Split Grip?

[JaySpin]

Was screwing around on the range a couple of weeks ago and hit a couple of shots with a slight separation between the top hand and bottom hand. In other words, I let the lower (trailing) hand sit just a bit lower on the grip than I normally do. Result, I hit some incredibly solid drives and iron shots.

Intrigued, I used this grip on the course and played impressively on 2 courses I had never played before. Drove the ball about 5-10 yards further without loss of consistency. Felt like I was cocking and uncocking more smoothly and maintaining a constant grip pressure.

I play off a 12 and am a straight, but average distance (drive 225-240) hitter with a slight fade.

I realize this is not what I am supposed to do per textbook instruction. Any idea why this is effective for me? I'm puzzled.

[BrianW]

Re: Split Grip?

A split grip encourages a stronger release of the club, this will promote more of right to left ball flight which tends to give more carry to the shot.

This type of grip will not suit the real big hitters but for someone who hits fades and slices is well worth considering.

[JaySpin]

Re: Split Grip?

A split grip encourages a stronger release of the club, this will promote more of right to left ball flight which tends to give more carry to the shot.

This type of grip will not suit the real big hitters but for someone who hits fades and slices is well worth considering.

Thank Brian, that makes sense. I've read in magazines about drills where you really split your hands to promote a draw. I just place the pad under the thumb of my bottom hand over the lower part of my lead hand thumb instead of above the knuckle. I still hit a fade but there's a lot less curve and a bit more pop at impact. I'll ride this until I start hooking I guess.