Jump to content
Note: This thread is 760 days old. We appreciate that you found this thread instead of starting a new one, but if you plan to post here please make sure it's still relevant. If not, please start a new topic. Thank you!

Recommended Posts

Hi All,

im curious how many out there actively relax their hands prior to swinging?  I notice that if I fail to do so, I have hopelessly erratic ball contact.  I have to relax so much that the club almost falls out of my hand before I reapply just enough pressure.  This goes for the putter all the way up to driver.  For those who do relax, how much grip pressure are you trying to apply?

 

thanks!


(edited)
  On 10/26/2021 at 5:23 PM, bonsaiguy32 said:

Hi All,

im curious how many out there actively relax their hands prior to swinging?  I notice that if I fail to do so, I have hopelessly erratic ball contact.  I have to relax so much that the club almost falls out of my hand before I reapply just enough pressure.  This goes for the putter all the way up to driver.  For those who do relax, how much grip pressure are you trying to apply?

 

thanks!

Expand  

I go through phases, here is my swing a few years ago:

 

club-flying.gif

But seriously, I have found that my best results come from relaxed hands/wrists.

Edited by Carl3
  • Funny 1
Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

I've had issues in both directions.

I used to grip the club so tightly that there was too much tension in my arms and wrists to swing effectively.

Lately, I was gripping so loose with my right hand that the club was sliding around during backswing/transition.

I think I have found a good middle ground, but something I need to continue working on.

-Peter

  • :titleist: TSR2
  • :callaway: Paradym, 4W
  • :pxg: GEN4 0317X, Hybrid
  • :srixon: ZX 3-iron, ZX5 4-AW
  • :cleveland:  RTX Zipcore 54 & 58
  • L.A.B. Golf Directed Force 2.1
Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

Being who I am, I throttle the life out of the grip. I periodically try to think about relaxing it, but it usually doesn't last long. 

Played both with a glove and without one. The difference is about $15.

 

  • Funny 1
Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

  • Moderator
  On 10/26/2021 at 5:23 PM, bonsaiguy32 said:

Hi All,

im curious how many out there actively relax their hands prior to swinging?  I notice that if I fail to do so, I have hopelessly erratic ball contact.  I have to relax so much that the club almost falls out of my hand before I reapply just enough pressure.  This goes for the putter all the way up to driver.  For those who do relax, how much grip pressure are you trying to apply?

 

thanks!

Expand  

Think about when you use a hammer. You grip it firmly but still can swing it easily. That’s the feel I go for. Try gripping the club firmly and start slowly swinging back and forth. Then increase the speed with the same pressure. You will eventually get to a very fast swing with firm pressure at the fingers only.

  • Thumbs Up 1

Scott

Titleist, Edel, Scotty Cameron Putter, Snell - AimPoint - Evolvr - MirrorVision

My Swing Thread

boogielicious - Adjective describing the perfect surf wave

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

  • Administrator

A hammer is a good analogy.

The club is exerting ~100 pounds of force on you around impact. Sometimes more. You've got to be able to hold on with that happening, so it's a firmer grip than many seem to think.

In fact…

 

  • Thumbs Up 2

Erik J. Barzeski —  I knock a ball. It goes in a gopher hole. 🏌🏼‍♂️
Director of Instruction Golf Evolution • Owner, The Sand Trap .com • AuthorLowest Score Wins
Golf Digest "Best Young Teachers in America" 2016-17 & "Best in State" 2017-20 • WNY Section PGA Teacher of the Year 2019 :edel: :true_linkswear:

Check Out: New Topics | TST Blog | Golf Terms | Instructional Content | Analyzr | LSW | Instructional Droplets

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

  • 11 months later...

After hearing Chi Chi Rodriguez comment on keeping a lighter grip pressure, I tried it. Never really thought of it before (and I keep looking back to the "ancients," hence Chi Chi).

Keeping my grip lighter lets my wrist and arms stay loose and I'm now getting a lot better consistency in contact. Way more sweet hits, and better control of distance on chip shots.

Of course the magnitude of swing force varies dramatically vary from chips and pitches to full swing, but the grip pressure will naturally increase to keep the club secure (or it does in my case). But keeping loose at setup and into the backswing is something I'm really happy I tried. Apparently I played way too long on hard/slick grips too small for my hands, and it left a mark.

I say so long as I'm hitting it better and I'm not flinging clubs, my grip pressure is good. It was a big surprise.

This ain't no Party, this ain't no Disco...

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

  • Administrator

🤦‍♂️

I just realized that’s literally the post above yours @Wade Patton.

