Putting Grip

photo credit: dan taylor   In the last decade, several new putting grips have come into favor but the three that remain the most popular are (a) the neutral grip, (b) the crossover and (c) the claw.

The Neutral Grip > is a “take-off” of the standard overlap grip.  The first finger of the left hand extends downward over the fingers of the right hand with both thumbs on top of the grip pointing downward.

The Crossover Grip > a baseball grip that puts your left hand below the right.  It tends to stop a right hand that over-controls which usually results in pulled putts.

The Claw Grip > the left hand maintains a normal grip.  The right hand grips the club lightly with the first two fingers and the thumb.

Not so new Grip

photo credit: mahalie   Hank Haney, on the Golf Channel’s Haney Project, explained the grip he taught Tiger Woods.  This manner of gripping the club (with the left hand) is not so new since it was discovered by Ben Hogan after his near fatal car accident.

The standard left hand grip puts the club across the lower part of your fingers which is used by most golfers worldwide.  The Hogan grip, however, places the handle across the center part of the palm.  This grip is very similar to the putting grip.

Woods refused to try the new grip when Haney showed it to him.  After prodding from Haney, Woods hit the shot and then exclaimed that it was the best shot he’s ever hit.  He’s used the grip ever since.  Try it, you’ll be amazed.

Pull the Trigger

photo credit: rioncm   Every golfer needs a “trigger” to begin their swing.  How you start your swing influences your entire swing.  If you start with a jerk, or from a standstill, your muscles will remain very tense.  Both of these can actually ruin a swing.  Here are a few triggers to consider:  1)  Forward press > a slight move forward with the wrists just prior to starting the swing.  2)  Head swivel > turning your head to the right makes a clearance the way for your lead shoulder.  3)  Kick in the right knee > Move it towards the target just prior to takeaway.  4)  Open the hips > just use a slight hip twist prior to starting the swing.

Each of these starting points will help you develop a smooth consistent swing.

The Teeing Ground

photo credit: SouthAsiaGolf   During every round, you have 18 opportunities to give yourself a perfect lie, the teeing ground affords you that possibility.  On the tee, you may place your ball anywhere between the two markers including all the space within 2 club-lengths behind the markers, however, you may stand outside the allotted space while addressing the ball.

If there is a tailwind, tee the ball higher for more carry.  If the wind is in your face or from the left or right, tee the ball lower to keep it out of the wind. 

There is enough space in the tee box to give you a real advantage on doglegs.  It’s also important to find the flattest area on the tee to use, not all tee’s are perfectly flat.