Like 👍this video and comment below if it helped you improve your golf game! ►FREE - Discover the Top 3 Things You Need to to Be a Great Ball Striker - go.saguto.golf/ ►Play the best golf of your life with my online golf school - saguto.golf ►AWESOME STUFF I USE/WEAR - visit: saguto.golf/p/store
I naturally had a strong grip way back but then I started learning again to have a more relaxed grip with a smooth and slower wind-up. The guy who's teaching me now is having me grip my other hand way over my lead hand in order to "close the gap" and it's actually making the grip more intense and very uncomfortable to wind-up. Nowy somewhat decent swing is ALL MESSED UP and I don't know what to do anymore haha.
This is the video I NEEDED..! I have identified a strong grip for many months, and it's just that taking a more neutral position feels so weird , that I can barely lift the club back. However, when I do it (on driving range), I get more loft and am more accurate in terms of direction. This video is the missing link - thanks Saguto Golf, you always come up with the goods.
I'm very glad to know that this lesson resonated with you, Harry; excellent job incorporating it into your swing!! And yes - I fully understand what you are saying. Weird is good when we're trying to incorporate the necessary changes in the spirit of improvement. But as the crispiness builds in the weirdness tends to dissipate. Thanks so much for sharing your improvement and keep up the great work!! Tom PS: By the way, since my channel's content is performing well for you, I think you will also benefit from my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
I suck but my best shots come from a weaker grip and being more relaxed but when i try to incorporate my strong grip and shaft lean and weight transfer ive no idea where its gonna go, thanks for validation to weaken it samurai saguto!
When I played w a strong grip it took away all my feel. My wrists became tense. I literally lost distance and hooked on occasion. My shots had zero height. I played this stupid way for 3 years before I woke up and weakened my grip.
This perfectly describes the problem I was having about 20 years ago. I had a terrible slice. After reading various golf magazines, I began implementing a progressively stronger grip. My ball path went from a slice, to a workable fade, straight, a long powerful draw, then to a massive duck hook. Then the problem was that I could not "unfix" my grip no matter how hard I tried. I got so frustrated that I quit the game all together, swearing that I would never golf again. I am now trying to pick it up again, thanks to my son's interest in the game. So far, my swing seems to have forgotten a lot of it's bad habits. I wish I would have saw this tip years ago.
I'm very glad to know that this lesson resonated with you! Strong grips may feel nice and powerful, but in reality they have destroyed countless amateur swings and games across the globe when deployed as an anti-slice band-aid because there are compensatory actions required in order to accommodate it and achieve desirable results. In the system I teach a neutral grip is the preferred attachment for our stock powerful push-draw ball flight, and you can only achieve that through the proper in-to-out route to the ball that the neutral grip helps us to ingrain. Conversely, a strong grip is used in our system as one of the setup features for a pull-fade shape. Go figure, right? But the physics and geometry do not lie... Welcome back to this greatest of games. Thanks for your message and for sharing your progress, and keep up the fantastic work!! Tom PS: By the way, since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I think you will also like my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
Exactly what happened to me. I was about 20 years old and my aim was a little erratic, but mostly ok and I could hit a mile. Went for some lessons and was told to have a stronger grip. I diligently practised my new grip. It never felt comfortable, and I ended up with a horrible hook. By the time I realised what was happening I couldn't get the old grip back. It took years to undo the damage.
Well, it's no fluke. I have enough swings in now to KNOW THIS WORKS. I have also noticed that my drives are crisper, longer and straighter by KEEPING WEIGHT FORWARD. I'm old as dirt and after all of these years, THIS is my #1 tip of all time. KEEP YOUR WEIGHT FORWARD. No more Scoop McGee. Ball, divot. Crispy Creme !!! God, I love this game. Thanks Tom, you rule, dude. Your instruction is top notch. Top notch.
