Determining the proper grip size for your golf clubs is crucial for optimizing your performance on the course. Kellie Stenzel, a GOLF Top 100 Teacher, emphasizes the importance of using a correctly sized club grip to ensure a correctly struck golf ball. She explains that the grip directly impacts distance and your ability to release the club during your swing. Stenzel suggests a simple method to check if your grip is the right size by using your lead hand to see if your fingers form a perfect circle when holding the club.
For those who purchase clubs with off-the-shelf grips, it’s essential to pay attention to the sizing to ensure optimal performance. Golf grips are relatively inexpensive compared to clubs, usually ranging from $5 to $12 per grip. When selecting new grips, one aspect to consider is the grip diameter, as it can significantly impact your swing. Using a grip that is too small or too large for your hand size can lead to issues such as inconsistent shots, poor turf interaction, and shot dispersion.
If your hands are larger, playing with a standard-size grip can cause the small muscles in your hands to overwork during the swing. This can result in releasing the club too quickly at impact and affecting your shot consistency. Conversely, using a larger grip can engage the larger muscles in your hands and reduce the risk of hooking the ball. Testing different grip diameters can help determine the right fit for your hands, with options ranging from undersized to midsize and oversized grips based on your glove size.
It’s crucial to consult a certified club-fitter before making any changes to your grip size to ensure it suits your swing mechanics. Manufacturers offer a variety of grip sizes to accommodate different hand sizes, but additional tape wraps can be added underneath the grip to customize the fit further. Finding the proper grip size is a key component in maintaining a consistent swing and avoiding developing bad habits that may require correction in the future. By paying attention to the grip diameter and ensuring it fits your hand size, you can enhance your performance on the golf course and optimize your swing mechanics.