All About the Thumb

[HighFade]

Ok, so this is a little picky, but I've been tinkering with my swing as usual, I came to notice my lack of hinge on the backswing. Well, I didn't just notice it, I've always had very little hinge.

 

I think it has to do with the left thumb position (I'm right handed). I have alway held the club with my left thumb "pad" firmly against the top of the grip. I've just been messing around with a club in the house, and it felt like I could hinge more freely if my entire left thumb was touching the grip, not just the pad (or tip of the thumb).

 

Anyone put any thought into thumb position?

[Undershooter]

I generally try to pay very little attention to it while I'm playing but will pay some attention to it while working on the range. I try to make sure that it running straight down the club but never notice how much of it is touching. I just want it to be comfortable and natural feeling. If my grip starts to get uncomfortable then I'm usually screwed.

[Quite_The_Chap]

I'm of the same mind as Undershooter30, I don't pay much attention to how much of my thumb is touching the grip. If I'm focusing and working on my grip though, I make sure that my left thumb is more or less working as a support at the top of my back swing- but that's about it.

[Tour Impact Golf]

Bobby Jones had a huge wrist hinge, he advocated that neither thumb should be directly on top of the shaft.  Said it  put too much stress on your wrists and fingers and created "wooden" wrist.  May be worth a try.....cheers.

[fozcycle]

The more you extend your thumb onto the shaft, the shorter your backswing will be. I read this somewhere and tried it out....

 

Also, I place my thumb straight down the shaft for my woods, but rotate it about 15 degrees right for my irons.  By doing this, it places my thumb into the palm of my right hand and keeps my from pushing the irons.

[Tour Impact Golf]

I always liked this position myself,  however I tend to hit the ball too high at times.  I do think the short thumb slightly off the center of the club enables a handsy swing.  Lots of hinge and in my case sometimes adds loft when I release.  

 

 

 

 

http://www.shark.com/sharkwatch/instruction/lesson2.php