When it comes to gripping a golf club, there are many different methods and styles. One popular method is the “Hank Haney” grip, named after the famous golf instructor who has coached many professional golfers, including Tiger Woods.
The Hank Haney grip is a variation of the “interlocking” grip, where the pinky finger of the right hand interlocks with the index finger of the left hand. Here are the steps to grip a golf club using the Hank Haney method:
- Hold the club in your left hand with your palm facing up, and place the clubface on the ground.
- Place your left thumb on the top of the grip, pointing down towards the ground.
- Wrap your fingers around the grip, making sure they are snug and not too tight.
- Place your right hand on the club, with your palm facing down and your pinky finger resting on top of your left hand.
- Interlock your right pinky finger with your left index finger.
- Wrap your right hand around the grip, making sure your fingers are snug and not too tight.
- Make sure your hands are touching each other, and there is no gap between them.
- Adjust your grip pressure so that it is firm but not too tight. You should be able to wiggle your fingers slightly.
- Finally, position the club in your fingers rather than in your palm, and align the clubface square to your target.
Remember, the grip is one of the most important fundamentals in golf, so it’s important to practice and get comfortable with your grip before hitting shots on the course. The Hank Haney grip is just one method, and you may find that another grip style works better for you.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips and considerations for using the Hank Haney grip:
- Hand position: With the Hank Haney grip, your left hand will be in a stronger position than your right hand. This means that your left hand will be more responsible for controlling the clubface during the swing, and your right hand will be more responsible for generating power.
- Finger placement: Make sure that your fingers are wrapped around the club and not over the top of the grip. You should be able to see the knuckles of your left hand and the thumb of your right hand.
- Grip pressure: As mentioned, your grip pressure should be firm but not too tight. A grip that is too tight can cause tension in your arms and affect your swing.
- Practice swings: Before hitting a shot, take a few practice swings with your Hank Haney grip to get comfortable and ensure that your grip pressure is consistent.
- Grip size: The size of your grip can also affect your swing. If your grip is too small or too large, it can affect your ability to control the clubface. Make sure that your grip size is appropriate for your hand size.
Remember that the Hank Haney grip is just one method, and it may not work for everyone. Experiment with different grip styles and find the one that feels most comfortable and natural for you. With practice and repetition, you’ll be able to develop a consistent and reliable grip that will help improve your golf game.
Hank Haney Grip Pressure
| Grip Pressure | Description | Pros | Cons | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strong | Fingers wrap tightly around grip | Provides control of clubface at impact | Can lead to tension in hands and forearms | Use this grip if you tend to slice or fade the ball |
| Neutral | Firm hold on grip | Offers consistent ball flight | May lack feel and touch | Try this grip if you’re not sure which one to use |
| Light | Gentle hold on grip | Offers more feel for the clubhead | Can lead to less control and distance | Use this grip if you tend to hook or draw the ball |
Hank Haney Hand Position
| Hand Position | Description | Pros | Cons | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neutral | Hands centered on the grip | Provides consistent ball flight | May not be as powerful or generate as much distance | Use this grip if you’re a beginner or have a slower swing |
| Strong | Trail hand more toward the back of the grip | Offers greater control of the clubface | Can limit wrist movement, leading to less distance | Use this grip if you tend to slice or fade the ball |
| Weak | Lead hand more toward the front of the grip | Provides more power and distance | May not offer as much control of the clubface | Use this grip if you tend to hook or draw the ball |
Hank Haney’s recommended grip pressure
| Grip pressure | Description |
|---|---|
| Light | Use just enough pressure to keep the club in hand |
| Tips | Avoid squeezing the club too tightly |
Hank Haney’s recommended hand position
| Hand position | Description |
|---|---|
| Neutral | Both hands centered on grip, thumbs on top |
| Tips | Keep hands relaxed and tension-free |
Hank Haney’s recommended grip style
| Grip style | Description |
|---|---|
| Vardon grip | Overlap the pinky finger of the trailing hand onto the index and middle fingers of the lead hand (for right-handed players) |
| Tips | Keep grip pressure light, and position the club in the fingers rather than the palms of the hands |
Hank Haney’s grip stance
| Grip stance | Description |
|---|---|
| Square stance | Align both feet, hips and shoulders parallel to the target line |
| Tips | Avoid gripping the club too tightly and maintain relaxed hands |
Hank Haney’s grip drill
| Grip drill | Description |
|---|---|
| Thumbs up | Position both thumbs straight up on top of the grip |
| Tips | Check that the V between the thumb and index finger points towards your right shoulder (for right-handed players) |
