By gripping the club to tight, the direction of the ball will be affected!
If your gripping the club to tight, you are not allowing a better golf swing to happen, by the way.
Gripping the club (Grip Pressure) is one of my favorite free golf tip and produces a better golf swing:
How you are holding the club can make a world of difference in your performance; let me explain with this free golf tip: The way you place your hands on the club (holding the club) can promote either a straight shot, a hook shot (from right to left) or a Slice shot (from left to right). The pressure you apply will also make a difference as holding the club too tightly can cause loss of feel and control. There are three options to holding the club. Which one you choose is your preference. All 3 grips are good and can be used by anyone when gripping the club.
1) The interlocking grip: This grip is called the interlocking grip because of the interlocking of the left index finger and small finger of the right hand. This is also a good way of holding the club. It promotes less wrist action than the 10 finger grip.
2) The overlapping grip: This grip is called the overlapping grip because the small finger of the right hand overlaps the index of the left hand. (Close to 85% of all golfers on the PGA tour use this grip; it is said that it promotes a more passive action of the wrists during the swing)
3) The 10 finger grip: This grip is called the 10 finger grip: It promotes more wrist action during the swing and is recommended for people with small hands and those whose hands and wrists are not particularly strong.
Caution: When interlocking, make sure your right hand does not interlock too far which would make it more of a palm grip and you would lose the finger contact which is more desirable and produces a better golf swing.
All grips are good, but all golfers must respect the following factors when gripping the club:
Pressure applied on the club.
Placement of hands and fingers on club.
Position of hands as the player adresses the ball.
Pressure applied on club: A problem with many golfers stems from tension in the hands, arms and shoulders generally caused by holding the club to tightly. The result will probably be inconsistant direction and slicing of the ball.
Which fingers should apply most of the pressure to the club? Even though the overall grip pressure is fairly light, most of it comes from the last three fingers of each hand. Try this educational drill and find out for yourself which are the fingers that apply the pressure. Apply pressure to a club with only the index and thumbs of both hands.
Which muscles in your forearms are contracting? Is it those in the top or the bottom of your forearms?
Apply Pressure:
If you're applying pressure with the thumbs and index fingers, the muscles that are contracting are the ones on top as demonstrated with the yellow line. These are muscles that will create tension in your shoulders. NOT GOOD!!! If you're applying pressure to the club with the last 3 fingers of each hand, the lower muscles of your forearms will be contracted. These muscles are not attached to your shoulders therefore less tension will be created making this obviously the best choice in gripping the club, also producing a better golf swing.
Educational drill: As you're watching television or just sitting, practice holding two golf balls in each hand. Apply pressure with the last 3 fingers of each hand and you will get the feel of gripping the club properly.
There is an expression I always use: You must be relaxed to play golf! Don't play golf to relax! Tension in your shoulders will create stress. A good grip will help reduce this stress and you will swing smoother.
THE 5 ELEMENTS TO A GOOD GOLF SWING (Click on the following links for more information about these elements)
