Getting fitted for the correct grip size is a must to swing the golf club efficiently (i.e. effortless power). Most club fitters follow a standard chart that recommends grip size based on measurements of your hands and length of the fingers. In particular, they measure the left hand if you golf right handed.
My experience has been that most golfers are playing grips that are a little too big for their hand size. And this is not based on the recommendations of the grip size charts. If you are holding your club correct, chances are that your grip will be too big. Having too big a grip will encourage you to squeeze the grip more than necessary. With a correct grip size, you were end up just holding the club without any unnecessary pressure. And yet, it should still allow you to exert your strongest grip (example when you hit out of the rough) comfortable without tensing up your forearms too much.
Also, do ensure that your grip fits both hands (after all, you do use both hands to swing the club). For instance, a golfer can have extra tape added (to make it thicker) or have it stretch a little (to make it smaller) so the right hand (for right handed golfers) will be able to mold itself onto the left hand.
So what does the correct grip size do for you? First, you will be able to take your hands out of your swing. This is very important especially at the start of your downswing. Any hand action to start your swing can be disastrous. Second, it will help with better extension after impact. By this, I mean both arms are fully extended after impact (in case you are unaware, at impact, your right elbow is actually still slightly bent). Third, the correct grip size will allow you to exert pressure on shots you need to hit it hard with greater ease and confidence.
Based on conventional grip charts, I am supposed to play with a grip size that is currently 2 sizes bigger (standard being the recommended and I am currently using ladies grips). So for 10 years I have been having the wrong grip size.
Look at the black and white photo and you will see how small the grip is relative to the hands. Next, the color photo actually shows Ernie Els' grip. Here, you can also see how small the grip is relative to his hands.
My experience has been that most golfers are playing grips that are a little too big for their hand size. And this is not based on the recommendations of the grip size charts. If you are holding your club correct, chances are that your grip will be too big. Having too big a grip will encourage you to squeeze the grip more than necessary. With a correct grip size, you were end up just holding the club without any unnecessary pressure. And yet, it should still allow you to exert your strongest grip (example when you hit out of the rough) comfortable without tensing up your forearms too much.
Also, do ensure that your grip fits both hands (after all, you do use both hands to swing the club). For instance, a golfer can have extra tape added (to make it thicker) or have it stretch a little (to make it smaller) so the right hand (for right handed golfers) will be able to mold itself onto the left hand.
So what does the correct grip size do for you? First, you will be able to take your hands out of your swing. This is very important especially at the start of your downswing. Any hand action to start your swing can be disastrous. Second, it will help with better extension after impact. By this, I mean both arms are fully extended after impact (in case you are unaware, at impact, your right elbow is actually still slightly bent). Third, the correct grip size will allow you to exert pressure on shots you need to hit it hard with greater ease and confidence.
Based on conventional grip charts, I am supposed to play with a grip size that is currently 2 sizes bigger (standard being the recommended and I am currently using ladies grips). So for 10 years I have been having the wrong grip size.
Look at the black and white photo and you will see how small the grip is relative to the hands. Next, the color photo actually shows Ernie Els' grip. Here, you can also see how small the grip is relative to his hands.
My recommendation is to try the various sizes of grips to find out which is most comfortable for you. And if you have been working on Chapter One The Grip in Hogan's Five Lessons, the process will be much easier :)
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