Golf is a game of precision that requires correct body alignment and technical movement to master. But, don't be intimidated by this because golf is just like any other sport that is enjoyable and fun for those who are really interested. Learning the basics may be hard for beginners but the position and the movement will come naturally with repeated practice. Golf grips are one of the most basic skills that players should know how to do properly in order to do well on the game.
The golf grip is the way a player holds the golf club using his or her fingers, without touching the palm. The rationale for this is that, the fingers are more sensitive and lets the player swing the club with more appropriate amount of force. Touching the palm with the club often results to weak and misdirected swings. To position for a grip, the lead hand or the dominant hand must hold the club with the fingers wrapped around it in a slanting manner. Then, the trailing hand or the support hand should be put in a certain angle or line above and beside the lead hand to provide the needed support for the swing. The trailing hand's position determines the kind of grip a player uses.
There are three golf grips that are most popular and widely used by players.
The most popular golf grip is the Overlapping Grip or the Vardon Grip because it was popularized by the player Harry Vardon in the 20th century. This grip is done by putting the lead hand on its standard position. The trailing hand is then place in a slightly overlapping manner, with its little finger placed between the middle finger and the index finger of the lead hand. The thumb of the lead hand is then fit in the lifeline of the trailing hand. This grip is the most preferred by golf teachers.
The third most common golf grip is the Ten Finger Grip or the Baseball Grip. It resembles the position of holding a baseball bat, with the little finger of the trailing hand near the index finger of the lead hand. The thumb of the lead hand is then covered by the lifeline of the trailing hand. This is the grip preferred by most beginners because it is the easiest to execute. This grip is also best used by people with small hands, with joint arthritis and weak hands.
A player doesn't need to master all golf grips, only one that best suites his or her style. The most important is that the player is most comfortable with the grip he or she is using. The technicality of positioning and swinging with appropriate amount of force could then follow, as the player could easily adjust these when using his or her favorite golf grip style.
Although golf may not appeal to everyone because of its seemingly sophisticated and relaxed nature, it still is a good physical exercise for the whole body. The swinging and walking around the golf club to follow the ball helps a person walk thousands of steps without realizing it. It is an absorbing sport that makes exercise seem passive when it's not. Just master your signature gold grip and everything else will follow.
