January 5, 2021 3:48 pm

Prior to each shot, the very first thing we do is take hold of the golf club. Unfortunately, in most cases, we have already made a big error, by holding the golf club as if it were my throat!!!

If you watch other sports, you can see how hard the protagonists work to reduce the tension in their action. Tennis players bounce the ball before serving. Sprinters shake their muscles on the blocks before they start, and cricketers tap the bat while the bowler is on the run up.

Relaxation is key

We golfers should follow this motto: “fingers secure, arms relaxed”. You must ensure that the club doesn’t fly out of your hands obviously, but everyone holds the club tighter than they should. This means that the muscles in your arms tighten and then are not so fluid. Consequently, they are not so powerful either, which of course is not what is intended.

This is another one of those features of golf where success breeds success and failure breeds failure. If you are playing well and hitting the ball solid, then this allows for a more zen like approach to the next shot. Of course, it’s not always easy. Two balls out of bounds followed by a scuff and a daisy cutter hardly leads one to feel relaxed for the next shot. But here’s a tip: relax your breathing and concentrate on that grip pressure. Then waggle the club in your hands. Believe me, it helps.

By Jon Woodroffe – Master Professional, World of Golf London

Why not check out this video for further thoughts on how to grip the golf club.

Categorised in: Tip of the month, World of Golf London