A strong golf grip has nothing to do with how hard you squeeze the club. It’s one of the most misunderstood terms in golf, but it could be the very thing that stops your slice and unlocks more consistent shots. In this guide, we'll break down exactly what a strong grip is and help you decide if it's the right move for your game.
In golf instruction, the terms "strong," "neutral," and "weak" refer to the rotational position of your hands on the club handle, not the amount of pressure you apply. Think of it like a steering wheel. A strong grip means your hands are rotated slightly away from the target (to the right for a right-handed golfer).
This rotation pre-sets your hands in a position that naturally encourages the clubface to close or "release" through the impact zone. For the millions of golfers who struggle with a slice - a shot that curves hard to the right for righties - this can be a game-changer. A slice is most often caused by an open clubface at impact, and a strong grip is a direct countermeasure to that fault.
The easiest way to check the "strength" of your own grip is by looking at the "V" shapes created by your thumb and index finger on each hand. In a strong grip, both of these Vs will point towards your trail shoulder (your right shoulder for a righty).
Let's look at the key visual checkpoints of a strong grip for a right-handed golfer. If you're a lefty, simply reverse these directions.
This is the dominant hand when it comes to influencing clubface control. In a strong position, the left hand sits more on top of the grip. From your perspective looking down at address, you should be able to clearly see three, or even close to four, knuckles on your left hand.
Checkpoint: The "V" formed by your left thumb and index finger should point somewhere between your right ear and right shoulder.
The trail hand follows the lead hand's lead. For a strong grip, your right hand will sit more underneath the club shaft than it would in a neutral or weak position. It almost feels like you're supporting the club from below.
Checkpoint: The "V" formed by your right thumb and index finger should also point toward your right shoulder, mirroring the "V" of your left hand. The lifeline of your right palm should fit snugly over your left thumb.
Changing your grip feels incredibly foreign at first, so go slow and be patient. It's best to practice this at home for a few minutes each day until it begins to feel more natural.
Start by resting the club on the ground in front of you. Make sure the leading edge of the clubface is perfectly perpendicular to your target line. Your grip must be built around a square face to be effective.
Place your left hand on the grip, but instead of putting it on the side, rotate it over to the right so it sits more on top of the handle. Look down. Can you see at least three knuckles? If so, you're on the right track. The top of your left thumb should be positioned slightly to the right of the center of the grip.
Now bring your right hand to the club. Let it approach from slightly underneath the grip. The goal is to get the lifeline of your right palm to cover your left thumb. Your right hand should feel like it's providing support from under the shaft.
Now you just need to connect your hands together. You have three main options, and none is "better" than the other - it's about comfort and stability. Your grip strength (the rotation) is already set in the previous steps.
Once your hands are set, take your stance. The full-grip package should feel solid, with both "Vs" pointing toward your trail shoulder.
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