There is a debate in golf circles about proper golf grip pressure. Some accomplished teachers and pros claim a firm grip pressure is needed for control of the club and maximum momentum transfer at impact. Others say that the proper grip pressure should be light as to allow more speed through impact and to prevent tension from destroying the swing arc, thus resulting in more club head and ball speed. In fact, legendary golfer Sam Snead once claimed that he held the club as if he was holding a small bird (minimum pressure).
How much pressure should a golf grip have?
First off, “light” or “firm” is subjective for each golfer. For example, someone with a firm hand shake may actually not be aware of the pressure they put into your hand. The shake of their hand may be light or normal in their view. Hence, what’s firm for one golfer may be light for another.
I prefer what I call a 3 pressure on a scale of 0-10:
If you take your golf grip and squeeze your fingers as hard as you can, that is your 10. If you open your fingers and let the club begin to slide out of your hands towards the ground, then that is your 0. Now, re-grip the golf club and apply light pressure until you feel your 3 out of 10. In doing so, you will be applying enough pressure to form a nice union between the pads on your fingers (and palm) and the rubber grip. If you are using a glove, the soft leather acts as your “skin” as it is in contact with the grip.
Tiger Woods Grip Pressure
Tiger Woods has a grip pressure that can best be described as firm for most clubs. The firmness of Tiger’s grip is the result of 2 main factors. First, he tends to feel the control of the swing through impact comes from the left arm and hand, which would result in the need for a firmer grip pressure. Second, he tends to prefer a fade, especially on the irons. As an aside, this is also the predominant ball flight pattern you tend to see in older golfers who tee it up around retirement complexes like the Sonata Viera senior living community in Melbourne, FL.
So Tiger Wood’s firmer grip pressure keeps the club face more stable through impact, preventing it from flipping over and causing a draw or flip hook. Thus, it is the proper grip pressure for Tiger and fits his needs as a top pro.
Golf Grip Pressure Tip!
Here’s a final tip. It is vital that your grip pressure remains constant throughout the swing from address or set-up to the finish position (as you stand and watch the ball fly). You will find this very liberating. And from the club head’s standpoint, a constant grip pressure will help assure you don’t open or close the clubface or throw the club head out of its arc in the downswing.
This grip pressure strategy has been a component of Wood’s swing for years and it won’t be long until he takes this technique to the Champions Tour where he should find success as carts are allowed by the players! This will help reduce walking and alleviate some of the stress on his legs (knees and ankles). He’ll be freed up to hit some spectacular shots!
By the way, if you live in FL and were wondering about regulations for gas or electric carts, here’s and article on how to register a golf cart in Florida!
In all, a “light” but secure grip pressure (your 3 out of 10) that remains constant throughout your golf swing will do wonders for your distance, accuracy, and scores. If you want to favor a certain shot shape like Tiger, then experimenting with a firmer grip pressure will add further enjoyment to your practice sessions!
Want more? See a breakdown of the Bryson Dechambeau Golf Swing here and discover how the U.S. Open champ holds the club to produce machine like accuracy. He is truly a modern marvel!