In golf, some things pleasantly surprise you. It may be a chip shot that caroms off the flag stick into the pin or a hole out from 150-yards.The same can be said for this column. Just when we thought the sun had set two weeks ago, it has surprisingly risen once again. So, I am thrilled to report that I will be back each week with new material for you.With the first major of what is poised to be a historic golf year upon us this week, be sure to follow the principals of the golf swing of the players at the Masters. In essence, these principals are mechanical decisions that all players make based on their body structure, skill level and the method of coaching they receive.The principal we'll focus on this week is grip, which is the placement, positioning, pressure and precision related to applying the hands to the golf club.The positioning and motion of your top hand has direct influence on the club face. Meanwhile, the angle and positioning of the lower hand has direct influence on the angle of the club shaft:-- Placement: How far up or down the shaft your hands are placed creates the effective length of the club -- which alters the length of the shot.-- Position: The clockwise or counter-clockwise rotation of each hand on the grip.-- Pressure: The amount of squeezing pressure the player applies to the grip, which effects timing, swing speed and control.-- Precision: Be sure to use the same grip position each time, as it is critical for building a consistent game.When you place your hands on the club, it is ideal to hold the club with your lower hand at approximately a 45-degree angle in front of your body. Then, reach out with the top hand, and feel like you are shaking hands with the club. This will place your thumb on the side of the grip.Now, slide down your lower hand so that thumb fits on top of the top-hand thumb. This will interlock the hands, and let you wrap three fingers of the lower hand around the grip. The little finger of the lower hand may overlap (the Vardon Grip)...or interlock (as Tiger Woods does )...or rest on the shaft (for a 10-finger or baseball grip).The goal of your grip position is to have the club face alignment square to your hand positions.With the Masters finally here, now is the time to give your golf clubs an annual check-up. April is PGA Free Fitting & Trade-Up Month, where you can meet with your local PGA Professional for a complimentary sizing of your golf gear. Visit www.playgolfamerica.com for details and to find a PGA Professional near you.(Rick Martino is PGA Director of Instruction at The PGA of America's PGA Learning Center Port St. Lucie, Fla. www.pgavillage.com.)(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, http://www.scrippsnews.com)
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