Lead Hand Grip Strength

Weak, Neutral, Strong

You have most likely heard of the terms “weak,” "neutral,” and “strong” regarding the grip.

Let’s clarify what each of those terms means.

Weak Lead Hand

A weak lead hand can cause the club face to be open, potentially resulting in a slice.

It can also cause a golfer to be “flippy’ or release the club early to close the club face.

Neutral Lead Hand

This would be a good way to start if you are new to golf.

Whilst we see the Tour Players all over the place with their grips, too weak and too strong for most recreational golfers leads to club face control issues.

Strong Lead Hand

There is no “right” or “wrong” or one perfect grip.

But there’s typically a grip strength for you that will allow you to control the club face with less compensation.

Weak doesn’t mean a weak shot, and strong doesn’t mean a strong shot. However, these grips do influence the club face, which will look at in detail in Lead Hand Errors.

Key Checkpoints

  • Weak Lead Hand

    1. Thumb sits left of the centerline of the handle (right-handers).
    2. One or no knuckles visible.

  • Neutral Lead Hand

    1. Thumb sits right of the centerline of the handle (right-handers).
    2. Two knuckles visible.

  • Strong Lead Hand

    1. Thumb sits on the right side of the handle (right-handers).
    2. Three to four knuckles visible.

All Grip Sections

  • Lead Hand Strength

    You have most likely heard the term “weak,” “neutral,” and strong.” Let’s explore!

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  • Lead Hand Errors

    Let’s look at some of the issues related to lead hand errors.

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  • Trail Hand Placement

    Placing the trail hand correctly is crucial for club face control. This often is the culprit for misdirected shots!

    GO TO NOW

  • Trail Hand Strength

    Trail hand grip strength is just as influential on the club face as the lead hand. Let’s take a look!

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  • Trail Hand Errors

    Common issues you will see that are a result of trail hand errors.

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  • Face Issues - Slice

    Slice/open club face issues that are a result of grip errors.

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  • Face Issues - Hook

    Hook/closed club face issues that are a result of grip errors.

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  • Grip Strength Curve

    How changing your grip can create curve intentionally when needed.

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  • Grip Pressure

    Let’s look at how tight you should be holding onto the club.

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  • Three Grip Types

    These are the most common three grip types. They can all be done well, and all can have issues.

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  • Lead Hand Placement

    It’s crucial that the lead hand grip is positioned correctly in the fingers!

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  • Finger VS Plam "Grip Check"

    Use this “grip test” to see if you are gripping in the fingers or the palm of your lead hand.

    GO TO NOW

Quick links

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Palm VS Fingers Grip Check
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Lead Hand Errors