Most excellent, Ken!! This powerful, low-maintenance, body-friendly swing system is designed to provide a lifetime of blissful ball striking up to and including at the game's most elite levels, and since it is rooted in physics and geometry there can be no "fluke". Thanks so much for your support in sharing your success with it and keep it KFCrispy out there! Tom
This is the epitome of golf.I'm 59 and I've been through every swing trend starting in the 70s. I've been following Milo Lines lately and he recommends a strong grip and you recommend a more neutral grip and you both pure it. Neither one of you are wrong you just have found what works for you. That's Awesome 👍 Thanks for the videos
LOL! Isn't it, though?!....😆 Deterring you from your desired grip is not the point here. A strong grip - when deployed as an anti-slice band-aid - is precisely that: a patch for a deficiency or flaw somewhere upstream in the swing motion that the teacher or golfer can't or won't fix. If, on the other hand - so to speak 😎 - it is simply a matter of personal preference, then we should endeavor to remain keenly aware of our ball flight as it is quite adept at telling us if our grip is starting to leak too much to the strong side. With regard to watching different videos from different sources, my suggestion is to be careful in navigating the muddied, overly-complicated, oft-conflicting realm of golf instruction. That is not a dig against any other teachers out there. It's simply best to commit to a system - whether it be this body-friendly, powerful, consistent, low-maintenance method or another - put your blinders on, and stick to it. And if the system I teach appeals to you or at the very least stokes your curiosity, then here is a link to my FREE mini course “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker”: go.saguto.golf/ It's a great way to gain a fundamental understanding of this system as well as an introduction to the instruction style that has thousands of men and women from across the globe - including many accomplished, low-handicap, competitive players and spanning all age ranges from junior to super-senior - enjoying the best golf of their lives: saguto.golf/p/sagutogolfreviews Thanks for your message - I'm very glad to know that you are enjoying my content!! Tom
Glad I saw this. I stopped playing golf for YEARS because I was a terrible slicer, to the point I wouldn’t even take the driver out of my bag. I recently picked up golf again because of my kids and started taking lessons. My first “correction” was to have a much stronger grip (and had to eliminate hip sway) It was great during my first lesson. I left with a straighter shot and more confident. A few lessons later as I started correcting the rest of my swing I found myself now having a hook and always left of the pin. I commented during my last lesson, that I had to slowly go back to a neutral grip to straighten out my shots. Your video showed that I wasn’t crazy or picking up bad habits, just improving my swing, reducing the need to overcompensate with a strong grip.
Welcome back to this greatest of games! I'm very glad to know that this video validated your findings. A strong grip - when deployed as an anti-slice band-aid - is precisely that: a patch for a deficiency or flaw somewhere upstream in the swing motion that the teacher or golfer can't or won't fix. If, on the other hand - so to speak 😎 - it is simply a matter of personal preference, then we should endeavor to remain keenly aware of our ball flight since - as you discovered - it is quite adept at telling us if our grip is starting to leak too much to the strong side. To be clear, one can certainly play good golf with a strong grip, and there have been plenty of examples of that. However, anything to either side of neutral disrupts the natural geometry of the swing that was preestablished at address and thus necessitates some measure of compensatory actions in order to achieve consistently crispy impact and a desirable shot shape. Thanks for your message and keep up the great work!! Tom Saguto, PGA PS: By the way, since my channel’s content is connecting well with you, I am confident that you will also benefit from my newly updated FREE mini course “The Top 3 Keys You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker”: go.saguto.golf/ Featuring 17 videos and 45 minutes of detailed lesson and drill content, this is a great way to gain a fundamental understanding of this system as well as an introduction to the formal learning method that has countless thousands of men and women from across the globe - including many accomplished, low-handicap, competitive players and spanning all age ranges from junior to super-senior - now enjoying the best golf of their lives: saguto.golf/p/sagutogolfreviews
My pleasure! (And rest assured, you are definitely not alone.... 😎) I'm very glad to know that this grip lesson resonated with you, and I hope it performs well when you put it into practice! (By the way - and as I have been telling others - if you've grown accustomed to your strong grip then this change to neutral can feel awkward at first and may produce some odd shots. But this is normal when trying to incorporate the necessary changes in the spirit of lasting improvement. As the crispiness builds in the weirdness will surely dissipate. Embrace the process and you WILL feel crispier impact and see your ball flight improve!) Have fun out there! Tom PS: Since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I think you will also like my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
So glad to see you are still persistent in such a basic moment in the game of golf. I have watched your vids, off and on since your first vid. I love your enthusiasm, and non condescending, presentation, absence of "gimmicks, and aids ". We are all so different, in our understanding, and anticipation of improvement. I have watched some vids, and gone to the course with amazing, but unfortunately, at times, short success. I keep coming back, in hopes of something "magical", but in truth we are aging and everything is temporary. So appreciative of your endless solutions, which may benefit of only a few, but hopefully I am among them if only for "one good round". I wish you success and continuance of your program.
