Equipment Grip Concerns

    It is true that you can’t buy a better golf game. If you are going to improve your play on the course, those improvements are going to have to come as the result of hard work and experience – plain and simple. However, you also need to make sure that your equipment isn’t standing in your way. Using the right gear for your game, and making sure that your gear remains in good condition, is an important step on the path toward better play.

    As it relates to the topic of grip pressure, the piece of equipment in question here is the grip that resides on the end of each of your clubs. Most likely, this is part of your equipment setup that you regularly ignore. Most golfers don’t think twice about their grips, simply using whatever came on the club when it was purchased. This is a mistake. The grip is actually a key component of each of your clubs, and you need to make sure that you have one that fits your needs.

    There are a couple of points to watch for when deciding on the grips you are going to have installed on your clubs. Those points are listed below –

  • Thickness of the grip. This is a big one. Did you know that golf grips come in a variety of thicknesses? They do, and you need to have the right thickness for your hand size. A player with small hands is going to want a relatively thin grip, while a player with larger hands will want thicker grips. A good rule of thumb is that the middle finger on your left hand should be able to wrap around the back of the grip and barely touch your palm when the grip is completed. If there is a big gap between your middle finger and your palm in the completed grip, the grip itself is too thick for your hands. If your middle finger is tucked under your palm, the grip is too thin. Not only can you buy specific thicknesses to meet your needs, but you can also manipulate the thickness of the grip during installation through the use of extra grip tape. Most golf shops will install grips for free when you purchase those grips from them directly.
  • Material of the grip. While finding a grip that fits is a matter of simply comparing the size of your hands to the thickness of the grip, the material you decide to use is more a matter of personal preference. Some golfers enjoy the feel of soft, squishy grips, while others like a firm grip with plenty of texture. There is no right or wrong on this point, of course. As long as you are comfortable with the grip, and as long as the grip does a good job of keeping your hands in place during the swing, you are all set. Take a trip to your local golf shop to test out a few different types of grips and see which one you like best.
  • In addition to the two points above, the other thing you need to consider while regard to your grips is their condition. How long have your current grips been on your clubs? If they have been in use for a while, it might be time to purchase and install some fresh grips. Golf grips do wear down over time, and they might not even last a full season if you are someone who plays a lot of golf (and hits a lot of practice balls). When golf grips wear down, they tend to lose their traction and your clubs may become quite slippery. As a result, you many subconsciously tighten your grip to make sure you can hold onto the club. So, in this way, your grips and your grip pressure are directly connected. Make sure you always have relatively fresh grips on your clubs and you should be able to play comfortably with your new, relaxed grip pressure.