grip awareness

[RIduffer]

I read something recently about grip awareness that helped me out alot, so I thought I'd mention it. For the better golfers this will probably sound like a no-brainer, but it has been such a breakthrough for me.

My grip has always felt a little unstable, but I never knew it was affecting my swing so much. After reading this article, I realized I was losing pressure between the lifeline of my right hand and left thumb (know as the #1 pressure point) during my swing. Basically, my hands were not working as a unit, and it required compensations to square the clubface.

Since I've been monitoring this #1 pressure point, I've seen dramatic improvements in my ballstriking and shot 2 consecutive rounds in the 70s. Very strange to find something so simple that makes such a huge difference.

So if you feel like you're always struggling to square the clubface, or the club is flopping around during your swing, maybe give this a read. It talks about the 4 pressure points in the grip. (If you're not a golflink member, the video will cut out after 20 sec. but you can still read the transcript.)

http://www.golflink.com/tipsvideos/video.aspx?v=90634

Also curious if anyone else has seen improvements due to grip awareness or pressure points.

[Elvisliveson]

Absolutely. I think most mid-level handicappers who have a fairly good grip, concentrate on the last three fingers of the left hand and the middle two of the right, but forget to apply pressure with the right palme on the left thumb. Arnold Palmer, in his instruction books, was the one pro I remember stressing that pressure point over and over.

[boogielicious]

RIduffer,

Thanks for the link. I've noticed that varying pressure can change ball flight a lot for me as well. I was gripping too hard and causing a strong fade. But when I reduced pressure, then ball would draw.

Thanks.

Scott

[danieldrieberg]

Grip awareness---now i've got another thing to think about. Actually it is an important part of my preshot routine. I get into mind what I am doing then forget it. Hope the sticky note I've put on the back of my mind takes hold.

Otherwise with too many swing thought I get too mechanical. Analysis paralysis.

[RIduffer]

RIduffer,

Yes, I've heard people say relaxed hands/arms promotes a better release. But, in my case, I was holding the club so loose in my right hand that I was losing control during the swing.

Grip awareness---now i've got another thing to think about.

Sure, no one wants too many thoughts on the course. And if you don't have grip or clubface issues, then this probably doesn't apply.

But for someone like me, gaining more control over the club in my hands makes golf seem ALOT simpler.

[PiustheDrGolf]

Good article.

I don't know about the pressure points (I don't think about it though). BUT my best shots are popping up right after when I changed grips. So I do change grips at least once a year.

[RIduffer]

For those interested, Shawn Clement also has a good video on youtube for grip awareness.