I sincerely appreciate your kind words, Ron, and I'm very glad to know that my instruction content and teaching style are resonating with you!! You are absolutely correct in that I do my best to convey multiple “feels” or thoughts throughout the swing wherever possible. We're all different physiologically and psychologically, and something that resonates effectively with one golfer may not necessarily work for another. However, no matter the variety of suggested feels/thoughts offered for a particular element of the swing, they are all directed at getting different golfers to achieve the desired positions, motions, and ball striking results. If you would really like to get on the fast track towards properly learning this swing system in a comprehensive, structured, sequential platform, please consider my online school. It will make for a far more efficient, superior, and enjoyable learning process rather than haphazardly trying to piece things together through these channel videos that jump around randomly from topic to topic. The school is where you will find very detailed instruction and drills that take you through the entire swing step-by-step, position-by-position from setup to finish, along with diagnostic and corrective tools for resolving common swing, contact, and ball flight issues, and much more. The instruction provides the guidelines and sets the boundaries, while allowing ample leeway for each individual golfer to infuse and exercise their own uniqueness. As a result, thousands of men and women from across the globe - including many seasoned, low-handicap, competitive players and spanning all age ranges from junior to super-senior - are now enjoying the best golf of their lives, and I'm happy to let their unsolicited testimonials tell the story: saguto.golf/p/sagutogolfreviews. And if you'd like to first "dip a toe in the water" prior to diving into the school, then here is a link to my FREE mini course “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker”: go.saguto.golf/ That is where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Thank you again for your message and support, and keep up the great work!! Tom
I had a slice for 20 years. I don’t golf enough so didn’t really tried too hard to fix it. This year a friend taught me to “strong grip” and almost immediately fixed my slice (on my driver). I’ve noticed that I was going hard left when Strong Grip my irons. This video now helped me straighten my irons.
I'm very glad to know that this lesson resonated with you, Luis; excellent job incorporating it into your iron swing and putting it into practice. Thanks so much for sharing your shot shape improvement and keep up the great work!! Tom PS: By the way, since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I think you will also like my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
Tom, have you been following me on the course? Lol I had this problem for 14holes straight, until I did the exact thing you are teaching in this video. I kept going left and was so frustrated thinking it was my swing. Finally, my last resort was my grip and I was dead center the rest of the way. Great advice! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
I've been following you and countless thousands of others around the course LOL! I'm very glad to know that this grip lesson resonated with you. Excellent job figuring it out on your own and putting it into play on the fly!! Tom PS: By the way, since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I think you will also like my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
Hopping this helps with my irons . Always hit ahead or on the ball a bunch . The pro I took lessons from said show me at least 3 knuckles . Very frustrating
This grip realization, along with the other elements of your swing teachings, have helped me a great deal. When I was young I had a great natural swing and power, but a nasty slice. I had never had a formal lesson, and a the first thing the instructor did was strengthen my grip. And, while I was young, flexible and playing a lot of golf a very strong grip worked great. But as I got older, drifted away from the game for a while, and lost some of my flexibility, my grip was killing me but I didn’t realize it. Once I adopted your principles and then later switched to neutral, it improved my ball contact AND my chipping and pitching, which I had formerly pulled left frequently while losing loft (no doubt from the strong grip). I really appreciate your very clear teachings. I am still too inconsistent off the tee- I think I need to slow down my tempo with the longer clubs - but my iron play in particular is much better due to more consistent strikes. For the first time in years I know what I am working towards to improve my swing, as opposed to just swinging over and over, hoping to groove the timing of of a swing that was just not simple enough for an average golfer. That is the key - a swing that is powerful AND repeatable (without hitting hundreds of balls a week) for a typical golfer. Thanks again.
My pleasure! I sincerely appreciate your kind words, and I'm very glad to know that my instruction content and teaching style are resonating with you!! A strong grip - when deployed as an anti-slice band-aid - is precisely that: a patch for a deficiency or flaw somewhere upstream in the swing motion that the teacher or golfer can't or won't fix. To be clear, one can certainly play good golf with a strong grip, and there have been plenty of examples of that. However, anything to either side of neutral disrupts the natural geometry of the swing that was preestablished at address and thus necessitates some measure of compensatory actions in order to achieve consistently crispy impact and a desirable shot shape. Thanks so much for your support and for sharing your ball striking improvement, and keep up the great work!! 💪💪 Tom PS: If you've not already joined, have you considered enrolling in the online school and taking your learning - and your game - to the next level? That's where - in addition to detailed lessons and drills that take you through the entire swing step-by-step, position-by-position from setup to finish - you'll find diagnostic tools for identifying/resolving swing and ball flight issues when they arise, plus advanced level instruction, and much more. Thousands of men and women from across the globe - including many accomplished, low-handicap, competitive players and spanning all age ranges from junior to super-senior - are now enjoying the best golf of their lives as a result, and their unsolicited testimonials tell the story quite well: saguto.golf/p/sagutogolfreviews. At just $14.99/month or $149.99 per year the value in terms of what you get for that price point is beyond comprehension, and based on proven results it represents by far the best golf instruction deal on the planet. And if you'd like to first "dip a toe in the water" prior to diving into the school, then here is a link to my FREE mini course “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker”: go.saguto.golf/ That is where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner.
