SHORT GAME GRIP

Improve your short game with the proper grip.

By Mike Calbot - The Golf Doctor

Golfers often struggle with the short game around the greens because they try using their normal golf grip for the short game. The grip is as different for the short game as the grip is for putting. You would not use your putting grip to hit a driver so why would you use the driver grip to hit a chip or pitch shot.

First let us understand the function of the full swing natural grip. The hands need to be placed on the golf club grip to supply leverage for power and speed along with the ability to re-square the club face during the release back through the impact zone. This is best accomplished with the more conventional grip which is held more in the fingers and diagonally across the palm of the left hand. Notice from the front view that the left thumb is at about 1:00 o’clock on the club grip and that the left thumb is only down to the second joint of the index finger. The “V” that is formed by this position is indicated by the blue line in the picture. When the right hand is placed on the club both “V’s” form a parallel line to the right side of the face.

The short game grip in function, is to eliminate wrist action and for the clubface to stay more square through the impact zone. Generally most golfers use an open stance and the short game grip which allows the ball to track better and offers a softer impact for better feel and control. Notice in the short game grip photo that the left thumb is on top at 12:00 o’clock and that the thumb is more stretched down the grip. This is because the club is held slightly more in the palm of the hand. When the right hand is placed on the club you can clearly see that on the short game grip the “V's" point towards the left side of the face.

The next time you go to the practice range give the short game grip a try and you will be amazed with the results.

Enjoy,

Mike Calbot, Director of Instruction, Mike Calbot International Golf Studio & Triad Golf Schools