Golf Grip Part 3: Placing the Hands

A good golf grip calls for the hands to be in practically direct opposition as they grasp the golf club that is, with the palms facing each other squarely.

The (left) hand is placed against the shaft in such a manner that the shaft makes a diagonal contact from the crook of the index finger across the palm.

It is, with this left hand, a combination palm and finger grip. When this hand is closed the club should be held in the first two fingers and the palm. There should be a fold of flesh between the club and the little finger.

This, as a matter of fact, is a check point by which you can tell whether you have the palm-and-finger grip.

Now we also want — nay, demand — that only two knuckles of this left hand be visible when the hand is closed tightly on the club.

As you address the golf ball and look down at your hands, you must see no more than two knuckles, those at the base of the index finger and the big finger. Not four knuckles, not three knuckles, not one knuckle.

Two knuckles! This is your second and last check point for the position of this hand.

How the left hand should look on the club: The Back of the hand is facing left, not up, two knuckles are visible, the thumb lies a little to the player's right on the shaft, and the V, between thumb and forefinger, points slightly to the player's right.

Inside the left hand. The important point here is that the club lies diagonally across the palm, from the crook of the index finger, and comes out halfway between the root of the little finger and the base of the palm. There must always be a fold of flesh between the club and the root of the little finger.

So much emphasis has been put on the left hand over the years that many people believe the right doesn't amount to much in the golf grip.

• Golf Grip Part 1
• Golf Grip Part 2: Common Faults
• Golf Grip Part 3: Placing the Hands
• Golf Grip Part 4: Placing the Fingers
• Golf Grip Part 5: Final Touches