A Hogan grip, named after the legendary golfer Ben Hogan, is a golf grip technique where the club is primarily held in the fingers rather than the palms of the hands.
Understanding the Hogan Grip
The defining characteristic of the Hogan grip is the way the hands hold the club. Instead of the handle resting across the fleshy part of the palms, as in a more traditional grip, the club handle is positioned more towards the fingers. Here's a breakdown:
- Finger Placement: The grip is held more in the fingers, with all fingers positioned so they point practically straight down the handle.
- Base Pads: The base pads of the fingers and the first joints are the main contact points with the club.
- Minimal Palm Contact: There is minimal contact between the handle and the palm of the hand.
Key Aspects of the Hogan Grip:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Primary Hold | Fingers instead of the palm |
| Finger Position | Straight down the handle |
| Contact Points | Base pads and first joints of fingers |
| Palm Contact | Minimal |
Benefits of the Hogan Grip
While the reference doesn't explicitly list benefits, a grip that engages the fingers can provide:
- Increased Feel: The fingers are more sensitive than the palms, potentially leading to better clubface awareness.
- Improved Wrist Hinge: Holding the club in the fingers may allow for a more natural wrist hinge during the swing.
- Reduced Tension: Less gripping with the palm can reduce tension in the hands and forearms.
How to Achieve the Hogan Grip
- Positioning: Place the club handle diagonally across the fingers of your lead hand.
- Finger Engagement: Ensure the handle rests more on the base pads and joints of your fingers and less on the palm.
- Secure Grip: Wrap your fingers around the club, maintaining a relatively light grip with minimal pressure from the palm.
- Overlap/Interlock: Continue with your preferred style for the other hand (overlapping or interlocking).
Practical Insights
- Practice: This grip takes time to feel comfortable, so regular practice is key.
- Individual Variation: The Hogan grip might need slight adjustments to suit an individual golfer's hand size and preferences.
- Experimentation: Try a variety of grips to find what works best for your game.
