Strong grips provide several benefits when playing golf, including reducing timing requirements, feeling more natural throughout the swing, enabling a smoother release, making draws simpler, and assisting with a powerful body rotation through the ball.
A strong grip does not necessarily refer to how firmly you hold the club. A right-handed golfer with a firm grip would rotate their left hand counterclockwise (while gazing down at the handle) before re-gripping the club. For a left-handed person, this would entail regripping and counterclockwise rotating the right hand.
For your golf swing, you can experiment with different strength levels. But bear in mind that any adjustment will feel weird and unfamiliar at first. If you give it a try over the course of a few range sessions and perhaps even a month or two, you might see some great swing improvement.
Table of Contents
How will the strength of your grip impact your game?
Your ability to control the club will directly depend on how firm your grip is. You can flip a club over considerably easier if your grip is really firm.
Yet, the weaker grip makes it challenging to move your hands and let go of the golf clubs. There is no definitive claim that one of these grips is superior to the other; both have advantages and drawbacks. You may select the best grip for your game by being aware of these variances.
What does a solid grip mean in golf?
When you have a firm grasp, your hands and thumbs form a ‘V,’ and they point toward the right side of the head. In golf, a firm grip refers to how a player holds the club in their hands.
Right-handed golfers may strengthen their left hand by turning their grip clockwise. In general, a strong grip is one in which the crease between the thumb and fingers points to your right shoulder (assuming you are a right-handed golfer).
Someone who swings over the top or has trouble slicing the ball might be helped by a firm grip. This specific grip encourages a swing that is more in-to-out and a club face that closes more at contact. Shots that spin right to left are significantly simpler to make with this grip. If you have trouble with weak fades and slices, you might want to consider tightening your grip a little.
Benefits of a firm golf grip
Less dependent on the timing of releases
Perhaps the most important item on this list is this one. The momentum of your swing will more naturally release the club head through the ball if you tighten your hold on the club. This means that you need to rotate your hands less actively during your swing—possibly even not at all.
You don’t need to pace the release to hit the ball straight; just let your hands release naturally through the ball. In reality, the club head rotates more slowly if you let your natural momentum leave your hands (the rotation slows, not necessarily the swing speed). This implies that you have a significantly bigger margin for mistake when the clubface is facing the target when it makes contact with the ball.
Another advantage of using a timed release less frequently is that you may more easily strike a fade or draw by making little grip modifications. Making the changes is also simpler since you may use the club face more consistently.
The setup and takeaway processes feel more natural
Although I may be a little prejudiced, I believe that a firmer grip just feels more natural during setup and takeout.
Making a strong setup and takeout is one component of the swing that many people overlook. All the concentration is on the downswing. Yet, if you can position yourself correctly, all you have to do is unwind fiercely through the ball.
The firmer grip feels more forceful and at ease throughout the setup. It conjures up the idea of backhanding the ball with your leading hand in your head. It has always struck me as a useful mental representation of a powerful blow.
A firmer grip on the takeout aids in placing the club in a powerful position at the peak of the swing. The tight grip naturally encourages wrist rotation and hinging which are the defining characteristics of a solid backswing, but it is still required and crucial to use drills and a mirror to observe where the club is and perfect your swing.
Encourages a strong and smooth release through the ball
A firm grip on the club will naturally result in a smoother, more powerful release through the ball. This is because, as far as your arm and hand muscles are concerned, the release is more passive.
As the majority of the effort is done by centrifugal force, you may swing more forcefully and smoothly without worrying about when to let go.
Enables hitting draws
A tight grip does make it simpler to shut the clubface on the downswing and hit draws, however, this one may be overdone. But be careful not to close the face too much and hook the ball away from the intended trajectory.
Encourages a powerful body turn through the ball
And last, a powerful grasp practically demands a powerful body rotation through the ball. While employing a firm grip, stalling out your body rotation can cause the club face to shut up too quickly and result in a hook.
After a few of them, you’ll realize how crucial body rotation is and begin performing it more frequently. You’ll learn to rotate your body during the shot each time as a result of the negative feedback of a poor shot.
Bringing the club from the inside becomes simpler
Taking the club over the top is difficult for golfers who have a good wrist cock at the top of their swing. You will hit a lot of fades and slices when you take the club over the top of the plane. Your hands and body no longer coordinate if the club lands on the wrong plane.
It is considerably simpler to drop the club in from the inside if you have a strong wrist cock at the top of your swing. Your body may naturally loosen as you release the club from the inside, allowing you to spin in the direction of your intended target. The majority of golfers who lower the club from the inside will see a ball pattern that closely resembles a draw.
The approach to the golf ball with the club descending from the inside and moving outside is far more effective. This is a straightforward approach to get distance back into your golf swing if you feel like it has been missing in any manner.
Increases the chance of a successful turn through impact
The tight grip might boost your chance of producing a fantastic turn through impact, which is the last item on our list. You should turn your body as well as the golf ball as you move through it.
The golf ball may land wherever if your body remains still and you are simply using your hands and arms.
