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CLAP YOUR HANDS
By Zachary Allen, PGA
One of my favorite drills for perfecting the impact position is to do what I call the "clap your hands" drill. What this drill does is help you get a sense of what it means to stack your left side at impact and make solid contact into the golf ball.
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To get started, address the ball as you normally would, only don't use a club this time. From here, go ahead and simulate a big backswing, but when you do it, keep your left arm in the same position from start to finish, which ought to be pointing at the golf ball.
Finish the simulated backswing, then on the forwardswing, let your right arm come down and through and actually clap your left hand. When this happens, your body should be situ-ated just as mine is in the photo, with your left arm stacked over your left leg, the hips open and the shoulders square to the target.
If you practice this drill often enough, you'll not only ingrain the proper impact sensation, but also prevent your shoulders from spinning out of position and taking your eyes off the strike with the ball.
What's the most overlooked component of your clubs? Easy: the grips. It shouldn't be, since the grip is the only connection you make with the club, so making sure you have the right grips for your clubs is even more important. This year, pay attention to not only the new colors and styles, but also the types of grips, textures, compounds and thicknesses available. (Prices for grips vary. See your local golf shop for pricing information.) |
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Black Widow
Signature II Key Feature: The BW Signature II uses Web Traction Technology that delivers exceptional gripping power, not to mention it's one of the coolest-looking grips you can buy, in our opinion at least. |
Black Widow
Widow Maker Key Feature: The dual-compound Widow Maker is two grips in one. The lower half is like the Tour Silk Grip (not shown), and the upper half is corded for more gripping traction in the upper hand. |
Feeltec
Feeltec Key Feature: The new Feeltec grip has a multilayer, seemless design that promises a comfortable feel, added durability and weather resistance. |
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Golf Pride
NDMC Whiteout Key Feature: The __ber-popular New Decade Multi-Compound Cord is back in white with black, blue or red. The upper region is corded and rugged, while the lower half is softer for more feel. |
Golf Pride
Tour Velvet 360 Key Feature: The Tour Velvet 360 is specially designed for clubs with adjustable hosels (although it's great in any club) because of its 360-degree pattern that's the same in any orientation. And yes, it too has that classic, Tour Velvet feel that so many of us love. |
Golf Pride
Z-Grip Cord Key Feature: A deep "Z"-shaped, textured pattern that winds vertically down the grip combines with a heavy corded texturing for what Golf Pride considers to be its firmest corded grip. |
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Iomic
Art Grip Series Key Feature: Using a proprietary elastomer compound called IOMAX that has a unique feel all to its own, not only is the Art Grip Series incredibly durable and tacky, but its marbled look is incredibly stylish. If we could describe the feel, we would. You have to try it to know what we mean. |
Lamkin
R.E.L. 3GEN Key Feature: The R.E.L. 3GEN is back in 11 colors, each with the grip's distinct surface texture that provides extra comfort and reduces the amount of grip pressure needed to maintain control throughout the swing. This means the hands can move faster and, you guessed it, longer shots. |
Lamkin
X10 Key Feature: The new X10 grip is a no-nonsense grip, thanks to an all-black design and a pattern that's easy to grip. Best of all, it comes in four sizes, making it a solid, durable option for any type of player. (They're affordable too, averaging less that $5 per grip.) |
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Macro
Macro Grip Key Feature: The uniquely shaped Macro putter grip has a reducing oval shape that tapers on the target side, and when used in conjuction with the recommended grip, can put an end to any and all of your putting woes. |
Pure
P2 Wrap Key Feature: Made of pure rubber and needing no grip tape, this grip is as evenly constructed as possible. Comes in soft or firm and in undersized or midsized models. Oh, and it comes in color, too (Black, Red, Green, Blue, White). |
Superstroke
Fatso Lite Key Feature: Weighing in at 85 grams (that's light for its size), the Fatso Lite is the biggest and lightest in terms of its weight-to-size ratio, helping it to become the largest putter grip used on the PGA Tour. |
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Superstroke
Pressure Zone Key Feature: First, this isn't a putter grip. Designed to reduce pressure in the lower hand, this grip has Modified Taper Tech, meaning it blends a traditionally shaped top half of the grip with a slightly larger, parallel bottom half of the grip. |
Tacki-mac
Itomic it2 Key Feature: The negative ions in the it2 grip help calm nerves and the tacky, velvety surface makes this grip a top pick for golfers who want a soft, comfortable hold. Also available in midsize (shown), this grip is durable and a great wet-weather alternative. |
UST Mamiya
Comp DV2 Torsion Key Feature: The Comp DV2 Torsion utilizes the same Torsion Bar technology used in the Pro DV2 Torsion (below), helping to add stability in the upper region of the grip. The lower section stays soft for more feel. |
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UST Mamiya
Pro DV2 Torsion Key Feature: The new Pro DV2 grip utilizes UST Mamiya's special Torsion Bar technology, which provides lower torque for increased stability with a firmer feel. It looks great, too, and the corded section holds up exceptionally in wet weather. |
Winn
Dri-Tac Key Feature: Using the new WinnDry polymer, the Dri-Tac is Winn's best all-weather grip to date. The tacky, nonslip, soft outer grip covers a firmer inner grip that makes gripping the club easier and more comfortable. Oh yeah, it absorbs shock like nobody's business. A top pick for 2012! |
Winn
Dri-Tac Wrap Lite Key Feature: Also employing the WinnDry polymer, this grip comes in a lightweight, spiral wrap-style design. Rain, sweat, both? No problem, this lightweight grip can handle it, and retains tackiness throughout. The lightweight design (22 grams) can actually help you swing the club faster for more distance. How cool is that? |
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Winn
Jumbo Pistol Key Feature: If you want a grip that quiets the hands and prevents handsy strokes, and that somewhat resembles a traditional pistol shape, the Jumbo Pistol is a great option. Comes in the soft Excel material, as well as in the firmer V17 Polycord. Also available with WinnLite technology. |
Winn
Long/Belly Key Feature: The long-putter trend continues, and Winn is on top of it. Available in a variety of shapes and styles, these grips also come in two-piece designs. |
Winn
Standard Pro Pistol Key Feature: We like the clean edges in this grip, as well as the modest size. Better players likely agree, since it makes your putter feel like a precision instrument. The V17 Polycord material firms it up, lending a comfortable but steady feel in the hands. |