Getting your grip right is crucial to improve your golf game. A proper grip helps with control and sets you up for a more consistent, powerful swing. In this blog post, we’ll break down key takeaways from Jacob Williams’ grip lesson to help golfers of all skill levels perfect their technique.
1. Check Your Clubface Alignment
Before thinking about your grip, make sure your clubface is square. Jacob emphasizes that you don’t want it too closed or too open at the address. A square clubface sets the foundation for a straight shot.
2. Understanding Knuckle Visibility
Jacob suggests a quick test to check if your grip is on point:
• Two to two and a half knuckles visible on your left hand (for right-handed golfers) is ideal.
• If you only see one knuckle, your grip is likely too weak.
• Seeing three knuckles or more indicates a grip that’s too strong.
While there are many variations of grips, Jacob prefers a slightly neutral grip, leaning just a bit weak or strong, depending on your shot preference.
3. The Importance of a Proper Hinge
When setting up your grip, focus on hinging your wrist correctly. The padding under your left hand should support the club securely. Jacob recommends a drill where someone tries to pull the club from your hand—if it stays stable, you’ve nailed the hinge.
A weak hinge leads to instability, making it hard to control the club during your swing. You should be able to bring the club up with a solid hinge, maintaining an extended left arm and leverage throughout the backswing.
4. Right-Hand Technique: The Water Gun Drill
One of Jacob’s favorite drills for perfecting the right-hand grip is the Water Gun Drill:
• Place your right hand on the club, aligning the ring finger and middle finger at the base of the padding.
• Slide your hand down until it connects with the rest of your fingers.
• Imagine your right hand as a water gun to ensure you’re gripping with the right amount of pressure and leverage.
This drill helps establish a secure but flexible grip, allowing for better control during the swing. Beginners or those with smaller hands might find a ten-finger grip easier, but Jacob uses and recommends an overlapping grip for most players.
5. The Softball Drill for Right-Hand Leverage
Jacob also introduces a powerful drill using just the right hand, called the Softball Drill:
• Imagine you’re holding a bucket of water with your right hand.
• Position your hand on the club naturally and pretend to hit a ball off a tee with a one-armed softball swing.
• Focus on generating leverage in your right hand, feeling the padding of your fingers supporting the club through impact.
This drill helps you get comfortable using your right hand effectively, which is crucial for controlling ball flight and adding power.
6. Adjusting for Different Shots
Jacob explains that the right-hand plays a big role in shaping shots and adjusting mechanics:
• Depending on the type of shot you’re hitting, you may need to adjust your wrist position, mainly using dorsiflexion (bending your wrist backward) to create the right angle at impact.
• Imagine you’re wiping a table as you release through the swing, but avoid overdoing it—too much wrist action can lead to inconsistency.
7. Hands-On Example with Julian
Jacob wraps up his lesson by working with a beginner golfer, Julian, who tends to have a firm grip that causes issues with his shots. Here are some pointers he gave Julian:
• Adjust the knuckle visibility to around two knuckles to find a neutral grip.
• Test the hinge strength by holding the club with the left index finger to see if it stays stable.
• For the right hand, practice the water gun and softball drills to build leverage and control.
By refining Julian’s grip and focusing on the drills, Jacob was able to help him find a more consistent swing path, leading to better shots on the course.
Takeaways for Your Game
Gripping the club correctly can drastically impact your performance. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced golfer looking to refine your technique, these drills and adjustments will help you gain better control and consistency:
• Ensure your clubface is square.
• Aim for two to two and a half knuckles visible on the left hand.
• Focus on a solid wrist hinge to create leverage.
• Use the Water Gun and Softball drills to strengthen your right-hand technique.
With these tips from Jacob Williams, you’ll be on your way to mastering your grip and improving your golf game. Grab your clubs, head to the range, and try these drills!
