How do you advise someone coming to SS regards finding out what grip size they should be using?
I went to a GGA school several years ago and was told by Tim that my correct grip size was a mid-size grip with +3 wraps and +1 wrap. I had my clubs regripped with lambkin mid-size grips with these added wraps. When I have gotten my clubs regripped I have stayed with that recommendation.
I frequently practice for about an hour on my SS swing in a soccer field that is close to my house. I have sometimes been getting a blister on my thumb just below the first joint and have to quit practicing for a few days for the blister to heal up. I also have a callus at the base of my index finger from my practice. I try to get my thumb at the 3 o'clock location consistently. I have not been wearing a glove.
What is normal appearance on your lead hand regards callus and such?
1) I have Lambkin oversize grips on my irons. My woods and wedges have traditional grips to which I add tennis grip tape to enlarge them and make them easy to hold. I replace the grip tape every year or two, depending on seasonal usage. 2) I wear a golf glove on each hand. May look dorky but it works for me. 3) I have small callouses at the base of each finger on my lead hand. I have no discernible callouses on my trail hand. I have never had blisters.
I use over sized grips because anything that helps hands that are have the beginning of arthritis is good.
Also wear gloves on both hands because I want to keep the sun off the back of my hands. Eventually one will develop skin cancers if one is not mindful of the UV danger.
The PowerThumb Grip First lets' talk about the PowerThumb grip. The grip of the club should be in full contact with your PowerThumb. By that I mean the whole thumb and most importantly the thumb pad at the base of the thumb should be firmly up against the grip. (see the pictures in the manuals) There is just a slight arch in the middle of my thumb (short thumb). The butt of the club should point up the middle of the wrist towards the forearm. If the butt of the club crosses the corner of the palm that's a recipe for slicing.
Also with the PowerThumb grip the control of the club is done with the PowerThumb (the part of the thumb opposite the thumbnail) and the side of the index finger in kind of a pinch. The little finger and ring finger should only be loosely on the club. If you have large hands it is possible to get a really firm grip with the little finger and ring finger and that will open the club face through impact. The result will usually be a fairly high slice.
The Grips On Your club You can use Symple Swing with pretty much any kind and size grips on your clubs. Our recommendation is medium or oversized grips tapered as little as possible (or non-tapered). The exact sized depends on the size of your hands and the length of your fingers. Personally I use black Winn Excel round oversized grips on my clubs. http://www.golfsmith.com/products/5739/Winn/Excel_RF_Oversize_ _1/8_Weather_Black?PHPSESSID=c3b7d0aa7b053de88bb91f460e50723a
Blisters can vary widely depending on how much you practice and which grips you have on your clubs. If you have cords or rough grips on your clubs you should expect blisters when practicing a lot. Keep band-aids in your bag AN PUT THEM ON TENDER SPOTS LONG BEFORE BLISTERs APPEAR. If you're practicing a lot I definitely recommend wearing a glove on your leading hand. If your really prone to blisters wear a glove on both hands. Having an glove to put on your 2nd hand can be a real advantage if you play much in cold weather.
I seldom hear of blisters on the thumb but that could be due to the type of grip you're using. Definitely try a glove or tape your hands before practicing. You say you have a callus at the base of your index finger. That worries me a bit (I'm assuming that's your lead hand index finger). You should be pinching the club between your PowerThumb and the side of your 1st joint about the base of your index finger. If I remember my anatomy correctly I believe it's the "proximal interphalangeal joint". If you have a little callus anywhere I would expect it would be near that joint.
I hope this answers your question. If it doesn't please feel free to ask again.
grip size to avoid blisters
Posted - August 03 2009 : 09:44:38 AM
