Is a strong right hand THAT big of a problem?

[jojoampt]

Hi all, Ive got a quick question for you guys. I started playing last May; so almost one year ago. Ive been totally self taught until this point and have gotten my handicap down to a 20. (which reminds me I need to change it on here ) Anyways, Ive started taking lessons with my local pro, and just like I knew it the first thing he's trying to change is my grip. I have a strong right hand (im right handed) so its my lower hand. Im sure you all know, this means my hand is rotated towards my back foot. So, the "V" that is created by my thumb and finger is pointed just to the edge of my right shoulder. He's trying to get me to get my hand more on top of the club, so the "V" is pointed in between my chin and shoulder. Ive got to say, THIS SUCKS! I CANNOT do it. It feels as if ive never held a club before, or im hitting left handed or something. I mean im actually hitting balls of of the fricking hozel sometimes for gods sake! I know they say that if a swing change feels good you arent doing it right; but this seriously feels impossible. (Haha! this is turning out to be not such a quick question. Sorry guys. ) Sooo, my question is this: Exactly how bad is having a strong right hand? I noticed on playing lessons last night that Zach Johnson has a pretty strong right hand, and he's not doing to shabby. Is this something I can get by with, or would you all suggest that I stick it out and deal with it? I honestly dont know if Ill ever be able to feel comfortable with my hand on top of the club so much. Your advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[Ben]

Unless you are comfortable knowing that a snap hook will always sneek into your game, go ahead and stick with that strong grip.

For my students I don't change this during the actual lesson, because as you, and everyone else feels, its far too foreign a feeling. I suggest to my students that they walk around at home with the proper grip. Not trying to take swings, just hold a club in your hands with the proper grip. Get into your address and maybe take some waggles.

It helps if your grips have grip guides on them. Golf Pride Grip Rites have them. Stock Callaway and TaylorMade grips have them. Use the guides built into the grip.

[jojoampt]

Im confused as to what youre saying here. I have the occasional snap hook right now, which my pro is telling me is because of the strong right hand. Are you saying that if I weaken my right hand I will have the occasional snap hook? Or are you saying, if I keep the strong right hand ill have the occasional snap hook?

EDIT: My 5w and 3w have those grips. Ive never known they were grip guides. Haha!

Unless you are comfortable knowing that a snap hook will always sneek into your game, go ahead and stick with that strong grip.

[Ben]

If you keep it (strong grip), it will come (snap hook).

[jojoampt]

So then I should try to stick with the new grip in your opinion then?

[Ben]

Most definitely. Use the guides as I'd mentioned up there ^ until you're comfortable enough to take it to your swing.

[jojoampt]

Thats obviously what I figured. Sigh. How do you feel about slowly shifting my grip over time? Like rotating it a couple of degrees every few days or week or so.

[Ben]

Yeah, I guess that works. So long as you commit to making the change. I understand perfectly how weird a grip change feels.

[jojoampt]

Yeah, I appreciate the advice. As im sure you know, it is the hardest thing to accept getting way worse to get better. Im having a tough time coming to terms with that. I mean, I had JUST gotten really comfortable with everything... hardly EVER slicing my driver anymore, and actually hitting nice baby draws. Now with the new grip ill frickin slice a 9 iron. Dont even get me started on the driver. I was also coming inside to quick on my back swing, which was no problem to fix. Grrrr, I just wish grip change was as easy as swing change.

[jojoampt]

Also, the thing of it is, with the new grip I actually have to think about rolling my wrists to release. This is very hard. Before, with the strong right hand, the club head would just go there, naturally. But as you stated before, when I would ACTUALLY release with the strong right hand, I hit a snap hook.

[Ben]

Haha, this sounds like a 12-step program. Strong Grip Anonymous

[jojoampt]

LOL.. or the 5 stages of grief... how does it go? something like

1. Denial- I dont REALLY need to change it. Its not thaaat bad. LOL
2. Anger- This sucks! I cant do this crap! GRRRR slices!
3. Bargaining- Threads on SandTrap asking if I can keep the strong grip
4. Depression- This is the stage im currently in. Feeling pretty bummed.
5. Acceptance- Ill let you know when I get here!

[Big_M]

If you keep it (strong grip), it will come (snap hook).

Trust me... it is easier to do now as a 20, than it will be as a 10. And the hooks WILL come if you don't change... and they'll make you dream of that 20yard slice that you could at least predict. Be AFRAID, be VERY AFRAID!

Thank God, I now have a proper grip and somewhat reliable swing after having gone both ways. (Knock on wood).

[Bump-n-MI]

When I was a pup (around 7-8 years old) my instructor taught me the basics…I learned a LOT however as I got older my RH strong grip became more prominent (which I'm sure had something to do with my hockey career). By the time I graduated from college I had an EXTREME RH strong grip. Is it what any respectable teacher would preach? Hell, no! However it has worked for me throughout the years. Yes I have the occasional snap but I have been (and still am) able to control it. I'm too old and too set in my ways to change it now. If I were younger and more "teachable" I would change it in a heartbeat. As awkward and uncomfortable as it may feel now you will be better off in the long run.