Excessive grip pressure - What effect

[Hackforfun]

Hi there :)

I really feel like I am gripping the club too tightly of late. Is there an expected ball flight result from getting this tension happening? I usually hit a slight draw but a nasty hook has been creeping into my game more often lately and I'm wondering if the two are related.

I have searched plenty of threads telling what the desired pressure should be, holding a bird etc but haven't spotted anything to say what the excess pressure causes. I definitely feel like the ball flies higher when I'm not choking the grip to death

Cheers,

Hacker

[saevel25]

Hook or sligh draw is caused by a closed club face to the swing path. The general rule of thumb is that a tighter grip will cause you to keep the club open  because it causes tension in the forearms and the club wont turn over as much as a lighter grip. Same with having to small grips versus larger grips..

The whole bird thing never made sense to me, who's ever held a bird. the only thing that matters is that grip pressure is the same through out the swing. I personally don't recommend having a very tight grip, but that visual never made sense to me. The best thing i could say, Tom Watson said this. Take your grip, then extend your arms straight out so the club is pointing straight up. Then slightly decrease your grip pressure. You want grip pressure so the club wont slip out of your hands and minimizing tension. Thats a good way to get a sense of feel on it.

[kevink2]

I believe your right hand squeezing too tight can begin to take over your swing, causing hooks.

[sparko]

i heard squeezing a tube of toothpaste until it start to come out the end is about the right pressure,not sure how true it is though