Weak Grip Versus Strong Grip: Which is Better?

The most widely accepted advice about the golf grip is for your hands to be in a “neutral” position. However, if you take a walk up and down a driving range, you’ll see very few golfers are actually in this neutral position. If you like to experiment with hand position and the impact it can have on your ball flight and swing mechanics, we will show you the difference between a weak grip and a strong grip and help you decide which is better for your game.

What is a strong grip?

A strong grip position is where the hands are rotated more to the right (for a right-handed golfer). The strong grip leaves the trail hand further under the grip and therefore gives that hand a bit more control coming through impact. For golfers who slice the ball, this little extra help from the trail hand can be just enough to square the face.

Pros

• Easier to close the clubface
• Helps with generating power and ball speed on longer shots

Cons

• Can lead to a hook if it’s exaggerated
• Will reduce the ability to hit a high, soft shot because of the closed clubface
• Can make the trail hand too dominant at impact

What is a weak grip?

A weak grip rotates the hands more to left of neutral. This leaves the hands more on top of the club and makes it easier to keep the clubface open through impact. For golfers who hook the ball, the weak grip can be a quick solution to straighten the shots out.

Pros

• Allows players to hit a higher shot that lands softer
• Helps with reducing a hook and controlling ball flight

Cons

• Can cause a slice
• Not as easy to generate power when compared to a strong grip

The neutral grip

A neutral grip is often taught as the standard in golf. With a neutral grip, you should see the “V” formed by the thumb and index finger pointing to your chin or the right side of your face.

The neutral grip is the default method because it balances control and power. Most golfers with a neutral grip learn to deliver the clubface square. However, it’s not a fit for all situations.

Shot shaping and the neutral grip

There are different ways to shape a golf shot, one of which is to tweak your grip. If you are trying to create a draw ball flight, a strong grip encourages a more inside-out path and a slightly closed clubface through impact.

To hit a fade, the weaker grip can leave the clubface just a little more open through impact. The weak grip is great for higher controlled fades or playing a dogleg right and helping shave off a few yards.

Short game grip adjustments

Another area of golf where a neutral grip is not always the best option is the short game. A weaker grip on short chips and pitches can help keep the clubface more open and provide a softer landing.

Some players feel they have more control when they use the weaker grip around the greens. The strong grip is known to deloft the club which can cause a shot to run through the green.

Strong versus weak grip (Which is better?)

Now that you understand the basics of the strong and weak grips, which one is the better option for your game? For most golfers, a slightly strong grip is best. With a little strength in the grip, you’ll be better suited to combat the slice. With a strong grip, you may also pick up a little bit of speed in your swing.

The weak grip is very useful for players with good control of the clubface. Typically speaking, that is going to be the more advanced golfer.

Grip Type	Best For	Shot Shape/Impact	When to Use
Strong Grip	Players struggling with a slice	Encourages a draw; helps square/close the clubface	Long shots where power and distance are priorities
Neutral Grip	General all-around performance	Promotes a square clubface	Default for consistent, straight shots
Weak Grip	Advanced players and short game control	Encourages a fade; keeps the clubface open	High, soft shots; short game (chips, pitches, bunker play)

Final thoughts

There are textbook grips in golf but you have to find what works for you. Don’t get fixated on the neutral grip. If a little strength in your grip helps you keep your shots straighter, use it. Test the slightly weak versus slightly strong grip on the practice range. The grip is the only connection we have with the club so getting it right will help ensure you have the most success on the course.