David Leadbetter 100% Golf

HarperCollins Publishers, Inc.

Chapter One

First Things First ...

A good grip is the inspiration behind a good swing,
and enables you to hit consistently straight
and solid shots

'Good golf begins with a good grip.' No less a figure than Ben Hogan declared that to the world at the height of his career, and, as in so many things, he was absolutely right. Your ability to get the clubhead swinging with any real momentum - and so create the clubhead speed that is necessary to hit solid shots - is really at the mercy of your grip. This coupling between you and the club must allow the hands to work together for the benefit of the swing, and compliment the motion of the wrists and arms and that of the body generally.

In other words, if a good swing synchronizes the swinging of the arms with the turning motion of your body, the grip is the vital go-between that passes on (and indeed enhances) that momentum via the shaft to the clubhead. It brings a swing to life.

Another pertinent lesson at this early stage is that the distance you are able to hit the ball is not all about physique and brute strength (though let there be no doubt that improving your levels of strength and flexibility will help your golf). It's the quality of the swing and the timing that lies within it that determines your ability to maximise your clubhead speed through impact and make solid contact - and again that boils down to the way the hands work together on the club ...

Excerpted from David Leadbetter 100% Golfby David Leadbetter Copyright © 2005 by David Leadbetter. Excerpted by permission.
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