Erik J. Barzeski —  I knock a ball. It goes in a gopher hole. 🏌🏼‍♂️
Director of Instruction Golf Evolution • Owner, The Sand Trap .com • AuthorLowest Score Wins
Golf Digest "Best Young Teachers in America" 2016-17 & "Best in State" 2017-20 • WNY Section PGA Teacher of the Year 2019 :edel: :true_linkswear:

Check Out: New Topics | TST Blog | Golf Terms | Instructional Content | Analyzr | LSW | Instructional Droplets

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

Yes, I saw that. But

My grip pressure was causing problems and I'm way happier with it looser than tighter. I figure if it works for the game, it works.  Headed to the range in a few to see how it works on long balls.

This ain't no Party, this ain't no Disco...

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

  • Administrator

Okay, but I think that if you get better you’re going to likely see better results with a firmer grip with a more consistent grip pressure throughout the swing. Right now it changes  throughout your swing.

I’d even wager a small amount you’re letting go a bit near the top. At least about a 50% chance.

P.S. I’m only talking about full swings.

Erik J. Barzeski —  I knock a ball. It goes in a gopher hole. 🏌🏼‍♂️
Director of Instruction Golf Evolution • Owner, The Sand Trap .com • AuthorLowest Score Wins
Golf Digest "Best Young Teachers in America" 2016-17 & "Best in State" 2017-20 • WNY Section PGA Teacher of the Year 2019 :edel: :true_linkswear:

Check Out: New Topics | TST Blog | Golf Terms | Instructional Content | Analyzr | LSW | Instructional Droplets

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

I think the grip pressure needs to be strong enough to make it so the grip pressure is consistent through out the swing. You might be having success in the short term, but might not be a long term benefit. 

GettyImages-1272849317hh.jpg

In today's Play Smart, we're talking about the famous 'advice' to grip the club softly, and why that might be costing you swing speed.
  Quote

When TPI measures them on a dynamometer, they can exert about 60 kg of maximum force. Amateurs, by contrast, usually only exert about 30 kg of maximum force.

Expand  

If you want to benefit your swing, improve your grip strength. Also, this is good for longevity. There is a weird correlation between grip strength and lower mortality rates for older adults. 

pmc-logo-share.png?_=0

Grip strength has been proposed as a biomarker. Supporting this proposition, evidence is provided herein that shows grip strength is largely consistent as an explanator of concurrent overall strength, upper...

Yea, I would recommend actually improving your grip strength, which can be done. Rock climbers do this, and I do not think they do this just because it doesn't help them improve their grip strength. 

improve-grip-strength-with-barbells-1.pn

This ultimate guide will help you develop better grip strength quickly. Get your first pull-up, carry more things, and keep your hands healthy and happy!

I remember when I was young, my dad would take me to the gym with him. He would work out his wrist and forearms. I  remember him telling me a few months later that it really helped him playing golf, especially getting out of the rough. 

 

  • Informative 2

Matt Dougherty, P.E.
 fasdfa dfdsaf 

What's in My Bag
Driver; :pxg: 0311 Gen 5,  3-Wood: 
:titleist: 917h3 ,  Hybrid:  :titleist: 915 2-Hybrid,  Irons: Sub 70 TAIII Fordged
Wedges: :edel: (52, 56, 60),  Putter: :edel:,  Ball: :snell: MTB,  Shoe: :true_linkswear:,  Rangfinder: :leupold:
Bag: :ping:

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

I’d wager that any positive results from a loosening in grip pressure will be short lived. I have found over the years that a new swing thought or locus of attention will work for a couple sessions but not lead to long lasting improvement. Seems like a fine thing to explore. But it’s not something that’s going to shave off more than a stroke or two from a handicap.

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

(edited)

Until someone measures my grip pressure, no one actually knows how hard I'm gripping the club at any point in any swing. I don't mean to be contrarian, but it's working for my benefit. I hit a couple hundred into my net yesterday, then today I hit two buckets at the range (every club), plus couple dozen sand shots, and a bunch of longer chip shots, then several dozen putts.
 

I'm not striking every shot pure just yet, but more sweet ones than last week and the week before that. Tempo is my biggest issue now. It's coming along.

What works works, and it's working for me at present. It's easier on my hands too.

Edited by Wade Patton
reduction of redundancy, clarification of situation.

This ain't no Party, this ain't no Disco...

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

  • Administrator
  On 10/24/2022 at 12:22 AM, Wade Patton said:

Until someone measures my grip pressure, no one actually knows how hard I'm gripping the club at any point in any swing.

Expand  

I’m going with the facepalm emoji again.

