One thing I learned from our solicitation is that a number of teaching pros follow the Instruction Blog. This week we hear from 29-year-old teaching professional A.J. Spicer, whose father was a 40-year veteran golf instructor. A.J. teaches at White Beeches Golf & Country Club, in Haworth, N.J.
Left: Paul Azinger is a prime example of a player who made a strong grip work for him. Photo by Getty Images.
Here's A.J.: If there is any swing tip or advice that I would love to share with you and all of your readers, it would be twofold. First, strengthen your grip by turning your hands to the right on the club (your left hand will feel more on top of the club, and your right hand will feel more underneath). Second, shallow out or flatten your downswing.
Most golfers tend to have a weak grip and are way too steep into the ball. They either take the club back too flat, then come down steep (chopping-wood motion) or they take the club back steep and swing down steep. The visual I like to use is a large hula hoop lying at an angle, with the base at the ball and the top at your chest. Just try to swing the club with your hands and arms tracing the imaginary plane. So in summary, correct your grip, then your swing plane, and you'll be on your way to great golf.
Roger Schiffman
Managing Editor
Golf Digest
Twitter @RogerSchiffman
