Strong Grip in Golf: Pros, Cons and How Strong Is Too Strong

What Is a Strong Grip in Golf?

A strong grip means both hands are turned a little away from the target on the handle (for right-handers), so the Vs between thumb and index finger point toward your trail shoulder. With the face set square at address, this makes it easier to square the face at impact. It can tame a slice; too much, and the ball hooks.

"Strong" has nothing to do with how hard you squeeze. It only describes where your hands sit on the handle. You can hold a strong grip with light pressure, and you should.

How to Check Your Grip

• Knuckle checkpoint: Lead hand: about three knuckles visible from above (about two is neutral; one or fewer is weak).
• V checkpoint: Both Vs point toward your trail shoulder.
• Left-handers: Swap lead and trail (left hand becomes the lead hand).

How to Set a Strong Grip

1. Set the face square first. Rest the club behind the ball with the leading edge square to your target line.
2. Place the lead hand. Turn it slightly away from the target so you can see about three knuckles when you look down.
3. Add the trail hand. Turn it to match, so its V also points at your trail shoulder rather than your chin.
4. Check the face again. Your hands moved, but the clubface should still be square. If the face turned closed, reset it and re-grip.

Who Benefits from a Strong Grip?

A strong grip is most useful for:

• Slicers: Helps square the clubface at impact, so the slice curves less.
• Golfers who leave the face open: turning the hands a little helps the face arrive square.

It is not a universal solution. If your usual miss is already a hook, a strong grip will usually make it worse.

Many golfers play a strong grip for good. Keep it if your ball flight is straighter; ease it back if hooks show up.

The Risks of a Strong Grip

While a strong grip can help slicers, it has drawbacks:

• Risk of hooking the ball: A grip that is too strong can let the clubface close too much through impact, leading to hooks.
• Low hooks that start left: A sign the grip is too strong (right-handers; lefties: start right).

How Strong Is Too Strong?

Count your lead-hand knuckles at address. About three, with the Vs pointing at your trail shoulder, is a strong grip that many players use well. If you see four knuckles and the Vs point outside your trail shoulder, that is usually too strong for most players. The face tends to close early, and the ball starts left and keeps curving left (right-handers; lefties: start right and curve right).

The fix is simple: back off to three knuckles and watch the start line. If the ball now starts close to your target and curves only a little, you have found your grip. If it still dives left, ease back a little more toward two knuckles, which is neutral. Judge by the ball, not by how the grip looks in the mirror. The right grip for you is the one that starts the ball on line and curves it the least.

How to Dial Back a Strong Grip

If your grip is too strong, follow these steps:

1. Turn both hands a little toward the target until you see about two lead-hand knuckles and the Vs point between your chin and trail shoulder (neutral).
2. Check it in a mirror before each practice session.
3. Hit a few balls; if they still hook, ease back a touch more.

Small changes go a long way. Move the hands a fraction at a time rather than jumping straight from strong to weak.

Strong vs Neutral vs Weak Grip: A Comparison

How to Practice a Strong Grip

Drill 1: Mirror Check Drill

Setup: Stand in front of a mirror with a club in your hands.

Steps:

1. Adjust your grip so the V points toward the trail shoulder.
2. Check your knuckles: about three should be visible on your lead hand.
3. Let go, then re-grip and check again, keeping your hands relaxed.

Reps: 10 grips, checking each in the mirror.

What good looks like: The Vs point at your trail shoulder, the face is square, and your hands are not tight.

Drill 2: Ball Flight Drill

Setup: Use a range with a net or target.

Steps:

1. Hit 10 balls with a strong grip, observing the ball flight.
2. If you hook the ball, adjust your grip to neutral and repeat.
3. Compare the ball flight between strong and neutral grips.

Reps: 10 balls per grip, 3 sets.

What good looks like: Pick the grip that starts the ball closest to target; if it hooks, ease back toward neutral.

FAQ

Does a strong grip help slicers?

Yes, it can help square the face at impact. If the ball starts hooking, ease the grip back toward neutral.

Should I use the same grip for every club?

Most golfers use one grip for every full swing. If your irons start hooking and your driver doesn't, try easing the grip back a little.

How do I know if my grip is too strong?

If you consistently hook the ball, especially low hooks that start left (right-handers; lefties: start right), your grip may be too strong. Use the knuckle and V checkpoints to adjust.

Should I use a strong grip on my driver?

It can help slicers, but it is not necessary for all players. Use it only if it improves your ball flight.

Related Pages

• Grip Basics (Learn the fundamentals of grip position and alignment)
• Grip Pressure (How tight to hold the club for control and comfort)
• Baseball Grip (An option for sore or arthritic hands)
• Weak Grip in Golf (the opposite fix if you hook)
• Fix a Hook in Golf (if your strong grip went too far)
• Fix a Slice in Golf (more ways to straighten a slice)

Last updated: 2026-10-26