Dilemma after a bit of fiddling at the range

[Birchy]

Just been to the range and was doing a bit of fiddling with my grip as i had a feeling it was wrong. I have been struggling this season with leaving the clubface wide open at impact resulting in shank like shots. Had lessons and improved but still keep having them now and again at the worst moments.

I ended up by chance rather than choice trying the 10 finger/baseball grip and i have never hit so many consecutive shots so far and straight in my life. Tried every club in the bag even the virtually brand new 4 iron

Now im not sure why this was helping, would this grip help me close the face at impact maybe rather than open it? Any expert or experienced opinions welcome.

Somebody tell me why i shouldnt try it further or not :thup:

 

[garyinderry]

I use a baseball grip for all shots. I don't think it will help you hit it straight. you are doing something right if you are getting it going straight.


I think people should try the baseball grip for short game shots. I believe it allows the player to have more control over the club.


who knows

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I have never liked the baseball grip and persevered with the interlocking. If it works for you then carry on

 

[Birchy]

I use a baseball grip for all shots. I don't think it will help you hit it straight. you are doing something right if you are getting it going straight.


I think people should try the baseball grip for short game shots. I believe it allows the player to have more control over the club.


who knows

It was a weird feeling, everything just felt light, free and easy. I wasnt that bothered about hitting it dead straight, as long as i can hit the damn ball a reasonable distance and have a good idea where its gonna go i can play with that.

Driving and short game has been good this season but barely hit 2 iron shots in a row all season how id like to!

 

[tsped83]

I have never liked the baseball grip and persevered with the interlocking. If it works for you then carry on

I'm with Homer. When I first started out I had a baseball grip and since changing to a more orthodox interlocking grip my golf has dramtically improved. Particularly in terms of accuracy, no more lost iron shots to the right!

 

[gregbwfc]

If it's working for you, go with it.
But tbh, I don't think it's your grip mate.
You've been playing well so must have been doing something right previously.
I think we all have spells were we can't hit the thing at all.

You'll be reet.

 

[Birchy]

If it's working for you, go with it.
But tbh, I don't think it's your grip mate.
You've been playing well so must have been doing something right previously.
I think we all have spells were we can't hit the thing at all.

You'll be reet.

Its probably not the whole problem but goin off tonight it seems to suit my swing/me better and remedy the problem i have been having. Im thinking of giving it a trial it until my next lesson and then have a chat with the pro. Depending on the results it might be a keeper

 

[ScienceBoy]

I have had a similar issue too, it came from taking away on the inside and trying to get back to square but really just blocking everything at best, mahoosive slice or low hook at best.

I closed my stance up to allow me to take it away straight rather than on the inside to hit along the correct plane. Bam I am striking like a pro!

As long as I now aim up with the target just to the left of my left shoulder when I look down the line I hit them good. When my pro stands behind me he can see my left shoulder, where before he could not as it was blocked by my right one.

It has changed my game, I just need the discipline to take it all to the course for more than 12 holes! (I seem to get a bit cocky and go back to my old aim and alignment without realising, once I realise I sort it out and my game comes back)

 

[Foxholer]

I'm inclined to the 'if it works.....' position.

However, there are some disadvantages to the 10-finger/baseball grip. The hands are independent, so don't work as the 'unit' that promotes consistent strikes. It may actually be that the one hand (probably the right) is adjusting and 'getting it right' at impact while your current grip may be discouraging that correct release.

Ben Hogan, who rated the grip as extremely important, took an enormous amount of time to settle on his final style - and tried 'every' style including cack-handed - he was left-handed so that seemed natural. However, he stressed that it was important to find your own 'best' one.

I used to use 10-finger - as a hockey player, that was natural - but changed to the Varden (overlap) for consistency. Interlocking has never suited me - except for putting.

 

[Scouser]

Have to say.... I read the title and thought PARDON!

 

[Birchy]

I have had a similar issue too, it came from taking away on the inside and trying to get back to square but really just blocking everything at best, mahoosive slice or low hook at best.

I closed my stance up to allow me to take it away straight rather than on the inside to hit along the correct plane. Bam I am striking like a pro!

As long as I now aim up with the target just to the left of my left shoulder when I look down the line I hit them good. When my pro stands behind me he can see my left shoulder, where before he could not as it was blocked by my right one.

It has changed my game, I just need the discipline to take it all to the course for more than 12 holes! (I seem to get a bit cocky and go back to my old aim and alignment without realising, once I realise I sort it out and my game comes back)

I suppose the perfect pro swing & setup isnt gonna work for everyone. All i did different in my mind is move my right hand little finger down, that cant be that bad can it?

Will see how it goes i suppose

 

[Birchy]

I'm inclined to the 'if it works.....' position.

However, there are some disadvantages to the 10-finger/baseball grip. The hands are independent, so don't work as the 'unit' that promotes consistent strikes. It may actually be that the one hand (probably the right) is adjusting and 'getting it right' at impact while your current grip may be discouraging that correct release.

Ben Hogan, who rated the grip as extremely important, took an enormous amount of time to settle on his final style - and tried 'every' style including cack-handed - he was left-handed so that seemed natural. However, he stressed that it was important to find your own 'best' one.

I used to use 10-finger - as a hockey player, that was natural - but changed to the Varden (overlap) for consistency. Interlocking has never suited me - except for putting.

I must admit this was my initial thought as i was driving away afterwards. Maybe the right hand was helping square the clubface thus eliminating the fault i keep having.

 

[garyinderry]

you must be on the right "swing path" if you are getting straight/ish ball flights! happy days !

 

[Richuk123]

Have to say.... I read the title and thought PARDON!

but in all seriousness, I have always used interlock, but struggle with over rotation in the hands at impact, thus giving me a draw shape, or a hook if i "go after it"

I have tried overlapping and i don't feel i have the control, but its lead me to think, that is no right or wrong way to hold the club, just find whats suits and go with it!

Best of luck!

 

[Junior]

I thought you hit some great shots on Tuesday.....given you have had a 2nd in a board comp this year and only the other day you shot a 10 over when you played with Valentino so your not far away from another great score. I'm no expert but I think that your bad shot creeps in when you go to quick from the top and thrown it outside a bit.

If the baseball grip works give it a crack, although I'd practice on the course first as those range mats can be pretty forgiving!!!

 

[Birchy]

I thought you hit some great shots on Tuesday.....given you have had a 2nd in a board comp this year and only the other day you shot a 10 over when you played with Valentino so your not far away from another great score. I'm no expert but I think that your bad shot creeps in when you go to quick from the top and thrown it outside a bit.

If the baseball grip works give it a crack, although I'd practice on the course first as those range mats can be pretty forgiving!!!

Im happy most shots i play but just keep having these real bad shots (like the one on that par 3) that keep creeping in.

When ive hit one of the stinkers is does feel quick and like ive thrown it a bit and it was mentioned by the pro to me. I did improve the striking and hit some great shots over recent weeks after lessons but my bad shots have got worse which are killing me.

Ive been hitting good scores despite this too as when ive hit a couple of bad shots ive just gone into punch/stinger mode to keep the ball in play and letting the short game try and rescue which it has been doing. I did similar at S & A after a few dodgy holes.

I might as well give it a go until i get to see the pro, will have a chat with him Saturday after the comp with my findings

 

[Region3]

I have heard that hitting shots with a baseball grip - with about an inch gap between the hands - is a good drill for releasing, or squaring, the clubface at impact.

Maybe something to do with it?