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Welcome to Play Smart, a regular GOLF.com game improvement column that will help you play smarter and better golf.
Fundamentals are the key to a strong golf swing. The foundations built by strong fundamentals are what allow you to make proper swings and improve as a player. If you take shortcuts when it comes to the basics, you will never master the advanced ones.
One of these basic – and perhaps most important – is how you hold the club. Yes, the club contract may be It seems Primitive, but it is essential that you do well if you want to become an elite player. Your grip is what gets you to the front of the club, and you need to be on the spot if you want maximum control.
Practicing the correct grip is very easy compared to practicing the other basics. All you need is a golf club and you can practice anywhere – even on the couch.
For more help on how to properly grip your golf club, we turn to three-time master champion Padraig Harrington.
“Make sure you have plenty of movement,” says Harrington. “That’s all we’re looking for in a grip. We’re looking for the ability to lift the club up and down and move it side to side.”
According to Harrington, proper grip is more in the fingers than people think. Many people hold the cane in the palm of their hand, but it is actually more helpful to hold it with your fingers. When the club is held in the palm of your hand, it gives you less mobility in your hands.
When you look at your left hand on the handle, you want to see about two knuckles. There is room for interpretation here, as some players need a weaker or stronger grip, but two hinges are a good starting point.
“It’s not so important,” says Harrington. “It’s what feels good. The main thing is that your fingers have got it so you have flexibility on your wrist.”
When you put your right hand on the handle, you again want to hold the racket with your fingers. Next, use the crease in your right hand as a reference point and press it against your left thumb against the handle. Wrap your fingers around the handle.
“You can learn this grip in any book,” says Harrington. “But you have to do a little bit of work to get that grip on all those fingers.”
If you can master a neutral grip, you’ll be well on your way to the solid foundation required for a proper golf swing.