Can a strong grip cause thin shots? Absolutely. A strong grip can have a significant impact on the trajectory and contact of your shots. When you have a strong grip, it means that your hands are rotated more towards your target, resulting in a closed clubface at impact. This closed clubface can lead to thin shots if not properly compensated for.
When you have a closed clubface at impact, it effectively de-lofts the club. This means that the effective loft of the club at impact is lower than its stated loft. As a result, the ball tends to come out with a lower trajectory.
Now, when the ball comes out with a lower trajectory, it is more likely to make contact with the lower part of the clubface. This can result in what is commonly referred to as a “thin” shot, where the ball is struck towards the bottom of the clubface, rather than the sweet spot.
When you hit a shot thin, the ball tends to come out low and with a lot of spin. This can be problematic, especially with shorter clubs like wedges, because it becomes harder to control the distance and spin of the shot. Thin shots also tend to roll more upon landing, making it difficult to hold the green.
I have personally experienced the impact of a strong grip on my shots. When I used to have a strong grip, I noticed that my ball flight was consistently lower, and I struggled to hold greens with my wedges. It took some time and adjustments to my grip to improve the trajectory and strike of my shots.
To avoid thin shots caused by a strong grip, there are a few things you can try. Firstly, you can work on adjusting your grip to a more neutral or even a slightly weaker position. This will help to square the clubface at impact and increase the effective loft, resulting in a higher ball flight. Experiment with different grip positions and find what feels comfortable and allows you to strike the ball cleanly.
Another thing to consider is your setup and alignment. Make sure your body is aligned properly with the target, and your weight is balanced. This will help promote a more neutral swing path and improve your chances of making solid contact.
Lastly, focusing on maintaining a relaxed grip pressure throughout your swing can also help prevent a closed clubface at impact. Sometimes, a strong grip can lead to tension in the hands and wrists, which can negatively affect your swing mechanics. By staying relaxed and allowing the club to do the work, you can promote a more consistent and solid strike.
A strong grip can indeed cause thin shots due to the closed clubface at impact and resulting lower ball flight. To avoid this, consider adjusting your grip, working on your setup and alignment, and maintaining a relaxed grip pressure. By doing so, you can improve your ball striking and increase your chances of hitting solid shots with a more desirable trajectory.