Learning Golf

Learning golf is as easy as dedicating the time and energy to lean and practice.  Bob Toski and Davis Love, Jr., in “How To Feel A Real Golf Swing” (Golf Digest, Sept., 1987): “Tension is the enemy of speed. ….relaxed arms mean faster hands.” Hmmmm…… Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary defines ‘grip’: “A strong or tenacious grasp.” 

In “The Science of Grip Pressure” by Michael McTeigue (Golf Magazine, February, 1997), Mike recorded maximum ‘grip’ pressure for pros and amateurs. Then ‘grip’ pressure recordings (calculated as a percentage of maximum) were taken during ‘swings’.  The pros at address averaged 20%, amateurs 26%. One-third of the way in to the lift ‘n coil, pros 29%, amateurs 52%(!). Top of lift ‘n coil, pros 48%, amateurs 78%(!!).

“Grip” Replacement: Fondle
Think ‘fondle’ (and we’ll hereafter use it as a noun). Webster’s definition: “To handle tenderly”.  Do you feel as if you’re trying to force, to overpower, the ball? Do you feel tight? Do you not feel ‘supple’, ‘fluid’?

"He's got to be exaggerating. If my grip is that soft, the club might fly out of my hands! I'll have no control over the club!", you may be thinking. Perfectly reasonable, and perfectly consistent with a bum concept: 'control' over the club.  Once you start the clubhead moving, your sense should be more that the club is along for the ride versus you being in tight ‘control’ of it. Loosen up, including your wristcock, and get well beyond parallel. The clubhead should feel as if it’s a rock on the end of a string.

Learn more about Golf Swing Video here.