I think my balls are hurting me...

[imtomtomim]

alright, whatever ball you're using, the most important part is pretty much to stay consistent with the model. Most lower priced distance balls perform similarly so it may be ok to mix those up, but you should get used to seeing how a ball reacts and changing them up will get you different results to the same swing.

About your grip, yes, you should be doing what you're doing now. You do hold the club in your fingers but you gotta press it up right at the base of your fingers where they meet the palm of your hand.

As for your third question, that is a feel thing. If you need to think that, ok, let that be your swing thought. But mind this. quote from butch harmon's pops "feel is not real". it may change without you feeling like it did. that's where teachers are extremely helpful as they got that outside eye to fix up your balance points.