Amazing how your videos help me. I had started to hit the balls much crispier lately, but wondered why I didn’t hit so far. The strong grip as you mentioned in this video messed it up for me. Today I hit a 3-wood from semi-rough around 280 yards with the wind in my face after changing the grip! 😊
That's fantastic, Bjorn!! I'm very glad to know that this grip lesson resonated with you; excellent job incorporating it into your swing and putting it into play!! Thanks so much for sharing your improvement and keep up the great work!! Tom PS: By the way, since my channel's content is performing well for you, I think you will also benefit from my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
@@SagutoGolf I will join at least for now the free part. Maybe also later for the subscription, but that makes more sense when the next season starts. Here in Vienna, Austria, you can usually not play through the whole winter. Thanks again for all terrific videos!
I sincerely appreciate your kind words, Claude, and I'm very glad to know that this lesson resonated with you. Thanks so much for sharing your validating observations!! Tom PS: By the way, since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I think you will also like my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
Hi Tom-I used to play with a strong grip before I found S@T. This top of swing move to bent left wrist really shows the past error of my ways. Be good-Russ
I was a strong gripper too, Russ. It really begins to make sense when you develop an appreciation for the physics and geometry of the swing, right? Keep it neutral, keep it KFCrispy! Tom
This was enlightening. I loved the demonstration and relation to the swing. This was/is me. I felt as tho you were talking directly to me. I have an issue where when i waggle the address my grip moves to a strong grip accidentally. It’s something i just identified. Working on a fix. Right now working on keeping the face open feeling and fixing swing or swing path. The hard part is that i have rehearsed this so many times that it’s almost second nature. This was profound for me. 18 handicap. With decent putting.
I'm very glad to know that this grip lesson resonated with you, and I hope it performs well when you put it into practice! By the way - and as I have been telling others - if you've grown accustomed to your strong grip then this change to neutral can feel awkward at first and may produce some odd shots. But this is normal when trying to incorporate the necessary changes in the spirit of lasting improvement. As the crispiness builds in the weirdness will surely dissipate. Embrace the process and you WILL feel crispier impact and see your ball flight improve! Tom PS: By the way, since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I think you will also like my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
Watched this video again today. I have a strong grip that gets stronger throughout the round. 😊 I’ll start out with a weaker/neutral grip next round. I learned from your video that this move will make my shots fly higher. Thanks again Tom!
Awesome job!!! 💪💪 Thanks for your support in sharing your improvement and keep up the fantastic work!! Tom PS: By the way, have you checked out my FREE mini-course “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” lately? That's where you can learn some key aspects of this swing system in a more structured manner, and I've recently updated it with some more of my favorite drills. Here's the link: go.saguto.golf/
This is best video I have seen, I've always had a strong grip I never chunk it but my ball flights are all over the place. I tried this at driving range today and my irons were straight as arrows, my driver had a nice power fade consistently. I can't wait till Saturdays competition🤞. Great tip thanks Tom.
Fantastic!! I’m very glad to know that this grip lesson resonated with you, Paul; excellent job incorporating it into your swing so quickly. 💪💪 Thanks so much for your support in sharing your resulting ball striking improvement, and have fun putting this into play at your next competition!! Tom Saguto, PGA PS: By the way, since my channel’s content is connecting well with you, I am confident that you will also benefit from my newly updated FREE mini course “The Top 3 Keys You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker”: go.saguto.golf/ Featuring 17 videos and 45 minutes of detailed lesson and drill content, this is a great way to gain a fundamental understanding of this system as well as an introduction to the formal learning method that has countless thousands of men and women from across the globe - including many accomplished, low-handicap, competitive players and spanning all age ranges from junior to super-senior - now enjoying the best golf of their lives: saguto.golf/p/sagutogolfreviews
Great video Tom on grips! I, like you, use a neutral grip and I have no problem in staying in the "short grass!" I find that using the neutral grip and my swing being in to out, I get a slight draw and do not have trouble finding my golf ball. Good Job Tom! Keep Up The Good Work!
Well done, John, and thanks for validating this grip lesson with your personal experience!! Tom PS: By the way, have you checked out my FREE mini-course “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” lately? That's where you can learn some key aspects of this swing system in a more structured manner, and I've recently updated it with some more of my favorite drills. Here's the link: go.saguto.golf/
I definitely noticed that I had to start weakening my grip when I started the Superstar Saguto golf swing. My original coach when I was in college wanted me to have a strong grip, and even sway a little bit….. it is also easier to get a flat wrist at the top of the swing with a weaker grip…..it still feels funky though…I know it will take time to get comfortable with it.
