Gripping with the left hand (thumb on top?)

[Jaff]

Hi all...

I'm currently gripping the club with my left thumb (i'm right handed) at the top, vertically aligned with the centre of the shaft, pointing down to the club face. I learnt this from a Mark Crossfield video at the Today's Golfer web site - "the thumb of your left hand pointing down towards the head of the club". Here's a link - video link.

I know others advocate having the thumb slightly down the right side of the shaft etc.

Have i understood the Crossfield video correctly? Do others grip with their thumb right on top?

It seems to be working for me so far.

Thanks for any advice.

 

[viscount17]

Jaff, go see a pro. 1 lesson will beat a dozen posts and a dozen videos.
What suits me might not suit you.

 

[RGuk]

Hey, I enjoyed watching the link and well done to this chap for going for it.

I am however going to play devil's advocate with him; if the thumb is directly down the middle of the grip, you will be playing with a neutral, possibly "weak" left hand grip. Most of the players I know have a slightly stronger set up with the thumb a little more "around" the grip. If the "v" formed between your thumb and first finger is aiming at your nose, it's not as strong as I would recommend for average players. Then a again, he's a pro......

Ben Hogan might have something to say, or DL, or the slicers who were cured by going stronger with the left hand.

Dave

 

[viscount17]

recently got a copy of jack niklaus' book. this appears to be essentially the same grip as his, which I'm trying. too early to say yet but so far I am hitting further, consistency is my problem though (left, draw, straight, biggg slice).

still doesn't negate what I said before, go see a pro

 

[RGuk]

I don't know the Nicklaus book, but it would be fair to say (with lorry loads of respect) that a) Jack had a unique style (much of which is frowned upon these days) and b) as a long term fader of the ball, it would make sense that he prefered a grip that didn't turn over under pressure.
If you are really hitting all types of shots, you need to groove your path before settling on one grip. Most players who have a mixture of shots are in actual fact swinging it one definate way, but the variety of club face angles are creating a mixed impression. If (like 80-90%) you hit it best (ie face and path in harmony) when you pull it ever so slightly (enough to catch the left rough) you are in need of developing your in-to-out path a bit more.
If you can get it doing this regularly, you can play with a neutral grip for ever; if you come from the inside more degrees than the face is open, you'll start to hit it great.

 

[viscount17]

Appreciate the advice. I find that I hit cleaner shots, more consistently, with a more upright swing. With the back of the left hand square on the swing path, which this grip promotes (at least for me) I have more chance of clean contact. Consistency of address is, I think, the primary problem. If I err, and use a flatter swing, I'm more than likely to get an out-to-in and drag it well left.

The book is 'Golf my way' (1974) - car boot 50p.

One of the main reasons he gives for using this grip is that he has small hands (there is an outline of them in the book). I'm the same height, build and have the same size hands so why not give it a go? Only difference of course is that he's one of the world's greatest (just to avoid that argument again!).