How can grip choice affect your swing?

As you may already know, the grip is the only point of contact between you and your golf club. The choice of grip can affect your swing in various ways. At Handmade Custom Clubs , we are specialized in creating custom golf clubs, so we are aware of the importance of a grip adapted to your needs and your playing style. In this article, we are going to explain, in detail, how the choice of grip can affect your swing and why it is essential to choose the right one to improve your game.

How Important is Club Grip in Golf?

Many beginner players do not give it the importance it deserves. However, we must tell you that the grip is the basis that will determine the feeling, control and stability during the swing. A good grip should:

• Increase your confidence and security. It should fit your hand so that you feel the club with a natural connection. 
• Help you efficiently transmit the force generated in the backswing to the impact with the ball.
• Prevent injuries: A well-fitting grip should help prevent you from gripping your club too tightly. It should also help reduce the strain on your forearms and wrists.

Below we will explain in detail how the choice of grip can affect the swing. But, in short, the information that you must take into account is that a good choice of grip will improve your hitting technique, while an inappropriate one can cause deviations in the trajectory of the ball and a bad technique.

How Grip Size Affects a Golf Club

Size is one of the most important factors when choosing a suitable grip, as it directly affects the position of the hands during the swing and, consequently, has a direct influence on the alignment and balance of the club.

• On the one hand, a grip that is too thin can make you feel insecure. If this uncertainty leads you to squeeze too hard, it can limit the movement of your wrists, causing the clubface to close too much at impact. This usually results in shots with a tendency to hook or pull and, of course, a loss of control.
• On the other hand, a grip that is too thick causes the opposite: It makes it difficult for you to fully close your hand, which can cause the clubface to be too open during the stroke. This encourages errors such as slicing or pushing.

So, What is the Optimal Grip Thickness on a Golf Club?

To determine the optimal grip thickness, it will be necessary to evaluate both your physical characteristics and your swing style. The most common methods for doing so are:

• Take a practical test: You can try different grip sizes. Our advice is that when you close your hand, you should feel that your fingers fit comfortably without having to tighten too much.
• Book a professional fitting: With a custom fitting, like the one we offer at Handmade Custom Clubs, you can adjust the grip to the specific measurements of your palm and fingers. In addition, your specific preferences and conditions are also taken into account.
• Pay attention to the sensations: Beyond the measurements, we also recommend that you trust your feelings. A proper grip will allow your wrists to move naturally, without having to overexert themselves.

Ideally, you'll combine all of the methods to determine what thickness you need for your grip. 

Types of Grips on Golf Clubs

1. Types of Grips according to their Material:

• Rubber Grips: They are soft to the touch and durable. These grips provide a good grip even in wet conditions. They are ideal for varied climates.
• Rope Grips: These grips incorporate threads or cords on the surface. They are rougher than rubber grips and offer better grip. They are preferred by players who want more control, especially in wet conditions.

2. Types of Grips according to their Size:

• Undersize: These are the ones we recommend for players with smaller hands or who prefer a slimmer feel to the grip.
• Standard: The most common size, suitable for most golfers.
• Midsize: They have a slightly larger diameter. They provide a fuller feel in the hands.
• Oversize or Jumbo: Ideal grips for players with larger hands or for those who want to reduce wrist action during the swing.

Ultimately, as you can see, each type of grip is designed to adapt to different styles and conditions.

When Should You Change Golf Club Grips?

Golf club grips wear down with use and lose their gripping properties. Here are some tips to help you know when it's time to change them.

• A grip in poor condition has less shine in the worn areas.
• If you notice that you start to tighten more to compensate for the lack of grip, it is a sign that it is time to change it.
• In humid climates, grips should be changed more frequently. We recommend inspecting them every 6 to 12 months.
• A worn grip affects how the club feels, which can lead to inconsistencies in your swing and affect the accuracy of your impact. 

Changing your grip on time is crucial to maintaining confidence on the course. In addition, keeping your grips in the best possible condition will help you preserve the quality of your swing.

How to Choose the Right Grips for Your Golf Clubs?

Now that you know how grip choice can affect your swing, you'll have realized that it's not a choice to be left to chance. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice of grip:

1. Make a professional fitting: This is our first recommendation. Whenever possible, book a fitting with a professional. At Handmade Custom Clubs we use the most advanced fitting techniques to determine the recommended size, material and texture for each golfer. Doing so allows us to customize the golf clubs according to your preferences and physical condition.
   
2. Take into account the weather and playing conditions. If you play in wet conditions or sweat a lot, we recommend opting for textured grips that offer a more secure grip, such as rope grips.
   
3. Try different options: Don't just settle for the first grip you get your hands on. Try out different types of grips to compare them. Hand feel is very personal and not all players will find the same thing to work with.

At Handmade Custom Clubs We Are Specialists in Creating Custom Golf Clubs

With all of the above in mind, it is clear that the grip is an essential part of the golf club and a factor that affects your confidence and performance.

If you are thinking of updating not only the grip, but the entire club, or you want a personalized set that takes into account every detail - from the shaft and loft to the thickness of the grip - at Handmade Custom Clubs we can offer you advice and customized solutions.

Fancy a change of scenery in your golf bag? Check out our Online Golf Shop and discover the options we have prepared for different styles of play. In addition, we encourage you to book a personalized Fitting to thoroughly evaluate your swing, the pressure of your hands and the type of grip that suits you. We believe that the club should feel like an extension of you, giving you the feeling of control and freedom needed to enjoy every shot. At HCC we are specialists in creating custom golf clubs .