Weird is good when we're trying to incorporate the necessary changes in the spirit of improvement, Eric. But as the crispiness builds in the weirdness tends to dissipate. Embrace the challenge and keep up the great work!! Tom PS: By the way, since my channel's content is performing well for you, I think you will also benefit from my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
I needed this video... I knew it, but didn't do anything about it. I've been using a strong grip this whole season in order to "fix" my slice. It has worked on half my shots, but those it didn't have gone both left and right! It's time for a change! I even know what causes my slice anyways so I should have done this long time ago. It was just an easy quick fix at the time and I stuck with it.
I'm very glad to know that this grip lesson resonated with you, and I hope it performs well when you put it into practice! By the way - and as I have been telling others - if you've grown accustomed to your strong grip then this change to neutral can feel awkward at first and may produce some odd shots. But this is normal when trying to incorporate the necessary changes in the spirit of lasting improvement. As the crispiness builds in the weirdness will surely dissipate. Embrace the process and you WILL feel crispier impact and see your ball flight improve! Tom PS: By the way, since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I think you will also like my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
@@SagutoGolf Cheers, mate! I will definitely experience bad shots at the beginning and it will feel weird. But I'll stick with it and work on other aspects instead of the grip if it goes sideways. Love your content!
Spot on video. When I use a strong grip to tee off, the ball goes low and straight, but takes a big nosedive at 100 yards out. It's in the fairway but it is very short on distance.
I'm glad you enjoyed this video, Gerard, and thanks for validating the lesson with your personal experience! Tom PS: By the way, since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I think you will also like my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
I changed from a 3-knuckle left hand grip to 2-knuckles about 3 years ago and it has worked well. Sometimes with longer clubs I take a slightly stronger grip. I started to play again 5 years ago after having an almost 30 year pause. On a good day I have 10 mph more clubhead speed with my irons than I had with the 3-knuckle grip. 7-iron carry is up from under 140 meters to over 150 meters. I have to be careful though with my plane. 3-4 degrees inside is perfect but if the hands are not enough "behind" on top of backswing I lose a lot of distance and also consistency. Thanks for a great video! I am not a fan of "stack-tilt" method 😂 because I need to feel a slight movement to right on the backswing with my upper body but otherwise I love your videos 👍. There are a lot of very strong grips on TH-cam. And they do work for many. For most I agree the neutral 2 knuckle grip is the best.
Nice job, Peter!! A strong grip - when deployed as an anti-slice band-aid - is precisely that: a patch designed to mask a deficiency or flaw somewhere upstream in the swing motion. There are certain compensatory actions required in order to accommodate a strong grip and achieve consistently desirable results. As long as one remains keenly aware of those as well as the ball flight and impact tendencies that can creep in if not diligently managed, then they can enjoy their strong grip and let their ball striking and shot shape be their guide. With regard to your not being a fan of the Stack and Tilt method, I'm saddened by the misconceptions that some seem to hold - or that they have been told by misguided naysayers - because they are missing out on a fantastic swing system that would provide them with a lifetime of body-friendly, low-maintenance, blissful ball striking and the resulting true enjoyment of this greatest of games. For example, the need for a *_weight_* shift in the golf swing is one of the greatest fallacies ever taught, and it has led many an amateur golfer into the vast abyss of chronic inconsistency and frustration. This system certainly allows for some transfer of *_pressure_* into the trail side during the takeaway. After all, we are moving the mass of the arms and club backwards during that initial stage of the swing. Some like to sense the dynamic pressure shifts; others prefer the feel of a gradual increasing of weight load into the lead leg from the start. However, in either scenario the key here is that we do not allow our mass - and thereby our swing center and low point - to drift back at any point. In the swing I teach we start with our weight forward (generally 55/45 for the short and mid irons, 60/40 for the longer clubs), gradually add more forward weight load into the transition (70/30), 80/20 halfway down, 90/10 impact, and 95/5 finish. There's no "weight shift"; instead, it's just a gradually increasing load onto the lead side. And the result is a centered, low-maintenance, body-friendly, consistent, and tremendously powerful motion. In actuality, the Stack and Tilt swing system is rooted in physics, geometry, and human physiology, and it is modeled on empirical observations of the game's most prolific ball strikers. As such it does not discriminate by age or ability - from kids to seniors and everyone in between, inclusive of the best players in the world. Watch any Tour event on TV and you'll see a significant number of players executing these motions, a fact corroborated by just how many of them have a very centered swing with the lead knee flexing and the trail leg straightening during the backswing, their lead arms on or very close to their tilted shoulder planes, and their hands deep behind their trail shoulder at the top. Thousands of folks across the globe - including many seasoned, low-handicap, competitive players - are now enjoying the best golf of their lives as a result of learning this swing system through my online school, and I'm happy to let their unsolicited testimonials tell the story: saguto.golf/p/sagutogolfreviews. Compare and contrast that with the sad reality that despite all the advances in equipment, technology, golf course grooming, etc. the average golfer still struggles to break 100. Epic failures within the realm of “conventional” instruction, perhaps??? So many misconstrued and/or misguided teachings - such as taking the club straight back, turning the shoulders level while independently lifting the arms, shifting into and torquing against a firm trail side, actively rolling the hands through impact, etc. - have relegated generations of golfers to the vast abyss of inconsistency and chronic frustration (and chronic back/knee/hip pain as well). Anyway, I'll get off my soapbox now. 😎 Thanks for validating this grip lesson with your experience and keep up the great work!! Tom
