Grip size in relation to hook/slice

[jasongst]

I read somewhere that a too-small grip will encourage a hook and a too-large grip will encourage a slice. Is this true?

[chingali]

Yep, that's the common consensus.

[lhslicer]

Is there an easy way to determine if you have the right grip size or is a fitting necessary?

[Q.Q.Quillume]

I read somewhere that a too-small grip will encourage a hook and a too-large grip will encourage a slice. Is this true?

I'm looking at a copy of Ralph Maltby's

The Complete Golf Club Fitting Plan . I'm unable to find anything in the chapter "Grip Size & Material" to confirm that Mr. Maltby thinks either will cause a hook or a slice. However, it does say a grip which is too large for a particular golfer could inhibit wrist action . . . causing the ball to be pushed to the right and, conversely, a grip which is too small for a particular golfer could cause the ball to be pulled left of the target.

[jasongst]

However, it does say a grip which is too large for a particular golfer

Good enough for me. Don't recall exactly now if I read "pull" or "hook", etc.

[chingali]

This is how we were taught to measure for grip size.

http://golfgrips-direct.com/acatalog/Grip_Sizing.html

Something else to keep in mind is the preference of the player, providing that the player is at an ability level where they are worth listening to! If someone is a pretty average to poor ballstriker, I would tend to ignore what they had to say to me without letting them know I was doing so. You know the level of ability I am talking about, someone who has never broken 90 in their life and doesn't look likely to. If they came in and said "I want fat grips" then yes if they insisted then that's what they would get, otherwise I am going to measure them up and give them what they really need.

On the other hand, if a good player started asking me about how grip size may affect ball flight and they were always fighting a hook, I'd be likely to suggest going a bit thicker to try and work against that tendency or vice versa.

Another valid reason for going to thicker grips would be the case of an older golfer who has arthritis, the thicker grip would generally be easier for them to hold and control. It may not be the best option for maximising their swing potential, however if it lets them comfortably enjoy golf whereas otherwise they couldn't then it is totally valid.

I think that a good clubfitter should listen to whatever a customer has to say and then use his or her own common sense when making a recommendation. After all, you have gone to a clubfitter for their advice so they should be confident enough to make a decision and back it up with experience and knowledge, and a customer needs to be willing to accept the advice otherwise the whole relationship is doomed to failure anyway.

[JackieTreehorn]

This is how we were taught to measure for grip size.

Thanks, that is a helpful chart. I have 7.25" / 3.25" measurements (men's small glove). I am looking into different grips...specifically fatter ones. I currently use small grips between women's and men's thickness. In the past, before I knew any better, I played well with Winn oversize wraps and liked the feel. Specifically, like an arthritic person, I think I like how I can control the club with very light grip pressure. Am I completely wrong for trying out larger grips for smaller hands?

[chingali]

Am I completely wrong for trying out larger grips for smaller hands?

No, you are never wrong for trying out anything at all in fact you are usually better off for the experience. If you try something and it works you are in front, if you try something and it doesn't work then you are better off because you have got that idea out of your head and you can move your focus towards something else without wondering "what if"

Playing off a handicap of three you obviously have an excellent idea of what you are doing and can be objective enough to quantify results so give it a go. The type of people I mentioned as not being worth listening to when they say "I want fat grips" are the ones who have a rudimentary grasp of the golf swing and who lack necessary fundamentals. Trying out different grip thicknesses to modify/influence ball flight for these guys is something like putting a bandaid over a severed artery!

[beung]

I'll tell you what, the lower your handicap gets the more important the fitment of your equipment gets.

Anything that can shaves even 1 stroke off your game is a big deal when you're down to like a 3 or a 4 handicap that's a big deal. If you are like a 15 handicap it's not as big of a deal.

I have midsize grips and I don't have that large of hands. They helped to silence the hands a bit so I am less proned to turn my hands over too much and get that quick hook.