Lots of amateurs are on the range trying to dial in their swing. That’s good, but a poor setup and improper grip can render all that work meaningless if that’s what’s happening. Here are guidelines I like to use when talking about those fundamentals.
I’m a fan of the neutral grip because it’s natural and doesn’t require manipulation with the hands, wrists or forearms. With this method, however, there are several points to check to ensure your hands are on the grip correctly:
The grip should rest just above the inside knuckles of your left hand and, if done correctly, you should be able to support the club with only your index finger and the grip resting on the heel of your palm.
The first three knuckles of your left hand should be visible as you look down.
Your right hand’s thumb position should be just to the left of center of the grip.
The V formed with your right thumb and forefinger should point toward your right shoulder.
There should be no gap between the thumb and index finger of your right hand.
If you’ve gripped the club correctly you should be able to hinge your wrists upward while the clubface remains square. Once you see that, you’re ready to swing away and hit crisper shots.
Kip Puterbaugh, PGA, is director of the Kip Puterbaugh Aviara Golf Academy in Carlsbad. Reach him at (760) 438-4539 or kip.puterbaugh@aviaragolfacademy.com.
