Your thumb may destroy your swing. Here’s the solution to it

Your hands are the only connection between you and the club, so it is wise to make sure you catch the club correctly. But while solid grip fundamentals are very important for many casual golfers, it’s an afterthought.

Look, I understand. Calling grip is not the most fun form of practice. But if you are serious about becoming a steady golfer, it will be wise to take some time to figure this out.

Don’t believe me? Just watch Scottie Scheffler’s range while practicing. Not only did he use molded grip strength to ensure his basic principles are correct, but he was also obsessed with the position of his hands in the club before each shot. If it works for him, it will work for you.

In the text below, golf 100 teachers Mike Dickson illustrates how your lead thumb affects your grip – and how to make sure it is in the best position.

Masters Club Control

The key component of controlling the golf ball is controlling the club’s face. Most amateur golfers struggle with incorrect grip, especially in the lead hand – damages the club’s face control and creates a chain reaction of swing failure.

One of the biggest culprits? Position of lead thumb. Poor positioned thumbs often lead to slices, casting, lack of strength and inconsistency. Most players straighten the lead thumb directly along the center of the axis. This is The worst Place it.

Athletes from sports like tennis, baseball, softball or hockey often do not rely on their thumb to grab their own equipment. Usually, the thumb is wrapped around or touches little or no object. But in golf courses where clubs move faster, thumb placement is crucial to controlling the club’s face.

It’s not only about how hands are connected to the grip, but also about how they control the club face to face.

Rethink your setup routine

First, let’s check out how most golfers approach the ball: They walk up, stand up, put the club on the ground, and try to find out the grip. This often leads to awkward and inconsistent settings.

Now compare it to the work of Tour participants:

This is the exact opposite of what most amateurs do. The most important part? The club was caught up in the airnot on the ground.

Create neutral grip

Let us give you a bad grip, starting with your lead.

Step 1: Mark your gloves

In this part you need a sharp. Wear gloves and mark a small dot in the center of the webbing between your thumb and index finger. This point is aligned with the anatomical area in the wrist, called the snuff box.

This point – not your thumb – should be consistent with the axis center. This is not negotiable. Most golfers try to let go by looking at the palm of their hands, but it is much easier and more effective to use this marked dot as a guide.

Step 2: Hold your gloves and grab your grip

Hold the shaft directly under the grip with the trail and point the club’s butt to your belly button. The axis should be slightly angled – not vertical or horizontal.

Put the gloves in front of you. Rotate it to the right about 30 degrees (away from the target) and bend it slightly backward.

The first part of the hand attached to the grip is the heel pad, followed by the thumb pad, which should be on the right side of the shaft. After placing your thumb, wrap your fingers naturally.

Now your trail hand is placed perfectly on the grip, resting on the lead thumb. You may interlock your fingers if you want, but this is not necessary. In fact, for players with smaller hands, interlocking usually makes the right hand grip too strong, which can cause the face to close too quickly through the impact.

Step 3: Align and resolve the ball

With your grip, it’s time to fix the ball. I recommend using a visual reference point (aligning with the target) in front of the ball to help with the AIM.

If you are struggling with an alliance, especially on a tee or putter, take advantage of the opportunity to aim when touching the ball. First, take the club face to face, and then set the position.

Step 4: Final Check

Once in place, glance and check grip – especially lead hands. A poor grip can often feel uncomfortable at the beginning, but this discomfort is usually a sign that you are doing it right. (Frankly, that’s why I have a job!)

The final thought

Now that your hands are correctly placed on the club, you are ready to start hitting the compressed, solid shot, direct shot on the target. Remember that grip is your only connection to the club and ultimately to golf.

Understand this correctly and you will be surprised by the differences in swing, consistency and confidence.