Does the Size or Thickness of a Grip Really Matter ?
Yes, the size or thickness of the grip on your clubs really matters. It can be difficult or nearly impossible to hit decent shots if the grips on your clubs are too large or small for your hands. In this series, we are going to cover almost everything related to the grip-handle on your clubs—from size, to size related to ball-flight-pattern, to type of grip—from grip pressure to hand-types, physical disabilities, and hand-placement—and more.
One of the most overlooked aspects of a golfer’s equipment is the grip. Most players are unaware of the various grip sizes available today—from undersized to standard, to midsize, to jumbo—and just about everything in between. The in-between could be that a standard size may vary from company to company. Over the last 30 plus years we at the Bob Burns Golf Center have fit well over 100,000 golfers. Our statistics show that only 50% of the golfing population is fit for a standard-size grip.
The remaining 50% are, you might say, “abnormal.” Their palms are wider or thinner, or shorter or longer, than “normal.” Their fingers are longer or shorter than normal and even those with physical disabilities.
Other things being equal, golfers with short fingers will benefit from an undersized grip, or possibly a Men’s standard grip (one that has taper in the right hand area of the grip); but even a small grip may feel (and be) to large if the type of shaft on the club doesn’t match—no matter your choice of grips. Conversely (and again, other things being equal, which they often aren’t), golfers with long fingers will benefit from oversized grips.
various grip sizesholding a golf club
Getting fit for a grip -
A large majority of our customers are tradesmen—carpenters, construction workers, mill workers, painters, electricians, etc. After years of fitting clubs and grips, we have found that these golfers, even with standard size paws have a tendency to hold the club with a death grip. Because they work with their hands all day, their hands and forearms are much stronger than the average Joe’s. We know that even with lessons from Butch Harmon or David Leadbetter, they’ll still find themselves giving the golf club the choke hold. The best way to combat excessive grip-pressure is to use a grip one size larger than standard, or even a jumbo grip. Larger grips tend to reduce grip-pressure, which is the key to a good golf swing in many ways. Lighter grip-pressure encourages more wrist-hinge, which creates a stronger release and increased swing- speed during the downswing.
Our philosophy is all about fitting golfers properly and individually, and taking into consideration all the variables. This may also mean making exceptions. So when you are selecting a new set of grips or clubs, or even a particular club, see a golf professional, and tell him or her all about your game—including your sense of the pressure you apply to your grip, skin type (dry or sensitive), your physical limitations, and generally what your looking for.
