Your hands are your only connection to the golf club.  Your grip directly determines the shape, the height and length of your shot, so it had better be correct before you hit your shot or your ball may end up in the wrong place.

Lead Hand Grip–

One of the most common golf injuries among professional and amateur golfers is to the lead hand and wrist.  The repetitive motions of golf, and the high speed of the typical golf swing can place the hands, fingers and wrists at high risk for injury. Repetitive blunt trauma or single severe trauma to the fingers and hands can lead to numerous conditions such as tendonitis, broken or deformed bones.

How do you avoid injury?  Be aware of how you place your lead hand on the club.

Firstly, you want to place the grip or handle of the club diagnolly in the palm of your lead hand (the left hand for right-handed golfers).

Secondly, When you wrap your fingers around the club, so your lead hand is angled towards the back shoulder.

Secondly, your thumb should slightly to the right of center (for a right-handed golfer) and you should be able to see at least two knucles as you look down at your lead hand.

Lastly, if  your lead hand thumb is straight down the shaft or turned toward the towards the target, your clubface will be open at impact.  You will have to make compensations which lead to bad shots and potential injury.

Check the grip of your lead hand.

Free Grip Analysis…The first 5 people to send Karen a picture or video of their grip, will receive a free analysis.  Send pictures/videos or questions to info@cardiogolf.com.

SWING ESSENTIALS

Karen Answers Your Questions…

Question: I started playing golf about a year now and my handicap is around +25 and under. My average driving distances around 245 yards consistently. My problem is my short game irons, especially with my 3,4,5 irons. I find it harder to hit good with these irons than my woods or the driver. I need help!

Thanks, Tim

Answer:  Technically the 3,4 and 5 irons are called long irons not short irons.  They are the longest irons in the bag and the most difficult to hit.  The have a very small clubface and very little loft, so you have to strike the ball perfect at impact to hit them well. Here are a few tips to help you with your “long irons.”

To consistently hit the sweet spot of the clubface for maximum distance, you should strive to swing with a square clubface at all times.  Unless, of course, you are trying to hit intentionally the curve ball.

If your grip is correct, then it will be easy to return the clubface square impact.  If you have a faulty grip, then the clubface cannot be squared at impact or you will have to make compensations.

To determine your clubface position at address and impact, hold the club out in front of you with your left hand (if you are a right-handed golfer) so that the shaft is parallel to the ground.  The leading edge should be straight up and down.  Then stretch your arm out as far as possible and check the clubface.  Ideally, the leading edge should stay square.

If the clubface twists open or closed, then this is how the clubface will hit the ball at impact.  If you continually hit shots to the right, then your clubface is open at impact.  When the clubface is closed at impact your shots will shoot off to the left.  Adjust your grip and setup until you achieve a square clubface.

Looking to increase your stength and flexibility to improve your golf? It is easy. Try a live online class today.

Do you hit better shots on the practice range than on the golf course? Are you missing short putt? Do you lose concentration on the back nine? Let LPGA Teacher of the Year Karen Palacios-Jansen show you tips and techniques to help you improve your concentration, confidence and motivation to play your best golf. Learn a proven system that works for everyone, from beginners to professionals. Learn 5 Keys to better scoring including building a pre-shot routine, managing emotions, preparing to play, effective practice and fitness.

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Receive word-class golf instruction in the privacy of your own home or office. From beginners to single-digit handicappers, let Karen help you improve your swing. A one on one private golf lessons with Karen includes:

1.Full swing analysis to determine if your have any swing faults and exercises to correct them.
2. Learn the basic fundamentals of the game including: grip, posture, ball position, set up for all clubs.
3. Golf drills and exercises.
4. Practice program.
5. Question and answer session: ask Karen specific questions you have about your swing or golf game.

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Learn the essentials skills to become a golfer including:
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2. How to aim.
3. Use of Equipment.
4. Basic Rules of Game and Etiquette.
5. How to Practice.
6. Question and Answer session.

Mental Management for Great Golf-For All Levels

Do you hit better shots on the practice range than on the golf course? Are you missing short putt? Do you lose concentration on the back nine? Let LPGA Teacher of the Year Karen Palacios-Jansen show you tips and techniques to help you improve your concentration, confidence and motivation to play your best golf. Learn a proven system that works for everyone, from beginners to professionals. Learn 5 Keys to better scoring including building a pre-shot routine, managing emotions, preparing to play, effective practice and fitness.