While studying about how to find that perfect golf swing I was a bit surprised to see that the grip was at the very top of the list of important aspects to obtaining that perfect swing. Personally, I would have started with something more along the lines of the mindset and how important our thoughts and self-talk really are. I was shocked when I watched Tiger Woods in a golf tournament uttering these words under his breath (if I heard them correctly) and those were Tiger Woods…you suck! While I would never claim to be the world’s most positive thinker – ok far from it – even I know that words such as those cannot help but have a huge negative impact on his game in that case.
So just why is the grip such a powerful element in finding that perfect golf swing? The grip has often been alluded to as the steering wheel of the swing in that a great grasp on your golf club will get your shots to where you need them to go. Each golfer’s grip is as unique to them as is where they enjoy golfing and what attire they play best in. Did you know that the grip itself has more effect on the ball’s flight than on anything else? It is actually the very foundation that the rest of your perfect golf swing is built upon. If you find yourself having difficulties with your ball’s flight patterns chances are you might need to stop and really look at how you are holding your golf club. One key thing to remember is that you need to grip the club in your fingers rather than your palm. The reason is that the further into your palms you grip, the slower your golf swings will be.
This probably goes without saying but just reminding yourself to relax can improve not only your swings but your overall game as well. Some golfers realize that when they have the driver in their hands, they can actually sense more tension throughout their bodies. You must allow your body to relax while taking your swing. I know this is much easier said than done and I for one know that when I play golf, tennis or other sports, my competitive/perfectionist edge comes out, and the tension is on, which basically can take most if not all of the fun out of it and really, sports should be fun! If you tense up during your swing, your muscles will indeed tighten up and will change the way in which you swing the golf club and probably give you less than desirable results.
It could be helpful if you try to locate your intended shot by just stepping back about six to eight feet behind your teed up golf ball. While you are standing behind your ball, facing the pathway that you have in mid for it to travel, study your shot and decide on the shot you want to play. Is it a draw, straight or fade shot? Locate a spot approximately not more than six inches away from your golf ball that’s around that line of target. This very spot will help when you’re ready to hit the ball. Now, this further step is very crucial: Don’t rush, you need just to study your intended shot thoroughly. By visualizing it in your head, next time when you swing your club, your mind can know exactly how to react. Remember Tiger’s mumblings I heard on TV! The mindset and self-talk are vital not only in a great golf game but also in many aspects of life.
Watch great players during their tournaments either live or on television. We tend to learn by watching and imitating others so be sure they are great players if your intention is to be great or at least to thoroughly enjoy golfing while improving upon your perfect golf swing grip. Don’t waste your time watching lousy players as you don’t want to pick up any of their mistakes even just unconsciously. Practice – practice on the driving ranges, in your backyard or even in your living room. You don’t have to wait until it is 75 and sunny to get outside and practice when the convenience of your home is available in every season 24/7. Don’t forget to focus while practicing. It is better to spend ten quality minutes and concentrate on what you are doing than spending an hour or two just whacking the heck out of the golf balls. If you’re practicing with a bucket of balls at a driving range, remember to take breaks. Rest when you are frustrated or tired. Lastly, walk the course rather than zipping around in those golf carts just like the bigwig tour players do. They walk to give themselves more time to concentrate on their next shot, to improve their speed and yes, it gives everyone an abundance of much needed fresh air and exercise.