As spring arrives, it’s time to get your clubs out of the garage and enjoy some much awaited sunshine and warmer temperatures. With spring comes the time to give your clubs a “tune up.” In these lean economic times a simple grip change can make your clubs feel like new.
After all, that is really the only part of the club that gets worn out. Remember, your hands have oils in them and just the daily dust and dirt that can be collected gets deposited into your grips when you play. I don’t know of too many of my golfing buddies that are in the habit of washing their hands before they play.
Before making a change be aware of all the choices you have when it comes to grips. If you are stylish at all, you may want to look at all the colors grips are offered in. You can match the color of your shafts, bag, etc. You will have to pay a little more for this style. Colored grips usually range from $9-$12 installed.
The most important factor when it comes to your grip is the size. The width of the grip will affect the amount of wrist action you have going through impact. A thinner or regular grip will help promote wrist action, where a fat or oversized grip will slow it down. What that means in terms of hitting the ball is if you tend to slice or fade the ball off to the right you would benefit from a thinner grip. An oversized grip would only accentuate the problem.
Many people suffer from hand ailments, such as arthritis. A fat oversized grip may be a necessary evil because it makes it easier to grip the club if the grip is larger. So go ahead and check out your grips. If they are slippery and have lost their tacky feel, it’s time for some new ones.
Don DeLorenzo is a PGA-certified instructor at Gilroy Golf Course. To schedule a lesson with Don, call Gilroy GC at (408) 848-0490.
