Years ago golf magazines proclaimed the grip required use of the two middle fingers of the right hand and the last two fingers of the left hand (right handers). The value of that advice was unmistakable. The concept was intended to foster a good wrist cock at the top and the release through the hitting area, theoretically. But, there is more to the golf grip than was being said.
One day, 17 years ago, I was hitting balls on the range in Lexington, Ky. preparing for a Monday Qualifier on the Sr. Tour. I chanced to meet a fellow qualifier who told me in no uncertain terms the grip had to be a ten finger grip! Seventeen years later I watch Sergio Garcia address the ball and notice his thumbs are vitally important to his grip at address. Over and over again I see him lift and replace his thumbs on the shaft until they are exactly correct before he takes his back swing. Emulating Sergio has helped my game significantly. But, there is even more than can be readily seen in Sergio's address.
Over and over again, I discover and rediscover the importance of both thumbs and forefingers in the grip at address.To that end, my favorite golf instructor advised me to grip lightly with the fourth finger of my right hand, which leaves primarily the thumb, forefinger and middle finger of the right hand for grip pressures. Chris Couch who plays both Nationwide and PGA Tours told me those fingers of the right hand dominate his grip pressures at address. My recent experience, after returning from a heat induced vacation, tells me the above is essential and correct. Ben Hogan's book mentions the thumb and forefinger of both hands at address.
Importantly, I have found vast improvement in pressing my left bicep against my left side at address prior to my back swing. Also, notice Tiger Woods wears a big ring on his right middle finger. That finger is very important in the rotational forces that are required in the back swing. The ring could be an important reminder because I find that middle finger pressure to be vital to the back swing.
My last observation has to do with the players on the LPGA. We see many of the younger ladies finish their swings on their toes rather than heels. Jack Nicklaus and Johnny Miller had fantasic swings that were the same; vigorous and often said, "They nearly came out of their shoes." If you are hanging up on the right foot in the back swing, shift a little more weight to the ball of the right foot in the back swing. Relaxing the ankles prior to the back swing makes this easier and promotes the turn away and back through the ball.
Better print this lesson out for future reference.
RHE