@@SagutoGolf Hei Tom and thnks a lot for your in-depth answer. I really appreciate the time you took to explain the method you are teaching. I should have been talking about pressure shift more than weight shift. Thats anyway what I mean. I like to feel the pressure shift and dont mind if my head moves 2 inches to the right. It just suites me better. Generally I respect you simplicity of the swing greatly and I would not watch your videos, if I dont think they would not help me. I am 64y already and have bad osteoarthritis in my right elbow. I have been sportclimbing for 30 years and that sure hasn't helped that elbow 😂. I doubt any swing method unfortunately doesn't help that elbow as it has to take the impact force anyway. I only have the club in the back3 fingers of my right hand, that helps a little to absorb the impact. I think there is no one way to swing to correctly but your method is definitely one of the simplest, if not THE simplest on youtube. Have a good day and keep posting these great videos 👍.
this is good sense tom, i`ve always had a neutral position to "hold" the club at adress, ,its not a grip,because swinging the club is a dynamic and fluid motion, hands are an articulating variable ! not a `hinge`so finding your own version of where you are more consistently "square" through impact is vital, you hit the nail on its head with this video for sure 😊👍
*_Outstanding!!_* I’m very glad to know that my driver instruction is resonating with you; excellent job incorporating it into your swing and putting it into play. Thanks so much for your support in sharing your dramatic improvement and keep up the great work!! 💪💪 Tom PS: By the way, since my channel's content is performing well for you, I am confident that you will also benefit from my newly updated FREE mini course “The Top 3 Keys You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker”: go.saguto.golf/ Featuring 17 videos and 45 minutes of detailed lesson and drill content, this is a great way to gain a fundamental understanding of this system as well as an introduction to the formal learning method that has countless thousands of men and women from across the globe - including many accomplished, low-handicap, competitive players and spanning all age ranges from junior to super-senior - now enjoying the best golf of their lives: saguto.golf/p/sagutogolfreviews
Been playing with a strong grip for a while and have always struggled with short irons - generally result in left pull. As I've also had issues with slicing which this was supposed to 'fix' but as a lot with golf, it still seems to come and go. I watched this video and tried it yesterday in a weekly comp and wow, results were a lot better. The grip just seems more natural in this neutral state and I wasn't pulling short irons. Roll on tomorrow when I'm playing again.
I'm very glad to know that this lesson resonated with you, Greg; excellent job incorporating it into your swing and putting it into play!! Thanks so much for sharing your improvement and keep up the great work!! 💪💪 Tom PS: By the way, since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I think you will also like my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
Thanks Joshua - I'm very glad to know that this grip lesson resonated with you, and I hope it performs well when you put it into practice! By the way, those low hooks can be the result of a variety of issues, and while there are certainly videos on my channel that address this topic, a better option would be my FREE mini course “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker”: go.saguto.golf/ It's a great way to gain a fundamental understanding of this system as well as an introduction to the instruction style that has thousands of men and women from across the globe - including many accomplished, low-handicap, competitive players and spanning all age ranges from junior to super-senior - enjoying the best golf of their lives: saguto.golf/p/sagutogolfreviews Let's get that ball flight straightened out!! Tom Saguto, PGA
The faults you described from using a strong grip explained my game to a tee. Almost 32 years using a strong grip has been a rough ride. As noted by others, bringing the club back feels wildly weird. Shot one under in league the other day messing with a more neutral grip. I am beyond excited to get to the range and get to work. Thanks for the vids!
One under while messing with a major grip modification?? That is outstanding, Matthew!! 💪💪 I'm very glad to know that this lesson resonated with you; excellent job incorporating it into your swing and putting it into play. Thanks so much for sharing your improvement and excitement, and keep up the great work!! Tom
I'm very glad to know that this lesson resonated with you, Matthew, and I hope it performs well when you put it into practice! By the way - and as I have been telling others - if you've grown accustomed to your strong grip then this change to neutral can feel awkward at first and may produce some odd shots. But this is normal when trying to incorporate the necessary changes in the spirit of lasting improvement. As the crispiness builds in the weirdness will surely dissipate. Embrace the process and you WILL see your ball flight improve! Tom PS: Since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I think you will also like my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
I am looking forward to trying this. I will loosen my death grip and be more Perry Como like. My fairway game is dreadful because of my over strong grip. Thanks for the tip.