Fortunately, the wrist cock and the possibility of the golf club dropping from the inside make a fantastic turn more likely. However, as we’ve said with a few other benefits, this won’t happen naturally. Body rotation, learning to rotate, and learning to shift your weight are all skills you’ll need to master.
Some postures are a little bit simpler to achieve because of the firm grasp. You will start striking hooks if your grip is too tight. Just shifting your grip back to a more neutral position should soon remedy the error.
The drawbacks of a strong golf grip
The drawback of the firm golf grip is that you risk flipping the club over and hooking your shot if you place your hand too far under the club. A player’s hands and wrists may become a little bit too involved in their golf swings on occasion due to the firm grip. If this occurs, a player may wind up losing part of the power they generate with their bigger muscles.
Who should utilize a strong grip?
The strongest grip will be most advantageous to golfers who slice the ball. It is much simpler to correct a slice when you have a firm hold on the club.
What distinguishes a tight grasp from a strong grip?
Grip pressure is indicated by a tight grip. A golfer should never use a tight grip pressure during a stroke. Players find it more difficult to get through a golf ball and unleash their strokes as the grip pressure gets tighter. You will obtain significantly greater distance and a smoother swing if you use a light grip pressure.
The way your hands are placed on the golf club is referred to as having a strong grip. This is a strong grip if your left hand is turned farther away from the target. You might have a strong, weak, or neutral grip when playing golf. Although a neutral grip is probably preferable, some golfers may discover that something somewhat neutral or weaker suits their game better.
All-time greatest golfers with strong grips
There have been several outstanding golfers who have used a strong grip. The names Dustin Johnson, Jon Rahm, Paul Azinger, and Zach Johnson immediately spring to mind. Also, we are noticing an increase in the number of golfers who use a strong left hand with their right hand on top.
The main line is that there isn’t a single grip that is ideal, however, the strong grip has certain advantages. The player may combat the hook shot with a strong grip, which is the only significant drawback.
To prevent the golf hook shot at one time in his career, Ben Hogan modified his grip and swing. The hook shot is feared by many professional golfers, who will alter their swing to avoid it. Nonetheless, unless they are forced to resist the hook shot, the majority of novices should keep a strong grip.
Even then, they can probably continue using the strong grip if they twist throughout the shot and minimize club head spin. A difficult combination to defeat is the tight grip together with a solid turn on the back swing and turning through the stroke. Consider Dustin Johnson and Jon Rahm as two excellent examples.
The effects of a firm grip on your swing
The players who have had the best success with extremely strong grips have typically utilized a lot of rotational motion and had very flat swing planes.
Denis Pugh, the instructor, advises players who utilize a lot of body motion in their swings to use a firm grip, while those who use their arms and hands more in their swings should use a more neutral grip (an upright swing).
The idea that a strong grip would stop a slice is untrue, according to golf instructor Chuck Evans; to achieve that, you must learn to control the club face regardless of the grip you choose.
Tips for a strong grip in golf swing
- Maintain your grip in the fingers
Whichever grip you decide to use for your golf swing, it’s crucial to preserve the grip in your fingertips. Maintaining your grip will allow your hands to function properly and maximize your speed.
When a pitcher is attempting to slow down their throw, that is the only time they will place the ball more in their palm. Each golfer’s swing objective is to generate enough speed to navigate the course. For their quickness, many golfers have to practice and train. Keep it straightforward and keep your fingertips on the handle. You can improve your speed and athleticism by doing this.
- Develop your speed
Speaking about speed, it is crucial to train for speed regardless of your grip.The secret to getting lesser marks is to speed up. We could all use more speed, regardless of our present skill level or swing speed.
Also, the speed exercise below will help you develop more fluid swing mechanics. Regardless of your present skill level, it is worthwhile to try it out. Your game will benefit from the improved swing mechanism and the extra distance!
You can carry out all of this in your backyard. Just enough room is required to swing a golf club. This is the best at-home exercise program, and you’ll notice results right away. You can track your development there with your swing radar!
Unavoidably, we all want our games to move faster, no matter how they are right now. The requirement for speed in the golf swing has become abundantly evident, and there are techniques to increase speed! The analytics on golf at all levels demonstrate the significance of speed and greater speed in lowering golf scores.
It’s time to start becoming faster by exercising more. I would strongly advise doing this exercise and training regimen. The SuperSpeed Training System is the main factor that has enabled me to cover huge ground. You may raise your swing speed by 5-8%, which can be 20-30 yards, by using this overspeed-based approach, where you exercise every other day for roughly 10-15 minutes with various swing sticks. Anybody would value an additional 20–30 yards. Also, it enhances your mechanics.
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The metrics make it quite obvious how crucial speed is in the game of golf. Which distance would you want for your approach shot—130 yards or 160 yards? The answer is rather easy!
We are aware that, whether we are PGA Tour players, scratch golfers, or typical amateurs, we will eventually hit shots from 130 yards far closer than from 160 yards! In order to hit the ball closer to the hole and make more putts, we must have shorter approach shots. Golf is a game where speed is king!
