[hypergolf]

Since it is public holiday here today, I woke up early to be at the course right before sunrise to tee off. I needed to verify if this new grip really improved my game overnight. Guess what... It wasn't a fluke... I scored 85 today, one shy from 84 to get my new set of irons.

I realized that by using the vardon grip my left wrist was considerably more firm and steady where as my right wrist could be more relaxed making it easier to release at impact. It not only improved my distance and consistency for long games but also for the short games. I was able to park the ball closer to the hole, due to more stable left wrist I think, with wedge shots resulting in a lower score.

I guess I now need to work on putting since that is the reason why I could not break 84... I am not saying that vardon grip is better than interlock or vice versa because it's up to the individual's preference, but I realized how a small thing like grip style can drastically improve one's performance... Also I found some interesting readings regarding grips as shown below. Enjoy.

The Most Common Golf Grips: How to Hold the Handle

The hands must work together as a single unit when striking a ball with power. There are three common and fundamentally sound grips from which to choose, which are pictured below.

In addition to the type of grip you choose, another characteristic of a sound grip is light grip pressure. Gripping the club too tight can cause thin, weak shots that slice. A lighter grip enhances wrist hinge - a vital power source in the swing. This light pressure also increases the amount of clubface rotation, thus improving your chance of squaring the club at impact.

On a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 is light and 10 is tight, I recommend a pressure of 4 or 5. This allows the club to be swung with power and control. At address, feel relaxed and tension-free in your hands and forearms.

Sam Snead said, "Hold the club as if you had a little baby bird in your hand." This pressure, combined with the proper placement of the hands on the handle, will give you your greatest chance to produce longer, straighter shots.

The Vardon Overlap is the most common grip among great players. Harry Vardon popularized this grip around the turn of the 20th century. This grip places the club in the fingers and is the most preferred grip among top golf instructors.
To place your hands on the handle using the Vardon Overlap, take the little finger on the trailing hand and place it between the index and middle finger on the lead hand. The lead hand thumb should fit in the lifeline of the trailing hand

The next most common grip is called the Interlock. This grip is very popular on the LPGA Tour and has been used by many top male players including Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. This grip literally locks the hands together but one also runs the risk of having the handle stray into the palms of the hands. People with small hands, weak forearms and wrists and beginners in many cases prefer this style of grip.To use the Interlock grip, take the little finger on the trailing hand and intertwine it with the index finger on the lead hand. The lead hand thumb should fit in the lifeline of the trailing hand.

The Ten Finger grip is the least preferred grip among teachers, however it has its advantages. Hall of Fame Member Beth Daniel, PGA TOUR members Bob Estes and Dave Barr and Masters Champion Art Wall Jr. have all used the Ten Finger grip. Teachers often suggest this grip to beginners as it simplifies early instruction. People who experience joint pain, have arthritis or small, weak hands often benefit by using the Ten Finger grip.

To position your hands properly using a Ten Finger grip, start with a perfect lead hand grip, then place the little finger of the trailing hand close against the index finger of the lead hand. Cover the lead hand thumb with the lifeline of the trailing hand.

TIGER WOODS: How I play golf (Time Warner Books, Page 91)

My Right Hand Is My Speed Hand

The right-hand grip is similar to that of the left hand. The main difference is the club is placed more along the fingers. The handle should run from the middle portion of your right index finger to the base of your pinkie. This activates your right hand so it can supply speed on the downswing.

Why I Interlock: As a little boy, I was taught the interlocking grip, the little finger of my right hand laced between the forefinger and middle finger of my left hand. That's how Jack Nicklaus, my idol, did it, and I copied him. It gives me the feeling that my hands can't separate during the swing. I'm in the minority though. Most players prefer the overlapping grip, with the little finger of the right hand placed riding in the notch formed by the left forefinger and middle finger. My feeling is, either way is really just fine.