Left Hand Grip

[jimschuck]

I am a right-handed player. The January 2011 edition of Golf Magazine "New Grip" (page 79 or link below) suggests that the "left thumb pad" should press directly down on the shaft. This seems to contradict prevalent instruction (including this site) which state the "left heal pad" should be positioned on top of the shaft. There is a significant difference between these two left hand grip positions.




I tried gripping the club with the "left thumb pad" pressing on top of the shaft and I was surprised at the results - accurate/repeatable shots with little effort - also my impact action feels greatly improved. But I do not know why! I find little to no collaboration on the web for the Golf Mag "left thumb pad" statement - perhaps someone can provide some clarity for me.

[Michael Jacobs]

Good topic of discussion! If you look at a grip and see a clock face, a grip between 12-1:00 would promote an orthodox left palm condition. The more the left left thumb turns to 1:00 and even on to 2:00 the more the left palm turns down. We are all different and have different swing characteristics and therefore grip types have endless options. The article is ok, I however recommend golfers taking their grip down at their side instead of up in the air as shown in this article.
Here is an excellent tip I made for the golf channel - it is 7:35-7:59 in this video

[jimschuck]

Thanks Michael for your prompt and descriptive response to my post.

I understand and agree with your statements and video. My hands are normal size and shape, my left thumb is placed at the 1:00 position, and the shaft runs across the base of my fingers as your video suggests.

However, my real question is: should the butt end of the handle be trapped or supported directly underneath the "heal pad" of the left hand as your video and grip photos depict pad.jpg OR could the butt of the handle be positioned directly underneath the "left thumb pad" as the Golf Mag article (Step 3) suggests - "... roll left thumb over to the right side of the handle .... and press the left thumb pad directly down on the handle".

Try this and feel the difference - it is significant. I have and after a few range sessions hitting 1/2 - 3/4 wedges my results have been surprisingly positive -yet I do not know why and it seems to contradict conventional instruction.

[Michael Jacobs]

Thanks Michael for your prompt and descriptive response to my post.

I understand and agree with your statements and video. My hands are normal size and shape, my left thumb is placed at the 1:00 position, and the shaft runs across the base of my fingers as your video suggests.

However, my real question is: should the butt end of the handle be trapped or supported directly underneath the "heal pad" of the left hand as your video and grip photos depict (pad.jpg) OR could the butt of the handle be positioned directly underneath the "left thumb pad" as the Golf Mag article (Step 3) suggests - "... roll left thumb over to the right side of the handle .... and press the left thumb pad directly down on the handle".

Try this and feel the difference - it is significant. I have and after a few range sessions hitting 1/2 - 3/4 wedges my results have been surprisingly positive -yet I do not know why and it seems to contradict conventional instruction.

Jimschuck,

The butt end of the club is best under the heel pad, holding it under the left hand thumb pad is a disaster!!! Promoting the club to sit under the thumb pad of the top hand is appalling. There are major advantages to holding it under the heel of the hand. A good indicator of holding it in a bad spot is if you notice that you are wearing out your glove.

You are better off under the heel pad!!!

[jimschuck]

Thanks Michael for your direct response - of course, you are right! Must say that the Golf Mag article is poorly written, if not way off base! Perhaps an other good reason not to pay attention to their articles! Prior to your response, I went back to nestling the butt-end underneath my left heal pad and all is very well. Thanks again for confirming this for me.