Perry Como like? LOL! Just to be clear, David, I am not referring to grip pressure here. "Strong", "neutral", and "weak" in this context relate to how we place our hands on the club, and not how loosely or tightly we grip it. Have a look at the crease formed by the forefinger and thumb on the lead hand. Generally speaking - and assuming the hand is properly affixed to the handle - a neutral grip would have that crease pointing towards somewhere between the trail eye and trail ear with a relatively flat wrist condition (whereas a strong grip would have the crease pointing more towards the trail shoulder with a bit of a cupped wrist condition). The palm of the trail hand covers the thumb of the lead hand, with its crease pointing in a similar direction. Thanks - I'm glad you enjoyed the lesson and I hope it performs well for you! Tom PS: By the way, since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I think you will also like my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
It's nice to have my suspicions confirmed. There was a time when if I was trying to hit a big looping draw, I would really strengthen my grip, and I would almost always hit a nice double crossing fade. I finally just worked on my setup, but If I had known this back in the day, I would have a few more dozen balls to my name. Thx for this vid.
Thanks - I'm glad you enjoyed the video and appreciate your validating remarks. Nice job figuring this out on your own! 💪💪 Tom PS: By the way, since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I think you will also like my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
Tom, your explanations on all your videos are always to the point and easy to understand. I've been following you for some time now and I think you need to add a shot tracer so we can all see and appreciate all those crispy shots.
I sincerely appreciate your kind words, Bob, and I'm very glad to know that my instruction content and teaching style are resonating with you!! I do have a number of videos on this channel where I've used a shot tracer. Here are a few of them: - th-cam.com/video/cVggUORbs5I/w-d-xo.html - th-cam.com/video/UnOMjaDl3fE/w-d-xo.html - th-cam.com/video/NthJA6TTZpo/w-d-xo.html - th-cam.com/video/CSAvOMD7m_A/w-d-xo.html - th-cam.com/video/o0xscMyN3v8/w-d-xo.html - th-cam.com/video/pQEriWz9hGI/w-d-xo.html Thanks! Tom PS: By the way, since you are liking my channel's content, I think you will also enjoy my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
Strong grip works well for me. It added stability, about 30 yards of distance and took away my constant golfers elbow. You have to match it up though with good hip rotation, and tucking the right shoulder down and under through the swing to square the club face. You also need to preset the club with forward lean. The setup feels natural to me, and I never had an issue with a slice. Find the exact timing to square the face with a neutral grip was a challenge for me. A slight in to out path though can produce a hook, so you do need to keep it in check. I certainly compress the ball far better than a 2 knuckle grip. To each his own?
@@yangg 87-90 is a good round for me. Swing path is what causes me to hook. Too much from the inside. Once I fixed that, my game improved a lot. Check your divot marks.
There are certainly compensatory actions required in order to accommodate a strong grip and achieve desirable results. As long as you remain keenly aware of those as well as the ball flight and impact tendencies that can creep in if not diligently managed, then let your ball striking and shot shape be your guide! TS
I play a strong grip and i play way better this way. With a strong grip i actually don't flip the club at all. I play "down the line" type movement and i hit great. Weaker grip i balloon slice it and hit it way too high. Im a 6 handicap. I just have to "feel" tempo to make it work.
I appreciate this comment. Your old issue is my current issue and I read somewhere that my grip could be making it difficult for me to not flip, give my other match ups, so going to give the strong a try!
