The golf grip is one of the most common components of a golf swing that results in golfers constantly questioning their current setup. Arguably the most common iteration is the strong golf grip.
So, should you switch to a strong grip from your weaker grip or neutral grip? This article aims to dive into the nuances of these options to help you make the best choice for your golf swing.
The Strong Golf Grip
What is a Strong Golf Grip?
A common misconception among beginner golfers is that a strong grip is related to the amount of pressure or force your hands apply to the golf club.
This concept has nothing to do with how hard you hold onto the club. It is purely how your hands are rotated at setup and through the swing on the grip.
With a strong grip, both hands are rotated towards the right on the club (for right handed golfers), exposing more knuckles on the left hand. When set up to the ball, you should see most of the top of your left hand.
Advantages of a Strong Golf Grip
Power and Control
A strong golf grip can generate more power. This is because of the leverage it typically allows you to generate, given how our hand and forearm muscles operate. It's commonly favored by players who seek extra distance and control, especially in adverse conditions. And it often makes for an easier takeaway in the golf swing vs weak grips.
Draw Bias
This grip naturally promotes a draw ball flight, a desirable ball flight for many golfers, as it tends to cover more distance. But you shouldn't just expect a draw to happen out of nowhere. Let's understand WHY the draw bias exists.
A strong grip generally creates a tendency to close the club face more easily and quickly during the swing due to the more muscular nature of the grip pressure, as mentioned. When the face closes quickly at impact, it may result in a more counterclockwise spin.
The swing path itself is also generally a bit more inside-out, again, due to how the muscles can more easily manipulate the club head towards your hip instead of towards the sky in the backswing (this concept can be understood in our how to stop slicing driver article as well).
But again, this does not mean you certainly will draw the ball. It just means it may skew that way and could be a helpful element for someone trying to achieve this.
Disadvantages of a Strong Golf Grip
Risk of Hooks
With a strong grip, the concepts previously mentioned may over-accentuate, producing a tendency to close the club face too early instead and bring the club too far inside as well, leading to hooks.
In fact, if it promotes you bringing the club too far inside on the backswing, it may even cause you to over-correct on the downswing and start coming back over the top.
Limited Shot Versatility
A strong grip may limit your ability to play different shot types, particularly those requiring an open clubface. For an average golfer not looking to work the ball too badly, this may not be a big concern, though.
The Weak Golf Grip
What is a Weak Golf Grip?
In contrast, a weak golf grip sees both hands rotated towards the left (for a right handed golfer), reducing the visibility of the knuckles on the left hand, and showing more of the right hand on top as you look down the club line.
Key Advantage of a Weak Golf Grip
Fade Bias and Reduced Hook Risk
Compared to the draw bias of the strong golf grip, the weak grip certainly will help you come more over the top if that is something you are looking for. Weaker grips generally reduce the risk of unintentionally hooking the ball, offering more consistency.
Key Disadvantage of a Weak Golf Grip
Power Loss
One might experience a loss in power and distance, as a weak grip doesn't leverage the wrists' full range of motion.
Controlling shots in windy or adverse weather can also be more challenging with a weak grip. Again, this is due to the weakened nature of the grip in general. It is hard to control the club without the extra benefit of those muscles.
Strong vs Weak: Making the Right Choice
Skill Level and Preferences
Your choice between a strong and weak grip should align with your skill level and playing style. Beginners might prefer a strong grip for power, while advanced players may opt for the control offered by a weak grip.
That said, there are generally more disadvantages for most beginner to intermediate golfers for using a weaker grip. Therefore, I'd suggest a neutral or slightly strong grip for most golfers looking to experiment.
Experimentation is Key
There's no one-size-fits-all in golf grips. Experimenting with both grips on the driving range can give you a feel for what works best for your game.
But once you've felt like you've experimented enough, the key should be to try to keep it consistent and learn the actual physics of the golf club face and path to manipulate your shot shape instead. Not just relying on the grip.
Conclusion
The debate between a strong and a weak golf grip is not about right or wrong but about what suits your game the best. While we may suggest a certain grip over another, understanding the nuances of each grip type and considering your playing style, skill level, and physical attributes is crucial in making your own informed decision. Ultimately, the right grip is the one that feels natural and improves your game.
