Going down on the shaft

[Zeebedy]

Hey guys,

just back from the range, working on a few things, and considering I’m only 2-3 weeks back into the game, I’m happy with the progress..

I was hitting my 56 wedge, 9,8,7 great for the most part, but I tried my 6 iron, and boy, let’s say it needs work lol!!

is it ok to go down the shaft and inch or so?

Also, a big problem of mine is rushing the shot and try to smash it, and it gets worse the longer the club..I just need to get into the hard habit to do it like my practice swing, it’s always smooth and controlled, but soo as that wee white ball is in front of me..man..it all goes out the window!! Lol!

[Chip Strokes]

[Zeebedy]

Lol! Dirty, dirty minds! 

[MNUte]

9 minutes ago, Zeebedy said:

Lol! Dirty, dirty minds! 

We were all thinking it. 

 

But yeah, it's generally fine to grip down the shaft a bit. I tend to do it because I sacrifice a bit of speed but mentally feel a bit more in control. 

 

The main thing to watch if you try it out is how it affects your shot shape, distance and apex. 

[stephenmatt]

The longer the club the harder it is to generally swing. If you choke down on the grip it is completely fine you may lose some speed but you will probably gain some control. The next time you are at the range start with your longer irons and see how you do.

Edited May 20, 2021 by stephenmatt

[cnosil]

Yes it is okay to grips down. Some players do it all the time. Reference Brooke Henderson and Lydia Ko.

[Zeebedy]

Cheers guys, that’s great!!

had a look at Lydia Ko, damn, that’s definitely down on the grip!

[Hook DeLoft]

1 hour ago, Zeebedy said:

Hey guys,

just back from the range, working on a few things, and considering I’m only 2-3 weeks back into the game, I’m happy with the progress..

I was hitting my 56 wedge, 9,8,7 great for the most part, but I tried my 6 iron, and boy, let’s say it needs work lol!!

is it ok to go down the shaft and inch or so?

Also, a big problem of mine is rushing the shot and try to smash it, and it gets worse the longer the club..I just need to get into the hard habit to do it like my practice swing, it’s always smooth and controlled, but soo as that wee white ball is in front of me..man..it all goes out the window!! Lol!

Maintaining a smooth tempo is one of the hardest things for me. It’s all mental discipline, which I apparently don’t have. One of my golf buddies who is a good player has go to shot for when he isn’t hitting his irons well. He takes a longer club and grips down on it and hits a low fade that is extremely accurate. And just like that, he starts taking my money again. 

[Zeebedy]

3 minutes ago, Hook DeLoft said:

Maintaining a smooth tempo is one of the hardest things for me. It’s all mental discipline, which I apparently don’t have. 

Story of my life mate 

[Buffly]

A local player, with a PGA pro for a dad, mentioned how he practices with a standard grip and then chokes down to work on tempo. 

The reality of choking down is a much lighter swing weight and a slightly different lie angle. Combine that with the smaller diameter grip, and you have 3 variables that come into play. 

This player I mentioned is able to wade through those variables because his mechanics are near perfect. However, an amateur who doesn't practice it much might not have as much success choking down.

My personal experience is that my standard grip gives me the best chance to make good impact. If I ever choke down then it is not more than about 1/2" because of all the reasons above.