Strong grip

[Mbaker1979]

A year or so ago I started taking lessons with the pro at my course and changed from a strong grip to a more normal/neutral one. This has led to a lot of inconsistencies in my shot shape (hooks, slices and everything in between).

At the range this morning, whilst experimenting, I went back to a strong grip and right away felt more in control than I have for a long time and was more consistent.

My question is, as this (a strong grip) feels more natural to me can I stick with it or do I have to have a more neutral grip? David Duval of old/Boo Weekly/Zach Johnson don't seem to have any trouble playing with strong grips.

 

[Matt Bryda]

My question is, as this (a strong grip) feels more natural to me can I stick with it or do I have to have a more neutral grip? David Duval of old/Boo Weekly/Zach Johnson don't seem to have any trouble playing with strong grips.

It's all about you and what works for you. If you can hit the shots you want to and play the way you want to with a strong grip, or standing on one leg what does it matter.

Matt

 

[greenfree]

A year or so ago I started taking lessons with the pro at my course and changed from a strong grip to a more normal/neutral one. This has led to a lot of inconsistencies in my shot shape (hooks, slices and everything in between).

At the range this morning, whilst experimenting, I went back to a strong grip and right away felt more in control than I have for a long time and was more consistent.

My question is, as this (a strong grip) feels more natural to me can I stick with it or do I have to have a more neutral grip? David Duval of old/Boo Weekly/Zach Johnson don't seem to have any trouble playing with strong grips.

What was the reason for changing your grip from strong to more neutral?

 

[Mbaker1979]

Matt, that's my thinking. Stick to what is natural and don't fight it. I will try it for a bit longer and see how I go with it.

Greenfree, the pro suggested it as it was more "orthodox" and when my grip is strong there is a tendency for my backswing to get really flat.

 

[imac]

Here's my take. I played w/ a very strong grip to fix my slice, but because of inconsistency I began the adventure for a better swing. Without going into the details, my fix consists of the soft draw pattern (with a Manzella neutral grip) w/ various pieces of NSA. I think you have to be careful w/ what feels "natural" when it comes to your golf swing. I've never hit it better than currently, w/ elements in my swing that initially did not feel or develop naturally. If this sounds like a Manzella endorsement - it is.

 

[greenfree]

Matt, that's my thinking. Stick to what is natural and don't fight it. I will try it for a bit longer and see how I go with it.

Greenfree, the pro suggested it as it was more "orthodox" and when my grip is strong there is a tendency for my backswing to get really flat.

With your stronger grip and flatter b.s. what was the problem that made you decide to switch to a more neutral grip? Assuming that there was a problem.

 

[dbl]

I think your wrist action with the strong grip needs considering. Maybe you are using a Duval/Azinger kind of passive angled hinge or maybe you are using a hammer-blow release. You can play with either, but you have to pick and decide affirmatively. I think personally the hammer-blow release would be more problematic. And yes both are not so orthodox...so you'd have to keep from reading mainstream tips.

 

[Kevin Shields]

I personally prefer a strong left hand and a weak right hand so pressure or top force is easier coming down for lag. Also kind of an anti hook with a strong grip. Very free release, i might add.

 

[spktho]

I personally prefer a strong left hand and a weak right hand so pressure or top force is easier coming down for lag. Also kind of an anti hook with a strong grip. Very free release, i might add.

How "strong" of a left hand grip?

Maybe for Mbaker to compare to Kevin's "strong" grip, both can answer this question:

If you hold the club with your left arm straight out horizontal to the ground with flat left wrist, how much is the face angled?

 

[dannyc]

I think your wrist action with the strong grip needs considering. Maybe you are using a Duval/Azinger kind of passive angled hinge or maybe you are using a hammer-blow release. You can play with either, but you have to pick and decide affirmatively. I think personally the hammer-blow release would be more problematic. And yes both are not so orthodox...so you'd have to keep from reading mainstream tips.

what's a hammer blow release?

 

[Mbaker1979]

greenfree:- I had a flat inside backswing then as I lifted my arms to finish my backswing I was looping it outside and then in. I had some other issues (flip, aimed way right to counter the inside takeaway..etc) so as I was going back to basics I decided to try the grip change.

dbl:- With the strong grip it feels like a left hand side on hammer blow. I find I can still hit a nice fade as I never let my hands turn over till well after the ball has gone.

spktho:- just did it and it was like 30 degrees maybe. At address the v of my left hand is pointing at my right shoulder.

As kevin mentions my right hand isn't as strong as my left. I find the strong left hand helps with getting my hands forward at impact.

 

[greenfree]

greenfree:- I had a flat inside backswing then as I lifted my arms to finish my backswing I was looping it outside and then in to out. I had some other issues (flip, aimed way right to counter the inside takeaway..etc) so as I was going back to basics I decided to try the grip change.

dbl:- With the strong grip it feels like a left hand side on hammer blow. I find I can still hit a nice fade as I never let my hands turn over till well after the ball has gone.

spktho:- just did it and it was like 30 degrees maybe. At address the v of my left hand is pointing at my right shoulder.

As kevin mentions my right hand isn't as strong as my left. I find the strong left hand helps with getting my hands forward at impact.

That's a lot to change at once, how's it going now that you have gone back to your stronger grip? Did you keep the other changes and what are they? Just curious.

 

[spktho]

spktho:- just did it and it was like 30 degrees maybe. At address the v of my left hand is pointing at my right shoulder.

As kevin mentions my right hand isn't as strong as my left. I find the strong left hand helps with getting my hands forward at impact.

I'd be interested to hear how strong a grip Kevin uses as there are many degrees of strong.

 

[Mbaker1979]

greenfree:- at times I was on the money at others like a train wreck. Most annoying was this occuring mid round. I remember having the round of my life 2 seasons ago - stood on the 14th tee 2 over par and then the wheels came off and dropped like 10 shots in 5 holes and didn't even beat my 12 handicap. Was naming my shots one minute next didn't have a clue.

Not played much the last 4 or 5 months and started back at the range to get ready for the new season and thinking about the grip change that started this thread as seem to hit it better/more consistent.