Transition from Strong to Neutral Grip

[jjb333]

This is my goal for the off season; to change from my incredibly strong grip to a neutral grip. Right now I can hit my mid to long irons a mile, but not high enough for the types of shots that you sometimes need to hit. Plus, I'm realizing now that I should sacrifice some distance for more accuracy.

Anyway, to the point. I was wondering if anyone who has made this transition before could offer me some advice. When I grip a club with a neutral grip it feels like I've never held a golf club before. What's worse is when I try to hit the ball I usually get a shank or a high soft fade which is usually 2/3 my usual distance. I'm assuming that with repetition I'll get there but I was hoping for something to help me along. Thanks in advance!

[Stacey_E]

When I grip a club with a neutral grip it feels like I've never held a golf club before. What's worse is when I try to hit the ball I usually get a shank or a high soft fade which is usually 2/3 my usual distance.

Me too! I started, like many golfers, with a weak grip. I went a little too far to the strong side over the years. I'm not using a motorcycle grip yet, but I need to dial it back a touch. Especially if I ever want to hit a high shot on command. I'll be watching this thread.

[jambalaya]

If you have had a very strong grip for a long time then you are going to have to change something else in your swing to square the club to the ball. A very strong grip will compensate for say not opening the hips up soon enough or not naturally releasing the wrists. One thought is that with a strong grip you do not need a flat left wrist at the top of your back swing. In fact it is very hard to flatten the left wrist. I think now it will be essential to flatten that wrist with a neutral grip. You might want to try that as your first adjustment.

[teladog1]

i had a very strong grip earlier this year. i was ok, but then got a case of the hooks. i weakened my grip a lot. and it did feel awful at first. same as you. makes you feel real awkward, but after a few rounds/trips to the range i got used to it. now it is nice b/c im used to both. so if i need to draw/fade i can change my grip a little and not worry about changing my swing.