You can lead a horse to water…

  • Funny 1

Erik J. Barzeski —  I knock a ball. It goes in a gopher hole. 🏌🏼‍♂️
Director of Instruction Golf Evolution • Owner, The Sand Trap .com • AuthorLowest Score Wins
Golf Digest "Best Young Teachers in America" 2016-17 & "Best in State" 2017-20 • WNY Section PGA Teacher of the Year 2019 :edel: :true_linkswear:

Check Out: New Topics | TST Blog | Golf Terms | Instructional Content | Analyzr | LSW | Instructional Droplets

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

Thinking on this more and I think tinkering with grip pressure is actually just a waste of valuable practice time.
 

I’d rather spend time on mechanical improvements that have been given to me by a professional instructor. Or working on skill games where I’m hitting shots to different targets.

  • Upvote 1
Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

  On 10/24/2022 at 1:26 AM, iacas said:

I’m going with the facepalm emoji again.

You can lead a horse to water…

Expand  

I laugh because I just saw Greg Norman give credit to Jack Nicklaus for giving him the best golf tip of his life one evening of the 1986 British Open (if I recall correctly about the date). He said that Jack mentioned that he should watch his grip pressure and that he made a conscious effort to do in route to winning that one.

We are not all the same.

This ain't no Party, this ain't no Disco...

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

  • Administrator
  On 10/24/2022 at 2:19 AM, Wade Patton said:

We are not all the same.

Expand  

We are more than you think. You have two hands. The club exerts ~100 pounds of force. Etc.

I could beat you gripping it all different pressures.

Focus on things that matter. You’re not good enough to do things differently.

And I am saying all this because I’m trying to help you.

  • Thumbs Up 1

Erik J. Barzeski —  I knock a ball. It goes in a gopher hole. 🏌🏼‍♂️
Director of Instruction Golf Evolution • Owner, The Sand Trap .com • AuthorLowest Score Wins
Golf Digest "Best Young Teachers in America" 2016-17 & "Best in State" 2017-20 • WNY Section PGA Teacher of the Year 2019 :edel: :true_linkswear:

Check Out: New Topics | TST Blog | Golf Terms | Instructional Content | Analyzr | LSW | Instructional Droplets

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

@Wade Patton You’ve now referenced Rodriguez, Nicklaus and Norman. While they were all certainly enormously good golfers, technology has come a long way. Much if not most of what those guys thought they were doing, they weren’t. And just for giggles, I wonder how much that advice to Norman carried him into his Masters performances……😃. Seriously though, @iacas is trying to help. I can assure you his advice is well worth taking. Cheers!

  • Thumbs Up 1

:ping: G25 Driver Stiff :ping: G20 3W, 5W :ping: S55 4-W (aerotech steel fiber 110g shafts) :ping: Tour Wedges 50*, 54*, 58* :nike: Method Putter Floating clubs: :edel: 54* trapper wedge

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

Note: This thread is 760 days old. We appreciate that you found this thread instead of starting a new one, but if you plan to post here please make sure it's still relevant. If not, please start a new topic. Thank you!

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now


  • Want to join this community?

    We'd love to have you!

    Sign Up
  • TST Partners

    PlayBetter
    TourStriker PlaneMate
    Golfer's Journal
    ShotScope
    The Stack System
    FitForGolf
    FlightScope Mevo
    Direct: Mevo, Mevo+, and Pro Package.

    Coupon Codes (save 10-20%): "IACAS" for Mevo/Stack/FitForGolf, "IACASPLUS" for Mevo+/Pro Package, and "THESANDTRAP" for ShotScope. 15% off TourStriker (no code).
  • Posts

    • Day 50: 1/30/2025 Back home again, today. Got to do some full speed swings hitting balls into the garage net.
    • Something just popped into my head, based on your mention of the folks who "know the rules" but are generally wrong.  Another comment I read was "the Rules ALWAYS said.....".  When I come across those I often go to  www.ruleshistory.com to see if the rules ever said that.  You can find every (almost?) version of the rules since the first set in 1744.  Its fun to return to the conversation and say "You're a little bit right, the rules said that at one time, but that changed in 1984.  You've been playing under the wrong rule for 40 years!"  
    • Hi, checking back in to see if any St. Louis area golfers get together for a round or three during the year.  I have recently dropped my membership in a local league this year to work on my game and meet other people.  I would love to hear from anyone that would be interested in meeting for a round in the St. Louis area.   Rick
    • Wordle 1,321 5/6 🟨⬜🟨⬜🟩 ⬜🟩⬜⬜🟩 ⬜🟩🟨⬜🟩 🟨🟩⬜🟩🟩 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
    • Wordle 1,321 4/6 ⬜🟩⬜🟩🟩 ⬜🟩⬜🟩🟩 ⬜🟩⬜🟩🟩 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Welcome to TST! Signing up is free, and you'll see fewer ads and can talk with fellow golf enthusiasts! By using TST, you agree to our Terms of Use, our Privacy Policy, and our Guidelines.

The popup will be closed in 10 seconds...