How To Build The Perfect Golf Grip (stop wearing out your gloves!)

Are you struggling to hit the ball consistently or with power? One of the most crucial aspects of a solid golf swing is a proper grip, particularly the left hand (for right-handed golfers). In this post, we’ll break down the common mistakes golfers make with their grip, share key tips for getting it right, and provide drills to ensure your left-hand grip is optimized for better ball striking.

The Importance of the Left-Hand Grip

Your hands are the one point of connection with the golf club, so it’s vital that you hold it correctly. A poor grip can lead to weak shots, inconsistent ball flight, and missed opportunities on the course. While there are various ways to grip the club, today we’re focusing on how to position your left hand to ensure a proper setup for a clean strike.

A major mistake many golfers make is gripping the club when it’s already behind the ball at address. This common error often results in a "palmy" grip—where the club sits too much in the palm of the hand rather than the fingers. This improper positioning restricts wrist hinge, which is essential for creating power and control in your swing.

Understanding the Proper Grip

To understand the importance of grip, let’s start by discussing where the club should rest in your left hand. A good grip will position the club in your fingers, not your palm. When the club rests in the palm, you lose the ability to hinge your wrists properly, which is crucial for creating speed and power in your swing.

One golfer who has mastered this technique is Adam Scott. Watching Scott prepare for a shot, you’ll notice that before he even picks up the club, he ensures his left arm is fully extended. This creates a natural position where the club rests in the fingers. He then gently places his palm over the grip, ensuring a firm, yet comfortable hold. This routine helps him control the club, create wrist hinge, and deliver the clubface to the ball at the correct angle.

Drills to Improve Your Left-Hand Grip

The “Button” Grip Drill

To ensure your left-hand grip is in the right position, try this simple routine. The key here is to start by positioning the club with the clubface straight up and down in front of you. Here’s the step-by-step process:

Step 1: Hold the club with your left arm fully extended, so that the club hangs straight down.

Step 2: Push the fleshy part of your palm onto the grip, as if you’re pressing a big button (think of the fleshy part of your palm making contact with the club).

Step 3: Once the palm is in place, wrap your fingers around the grip.

Step 4: The last thing you’ll do is place your thumb on the club.

This routine ensures the club is positioned in your fingers, which will allow for the proper wrist hinge and wrist movement through the swing. The result? You’ll have better control and be able to generate more power.

The Thumb Check Drill

A common mistake golfers make is placing their thumb on the grip too early. This can lead to a palm-heavy grip, which restricts wrist motion and can affect your swing mechanics. To avoid this, try the following drill:

Step 1: Hold the club straight out in front of you with your left hand, making sure the clubface is perpendicular to the ground.

Step 2: Place the fleshy part of your palm on the grip first (as explained in the "Button" drill), then wrap your fingers around the club.

Step 3: Only once your fingers are wrapped around should you place your thumb on the club.

As a checkpoint, you can test the grip by tapping the club like a hammer. If the grip is in the right spot, the club should feel balanced and secure in your hand. If the grip is too much in the palm, you’ll notice difficulty in creating wrist hinge, and the club won’t feel as comfortable.

Why the Left-Hand Grip Matters

A proper grip allows your wrists to function properly during the swing. When your left hand is placed correctly, you can achieve the right amount of wrist extension, or "cupping." This position is essential for loading and unloading the club efficiently.

On the other hand, when the grip is too much in the palm, the wrist is restricted. This not only limits the range of motion in your wrists but also prevents you from generating the necessary power and consistency needed for good shots. With a firm grip in the fingers and proper wrist extension, you’ll be able to hinge the club properly and unload with maximum speed and control.

The Importance of Consistency

A well-formed left-hand grip isn’t just about comfort; it’s also about consistency. As many top golfers, including Adam Scott and Scotty Scheffler, demonstrate, a consistent grip routine helps ensure that your hands are always in the right position. A simple, repeatable grip setup creates a foundation for more reliable ball striking and a more controlled swing.

Conclusion

If you're struggling with consistency, power, or accuracy in your shots, it might be time to take a closer look at your left-hand grip. By following the simple drills and tips above, you can ensure that your grip is in the optimal position to generate more power and precision in your swing.

Remember, a proper grip is the foundation of a solid golf game. By focusing on how you hold the club—especially your left hand—you can improve your wrist movement, create better hinge, and deliver more consistent, powerful shots.

Pro Tip: If you notice wear on your glove’s thumb, it’s a sign that your grip pressure is off. Revisit your grip routine to ensure you’re not squeezing too tightly or misplacing your thumb. With the right grip, you’ll notice more control, comfort, and power in your game.

 Happy golfing!