The very first thing a PGA Professional will look at when you
get a lesson is your grip. Not only is it important to have your
hands positioned properly, but you must also grip the club lightly
to hit it long.
The very first thing a PGA Professional will look at when you get a lesson is your grip. Not only is it important to have your hands positioned properly, but you must also grip the club lightly to hit it long.
Never grip the club too deep in the palm of your hand. The club should be across your finger joints. When it’s in this position, it’s easier to generate more clubhead speed and hit a long, crisp shot.
Think of throwing a baseball. To throw it accurate and fast, the ball must be held in the fingers so it never actually touches the palm of your hand. If the ball is touching the palm, the velocity will be greatly reduced. Using the palm is actually one way to throw a “changeup,” or a pitch that travels much slower than it normally would. The same is true with the golf club.
So, try gripping the club lighter and in the fingers. You’ll see great results in no time. And, your friends won’t tease you about hitting a changeup off the tee.
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Don DeLorenzo is a PGA-certified instructor at Gilroy Golf Course. To schedule a lesson with Don, call Gilroy GC at (408) 848-0490.
