Playing golf with a strong grip can be a challenging task, but with practice and patience, it can be mastered. Here are some tips on how to play golf with a strong grip:
Understand what a strong grip is: A strong grip means that your hands are rotated to the right (for right-handed golfers) on the club. This can help promote a draw, but it may also cause a slice or hook if not executed correctly.
Position the hands correctly: Place the left hand on the club as usual, then move it to the right so that the “V” formed by your thumb and forefinger is pointing to your right shoulder. For the right hand, position it in a way that the palm faces more upwards.
Practice your grip: Before hitting the ball, practice gripping the club with a strong grip several times to get comfortable with it. Make sure your grip is firm but not too tight.
Adjust your stance: With a strong grip, you may need to adjust your stance slightly to compensate for the rotation of your hands. Experiment with different stances to find one that works for you.
Practice your swing: With a strong grip, you may find that you hit the ball further and with a slight draw. However, it can also lead to inconsistent shots. Practice your swing with a strong grip to develop a consistent shot pattern.
Keep your wrists firm: With a strong grip, there may be a tendency to overuse your wrists, leading to inconsistent shots. Keep your wrists firm and use your shoulders and body to generate power and speed.
Aim left: With a strong grip, the clubface may close during impact, causing the ball to go left. To compensate for this, aim slightly left of your target.
Stay balanced: Make sure to maintain good balance throughout your swing, especially with a strong grip, as it can cause you to overcompensate and lose your balance.
Avoid tension: A strong grip can cause tension in your arms and hands, which can lead to an inconsistent swing. Make sure to relax your muscles and avoid tensing up during your swing.
Get feedback: Ask a friend or instructor to watch your swing and provide feedback. This can help you identify any issues with your swing and make necessary adjustments.
Adjust your club selection: With a strong grip, you may hit the ball further and with a draw. This can be beneficial on some holes, but on others, it may not be the best strategy. Adjust your club selection accordingly based on the hole layout and your strengths.
Develop a pre-shot routine: Having a pre-shot routine can help you maintain consistency and focus during your swing. Include a few practice swings to help you get comfortable with your strong grip and visualize your shot.
Focus on your grip pressure: With a strong grip, it’s important to find the right balance of grip pressure. Too tight, and you may lose feel and control; too loose, and you may lose power and accuracy. Experiment with different grip pressures to find what works best for you.
Use training aids: There are a variety of training aids available that can help you improve your swing with a strong grip. These can include grip trainers, alignment sticks, and swing trainers.
Get professional instruction: If you’re struggling with your swing or finding it difficult to play with a strong grip, consider getting professional instruction. A golf instructor can help you identify any issues with your swing and provide personalized guidance to help you improve.
Work on your short game: A strong grip can be particularly beneficial on short shots around the green. Practice chipping and pitching with a strong grip to develop greater control and precision.
Use video analysis: Video analysis can be a powerful tool for improving your swing with a strong grip. Record your swing from different angles and study your technique to identify areas for improvement.
Stay relaxed: It’s important to stay relaxed and maintain good posture throughout your swing. Avoid tensing up or hunching over the ball, as this can limit your range of motion and affect your swing.
Practice with different clubs: Experiment with different clubs to see how your strong grip affects your shots. You may find that you hit some clubs better than others with a strong grip.
Play with confidence: Playing with a strong grip requires confidence in your swing and your ability to control the ball. Trust in your technique and don’t be afraid to take risks when you feel comfortable.
Ray Barnes, our Senior Staff Writer and a Golf Analyst with a PhD in Sports Analytics, is a beacon of insight in the golfing world. With a deep understanding of the sport's nuances, statistical analysis, and a talent for demystifying complexities, he provides in-depth analysis and captivating narratives that engage golf enthusiasts worldwide.
