease in club head speed over time | Used by golfers with a faster swing or in windy conditions |
Collin Morikawa’s Grip Width
| Grip Width | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages | Common Usage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Narrow | Hands closer together on the club | Increases club head speed and promotes a more compact swing | Can limit power and distance | Used by golfers with smaller frames or less strength |
| Standard | Hands are shoulder-width apart on the club | Provides a balanced swing and good control | Can lead to inconsistent shots if grip is not proper | Used by most golfers |
| Wide | Hands are further apart on the club | Provides maximum stability and control | Can cause a loss of speed and distance | Used by golfers with a more powerful swing or for difficult shots |
Collin Morikawa’s Finger Placement
| Finger Placement | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages | Common Usage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overlapping | Left hand pinky overlaps right hand index and middle fingers | Provides increased stability and control | Can lead to inconsistent shots if grip is not strong enough | Most commonly used grip by professionals |
| Interlocking | Left hand pinky interlocks with right hand index finger | Provides better club control and increased power | Can cause discomfort or pain in the hands if grip is too tight | Often used by golfers with smaller hands |
| Ten Finger | Both hands grip the club like holding a baseball bat | Provides maximum control and stability | Can limit club head speed and distance | Popular among beginners or seniors with less strength |
Collin Morikawa’s Grip Orientation
| Grip Orientation | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages | Common Usage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neutral | Hands aligned with the clubface | Provides good control and accuracy | Can cause a hook or slice if grip is not proper | Used by most golfers |
| Strong | Hands rotated clockwise on the club | Increases power and reduces slice | Can cause a hook or miss to the left if grip is too strong | Used by golf |
Conclusion:
Collin Morikawa’s grip is just one part of his overall swing, but it is a key factor in his success on the golf course. By using a strong grip and a light grip pressure, he is able to hit accurate shots and generate plenty of power. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced golfer, it is worth experimenting with different grip styles to find one that works best for you. By focusing on the fundamentals of the grip, you can improve your overall golf game and start hitting more consistent shots.
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