The Correct Address Position

So, what is involved in Basics?      Grip – Posture – Alignment – Stance – Ball Position.

You probably know the importance of good basics, but how often have you actually gone to the range and worked on these aspects?  Think about it like this; it may be impossible for you to ever swing the club like the top Tour Professionals, but it is possible for you to address the ball the same as them.  For once, when you go to the range, try working on aspects of your game you can do, rather than aspect you cannot do.  The secret to improving your golf is here if you want it. In part one, we are going to look at the grip.  Take a look at these pictures of grips I took at the driving range.  The sequence is from averaging over 100 top tour pros:  Do you see any pattern?

There is no trick here.  Want better scores? Start by getting a better grip!

Sometimes, a grip can look good on the outside, but still be incorrect.  Let’s take a closer look at the inside, and the details of how to place your hands correctly on the club.
How to Take your Grip
The Left Hand

• Start by holding the club up at a 45 degree angle with your right hand on the bottom 0f the grip and the clubface pointing to the sky.  Why? Because the club needs to be placed in the hand at 45 degrees, and this makes it a lot easier.
• Now, place the club across the hand, from the middle of the index finger to base of the baby finger.  Many times, I draw a line on the glove to help students find this position.
• Next, close your fingers so that it is mainly a finger held grip, with the hand closing over the top.
• The left thumb should be placed on the top of the grip so that the V created by the index finger and thumb points to your right ear – approx.  You should be able to see 2 – 3 knuckles when in your address position if you are doing this correctly.

Right Hand

• Once the left hand is complete, slide your right hand up the grip.  Again, it should be placed diagonally across the hand, mainly in the fingers.
• When your right hand closes, your left thumb should rest nicely on the life line of your right hand.
• Your right index finger should create a little trigger look, separated slightly from the 3^rd finger.  Your right thumb should be placed on the left side of the grip.  The index finger and thumb should nearly touch.   The V created by the index finger and thumb should point vertically up your body or slightly right.
• Joining your hands is matter a preference.  Over-lapping (perhaps for slightly bigger hands), Inter-locking (perhaps for smaller hands), or Baseball for juniors or very small hands.