Perfect Golf Grip - Hank Haney's Method

The grip is your only connection to the club. Get it wrong, and everything else becomes harder. Hank Haney, former coach of Tiger Woods, explains how to perfect your golf grip.

A proper grip makes it easier to square the clubface, generate power, and maintain control. Without it, you're fighting your equipment.

You'll learn:

• How to place your hands correctly
• Why grip position matters
• Common grip mistakes
• Practice drills

Let's get your grip right.

Why the Grip Matters

The grip is your only connection to the club. It affects:

• Clubface control
• Power generation
• Consistency
• Ball flight

Without a proper grip:

• Hard to square the clubface
• Lose power
• Inconsistent results
• Can't control ball flight

With a proper grip:

• Easy to square the clubface
• Generate power efficiently
• Consistent results
• Control ball flight

Key Takeaways from Hank Haney's Method

The key elements of a proper grip:

• Left hand position - Grip runs diagonally across palm
• Right hand position - Covers left thumb, "V" points right
• Pressure - Firm but not tight
• Connection - Hands work together, not independently
• Consistency - Same grip every time

Step-by-Step Breakdown

Step 1: Place Your Left Hand

What to do:

1. Place the club in your left hand (for right-handed golfers)
2. The grip should run diagonally across your palm
3. From the base of your pinky to the middle joint of your index finger
4. Your left thumb should sit slightly to the right of center

What it should feel like:

• The club should feel secure but not tight
• You should be able to rotate your forearm
• Your hand should feel connected to the club

What it should look like:

• From address, you should see 2-3 knuckles on your left hand
• Your thumb sits slightly to the right of center
• The grip runs diagonally across your palm

Step 2: Place Your Right Hand

What to do:

1. Place your right hand so it covers your left thumb
2. The "V" formed by your thumb and index finger should point toward your right shoulder
3. Your right hand should feel connected to your left
4. Both hands should work together

What it should feel like:

• Your hands should feel connected
• Not fighting each other
• Working together as one unit

What it should look like:

• Your right hand covers your left thumb
• The "V" points toward your right shoulder
• Both hands look connected and unified

Step 3: Check Your Grip Pressure

What to do:

1. Hold the club firmly but not tightly
2. Think of holding a bird—firm enough to hold it, not so tight you crush it
3. Your grip should be consistent throughout the swing
4. Don't grip tighter during the swing

What it should feel like:

• Firm but not tight
• Secure but not tense
• Comfortable and natural

What it should look like:

• Your hands look relaxed
• Not white-knuckled
• Comfortable and natural

Step 4: Verify Your Position

What to do:

1. Check that you can see 2-3 knuckles on your left hand
2. Check that the "V" points toward your right shoulder
3. Check that your hands feel connected
4. Check that your grip pressure is correct

What it should feel like:

• Your hands should feel connected and unified
• You should be able to rotate your forearms
• The club should feel secure but not tight

What it should look like:

• Your grip looks professional and correct
• Your hands are connected
• You look ready to make a good swing

Drills to Practice This Technique

Drill 1: Grip Check Drill

Equipment: Your 7-iron, mirror

How to do it:

1. Take your grip in front of a mirror
2. Check your left hand position
3. Check your right hand position
4. Check your grip pressure
5. Make adjustments as needed

Reps: 10-15 grip checks

Success marker: Your grip looks correct. You can see 2-3 knuckles, and the "V" points right.

Drill 2: Pressure Drill

Equipment: Your 7-iron

How to do it:

1. Take your grip
2. Feel the pressure—firm but not tight
3. Make slow swings focusing on maintaining pressure
4. Don't grip tighter during the swing

Reps: 10-15 slow swings

Success marker: Your grip pressure stays consistent. You don't grip tighter during the swing.

Drill 3: Connection Drill

Equipment: Your 7-iron

How to do it:

1. Take your grip
2. Focus on your hands feeling connected
3. Make swings feeling your hands work together
4. Don't let your hands work independently

Reps: 10-15 swings

Success marker: Your hands feel connected. They work together as one unit.

Common Mistakes When Gripping

1. Too weak a grip - Seeing only 1 knuckle makes it hard to square the face. See 2-3 knuckles.

2. Too strong a grip - Seeing 4-5 knuckles makes it easy to close the face too much. See 2-3 knuckles.

3. Gripping too tight - Tension kills your swing. Grip firmly but not tightly.

4. Hands not connected - Your hands should work together, not independently.

5. Inconsistent grip - Grip the club the same way every time. Consistency is key.

Troubleshooting:

• Slicing? Your grip might be too weak. Strengthen it slightly.
• Hooking? Your grip might be too strong. Weaken it slightly.
• Inconsistent? Check your grip every time. Make it consistent.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tight should I grip the club?

Firm but not tight. Think of holding a bird—firm enough to hold it, not so tight you crush it.

How many knuckles should I see?

2-3 knuckles on your left hand. This is a neutral to slightly strong grip.

Should my hands be connected?

Yes. Your hands should work together as one unit, not independently.

How do I know if my grip is correct?

You should see 2-3 knuckles, the "V" should point right, and your hands should feel connected. You should be able to square the clubface easily.

Can I change my grip?

Yes, but do it gradually. Small changes are better than big ones. Practice the new grip before using it on the course.

Summary: Your Action Plan

Perfect golf grip is essential:

The Key Elements:

• Left hand: Grip runs diagonally, 2-3 knuckles visible
• Right hand: Covers left thumb, "V" points right
• Pressure: Firm but not tight
• Connection: Hands work together
• Consistency: Same grip every time

Your Practice Plan:

• Week 1: Focus on hand position. Use the grip check drill.
• Week 2: Work on grip pressure. Use the pressure drill.
• Week 3: Focus on connection. Use the connection drill.
• Week 4: Make it automatic. Check your grip before every shot.

Remember: The grip is your only connection to the club. Get it right, and everything else becomes easier.

Perfect grip doesn't happen overnight. Practice it regularly, and it will become automatic. You've got this.

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