Golf Basics---Grips

To assume the correct grip, right hand golfers should follow this procedure:Hold the club about 3 feet in the air and in front of your body. Make sure the face of the club is square, not open or closed.Place the club at an angle through the fingers of the left hand. The club should touch the base of the little finger and just above the first joint of the index finger (on the dots).Place your left thumb toward the back side of the shaft-a 1:00 position for the right-handed golfer.With the left hand grip completed:a.the left thumb should rest at 1:00b.you should be able to see the knuckles of the index and middle finger in the address positionc.the thumb and forefinger V should point between your right shoulder and right ear.Adding the Right Hand to the GripNow it is time to place your right hand on the club. Place the club in the fingers of your right hand at angle. Position the club handle so it touches the dots. This locates the club handle between Section 1 & 2 of the right ring finger, directly on Section 2 of the middle finger, and between Section 2 & 3 of the index finger.Cover the left hand thumb with the lifeline of the right palm and make sure that the V formed by the right thumb and forefinger is parallel to the V on the left hand.Putting the Grip Together: Common Golf GripsThe hands must work together as a single unit when striking a ball so it is best to link the hands together in one of three ways:The Vardon Overlap is the most common grip among professionals.The next most common grip is called the Interlock.The least common but an effective connection is the Ten Finger Grip.Golf Club Grip and PressureFinally, to hit the ball farther use a light grip pressure. On a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 is light and 10 is tight, I recommend a pressure of 3 or 4.Remember: Ben Hogan said "good golf begins with a good grip". It may feel uncomfortable at first, but once you get used to it, you will hit the ball straighter and farther.