How do I improve my grip pressure?

[rangerx]

Brian, I notice that I prematurely wear my (Tour Velvet) grips where my right thumb contacts the grip (I'm a right-handed player); the wear is most noticeable on my longer clubs, especially the driver. I assume I'm giving it the ole death grip and my release is adversely effected... diagnosis and suggestions? Thanks.

 

[Jim Kobylinski]

You're a hitter.....i bet you wear out gloves on the left thumb.

Sorry...couldn't resist.

 

[rangerx]

Hitter, yes; though I have a long swing and do not take deep divots, if that means anything [:I]. And, yes, my glove indicates wear on the left thumb pads. (Very good, Jim .) Also, it's the side of my right thumb that is digging into the grip.

I hold & swing the club too tightly between my thumbs and the insides of my forefingers. [B)]

 

[Brian Manzella]

How 'LONG' is your thumb?

 

[rangerx]

quote:Originally posted by brianman

How 'LONG' is your thumb?

Intriguing question...my thumb is 2-3/4" from the lower crease at the joint.

 

[horton]

How would you rate your backswing tempo to the top of the swing? If it is rather fast and you must come to an abrupt stop at the top before you reverse into the downswing, you could be creating a lot of pressure on your thumbs as they form a fulcrum under the club (Form I Lever). Alternatively if you are a hitter with a shortened backswing, then you may well be aggressively reversing the club, resulting in extra thumb fulcrum pressures.

I just can't see how your thumbs can get involve with the club in the downswing and through Impact. Perhaps brainman could help me on this one.

Btw, when brainman asked you how long was your thumb, my first thought was that he was inquiring if you held the club with a long or short left thumb position on the handle at Address. Do you?

 

[Brian Manzella]

Thanks Horton....

Yes rangerX...How long is your thumb in your gripping procedure...long or short?

 

[rangerx]

quote:Originally posted by brianman
How long is your thumb in your gripping procedure...long or short?

lol...sorry [:I] IF I understand you both correctly, my left thumb is "long" on the grip (thumb is against palm to above the top joint); right thumb is a little shorter (thumb is against palm to just below top joint).

quote:How would you rate your backswing tempo to the top of the swing?

Quicker than it should be .

 

[Brian Manzella]

Look at my grip article and try for a SHORT, Hogan-ized thumb.

I'll help a bunch.

Promise.