- Rotate during the shot
Having a stock shot is essential to playing excellent golf. one where at least 7 out of 10 times the shot begins along a comparable start line. The goal is to be able to deliver a shot you can count on, whether your go-to shot is a pull or a fade.
At times of stress, you might get accustomed to this and rely on it. I prefer to draw since it seems the most natural, and my strong grip allows for a powerful push draw that doesn’t need a lot of work. I just spin left, turn through, and turn back. The ball will start right and draw if the club stays inside. The rotation of the ball is crucial if you want maximum speed and consistency.
- Squat and turn
For whatever reason, too many golfers slide their hips forward. It is even more crucial to sit and turn if you have a powerful grip. This will help you stabilize the club face.
With a strong grip, you run the risk of having to defend against a hook shot when playing golf.
This may result in some terrible shots. If you catch yourself catching too frequently, consider turning and rotating through the shot more. By doing so, you’ll be able to stop the early release and stabilize the club face.
- Keep your hands back
From the top, there is a strong tendency to pull downward. This feels strong as the player attempts to accelerate. The truth is that you can get a whip-like motion in the shot if you can allow the hands to feel like they remain at the top for even a brief moment as the body begins to descend and spin.
It aids in maintaining an inside route for the arms, and rotation of the club through the ball aids in maintaining club stability throughout the stroke. The majority of players aim for regularity. Consistent golf can be achieved by using a strong grasp, a correct rotation, and a hand that is held back for a brief period of time.
The more you depend on throwing your hands or the release, the greater degree of variability you introduce into your stroke. Strive to make your club swing more stable and rotated.
The George Gankas method or a few other more recent teachers, who seem to grasp this method, are both highly recommended.
Recently, I chose the George Gankas method, and I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the range and consistency I’ve noticed.
Next things to do
- Take a video of your swing to see how it appears and to see whether you have a firm or weak grip.
- Improve your ability to reliably strike the ground in the same place, manage your start line and curve, and have enough pace. These are the three basics of golf.
- Measure your swing. Your club face and route may be affected by your hold. Knowing your swing path and club face orientation at contact can be useful. Even novice golfers can access this technology and statistics in the modern golf world thanks to advancements in technology.
An excellent supplement to your practice exercise is a launch monitor. Get the instant input you need to better your game and stop speculating about your ball and club statistics. Today’s top professional golfers all have access to cutting-edge equipment, such as launch monitors, which can help them gauge their strokes and know their statistics.
Can a novice use the same or a comparable piece of technology to enhance their play? Absolutely, without a doubt, and I wholeheartedly endorse it. You can still find a launch monitor for an affordable price and use it in your indoor net or take it with you to the course or driving range even if you don’t plan to go all out and construct an indoor golf simulator like I did!
Your development depends on your ability to calculate things like spin rate, ball speed, spin orientation, and other crucial data. Giving your teacher access to these figures can be beneficial and aid in tool selection. The SkyTrak is a fantastic choice and offers fantastic input!
Should you play golf with a strong grip?
Simply put, it depends. It would be a good notion to try it if you’ve never done so and are having trouble with your stroke. It made a significant impact on my playing, and it might do the same for you.
But there isn’t a single method for striking a golf stick that works for everyone. Everybody has unique requirements, as well as unique assets and weaknesses. Therefore, go out there and figure out what suits you while also taking a class from a PGA-certified teacher. They’ll be able to observe your swing in reality and instruct you accordingly.
Frequently asked questions
Do experts have a strong grip?
Yes. On the PGA Tour, a lot of players have strong grips. Tiger Woods, Zach Johnson, Bubba Watson, and Dustin Johnson are all renowned for having strong grips. Compare this to Jack Nicklaus’ era, when a more balanced grasp predominated on the tour.
What is the best grip for junior golfers?
Juniors frequently discover that their stronger grasp gives them better club control. To make excellent golf shots when they are first learning the game, kids must make sure they establish control.
Although a stronger grasp might be a good notion, most juvenile golfers should start out with a neutral golf grip.
Can a slice or hook be fixed by grip strength?
The way in which you strike your golf ball can be greatly influenced by your grip strength. Sometimes your wrist power is the only factor in whether you slice or hook your golf ball.
Top golfers will admit that the grip and posture are among the first things they check to correct when a problem arises with their swing. If your grip and posture are off, it may create other problems in your golf stroke that result in the slice or hook. The simplest setting and stance corrections can result in a much more efficient golf stroke.
Does the pace of the swing influence how firm your grip should be?
You typically have a stronger grip on the club when you have a strong golf grip. Players can usually strike the ball much farther as a result of this. A strong grip would be preferable if you wanted to improve the pace of your clubhead.
Is it simple to change from a strong to a weak grip and vice versa?
Once you are aware of the distinctions between the strong and weak grips, switching between them is simple. Many players will agree that switching handles can be difficult because it makes you feel uneasy.
Simply focus on a grip that you can effectively repeat if you want to prevent this. You won’t have any problems if you can accomplish this.
Final words
A strong grip can definitely help anybody in their game. Whether it’s knowing it works for them or finding out that a weaker grip is better, knowledge remains to be key. Use the tips described above to try and see for yourself!