Hi Tom! I absolutely love your videos! Your information is terrific; re: this video you’ve made it very clear as to the problems using a strong grip, however, I’m not exactly sure what a neutral grip looks like, unless you’re saying to have your thumb straighter down the shaft. Is that it? Thanks so much! You’re the best!⛳️👍
Hi Jill! I sincerely appreciate your kind words, and I'm very glad to know that my instruction content and teaching style are resonating with you!! Have a look at the crease formed by the forefinger and thumb on the lead hand. Generally speaking - and assuming the hand is properly affixed to the handle - a neutral grip would have that crease pointing towards somewhere between the trail eye and trail ear with a relatively flat wrist condition (whereas a strong grip would have the crease pointing more towards the trail shoulder with a bit of a cupped wrist condition). The palm of the trail hand covers the thumb of the lead hand, with its crease pointing in a similar direction. Thanks again for your message and support! Tom PS: By the way, since you are liking my channel's content, I think you will also enjoy my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
Thanks Scott - I'm very glad to know that this grip video resonated with you! A strong grip - when deployed as an anti-slice band-aid - is precisely that: a patch for a deficiency or flaw somewhere upstream in the swing motion that the teacher or golfer can't or won't fix. If, on the other hand - so to speak 😎 - the strong grip is simply a matter of preference, then we should endeavor to remain keenly aware of where that clubface is pointing throughout the swing motion. It's always best to not have to rely on any precise handsy manipulations or other compensatory maneuvers, and our ball flight is quite adept at telling us if our grip is starting to leak one way or another. By the way, if you are willing to take the "leap of faith" with regard to neutralizing your grip, then just be aware that if you've grown accustomed to your strong grip this change can feel awkward at first and may produce some odd shots. But this is normal when trying to incorporate the necessary changes in the spirit of lasting improvement. As the crispiness builds in the weirdness will surely dissipate. Embrace the process and you WILL feel crispier impact and see your ball flight improve! Tom
Wonderfully DEMONSTRATED ! I’ve been trying 2 figure out the right way 2 figure out my clubs face at contact problem 4 months now ! LOL! Just about everything has been going left then on other shots…. Yeah, U guessed it ! Far right ! LOL! It’s been my hands probably all alone ! Can’t wait 2 work on this at the range today !
Thank you! I'm very glad to know that this lesson resonated with you, and I hope it performs well when you put it into practice! Let's get that ball flight straightened out!! Tom PS: By the way, since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I think you will also like my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
I got told my club pro that my grip was too weak, so I needed to use a stronger grip, to improve my grip driver. I did slice my driver on occasions, but over the last 2 months it’s got really bad, where every drive is like a banana. I’m so glad I have found this video. I will try to go back to what is comfortable for my and work on my swing path instead.
I'm very glad to learn that this video clicked with you, Robert. Yes - a strong grip when deployed as an anti-slice band-aid is precisely that: a patch for a deficiency or flaw somewhere upstream in the swing motion that the teacher or golfer can't or won't fix. As such your intentions are spot on - take a more neutral attachment, get your path figured out, and then make minor tweaks to dial things in to your desired shot shape. And while there are certainly videos on my channel that address the topic of optimizing downswing path, a better option would be my FREE mini course “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker”: go.saguto.golf/ It's a great way to gain a fundamental understanding of this system as well as an introduction to the instruction style that has thousands of men and women from across the globe - including many accomplished, low-handicap, competitive players and spanning all age ranges from junior to super-senior - enjoying the best golf of their lives: saguto.golf/p/sagutogolfreviews Thanks for your message, embrace the process, and have fun out there! Tom
My pleasure, Patrick! I sincerely appreciate your kind words, and I'm very glad to know that my lesson content and teaching style are resonating with you and providing clarity and simplicity in the muddied, overly complicated, oft-conflicting realm of golf instruction. Thanks for your message and support! Tom PS: By the way, since my lesson content is connecting well with you, I am confident that you will also benefit from my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker”.: go.saguto.golf. If you haven't already worked through it, this is a great way to gain a fundamental understanding of this system as well as an introduction to the instruction style that has thousands of men and women from across the globe - including many accomplished, low-handicap, competitive players and spanning all age ranges from junior to super-senior - enjoying the best golf of their lives: saguto.golf/p/sagutogolfreviews
I'm very glad to know that my instruction content and teaching style are resonating with you!! Thanks so much for sharing your improvement and enjoyment, and keep up the great work!! Tom PS: By the way, since my channel's content is performing well for you, I think you will also benefit from my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
Hello Tom from Tokyo. I really love watching your videos. I am trying to change my swings like you before our club championships on the 23/24. Tama Hills Golf Course.
I'm very glad to know that my instruction is resonating with you, Preston! For a good starting point, here is a link to my FREE mini course “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner: go.saguto.golf/ Good luck in your club championship! Tom
I sincerely appreciate your kind words, Craig, and I'm very glad to know that my instruction content and teaching style are resonating with you!! Thanks so much for sharing your improvement and keep up the great work!! Tom PS: By the way, since my channel's content is performing well for you, I think you will also benefit from my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
Absolutely brilliant video. I see almost every bad golfer with a strong grip. They either hit a low hook or a slice. Lol. The grip is the single most important fundamental and a bad grip can ruin all of your other fundamentals.
I appreciate your kind words and I'm glad to know that this video resonated with you, Michael!! Yes - I've seen so often in lessons I've given. Students come to me with the uber-strong grips they've been "coached" to adopt, and they are still banana-balling it off the planet. It's only when we neutralize their attachment that we can get their paths properly fixed and ball flights straightened out with lasting results. Strong grips may feel nice and powerful, but in reality they have destroyed countless amateur swings and games across the globe when deployed as an anti-slice band-aid. In the system I teach a neutral grip is the preferred attachment for our stock push-draw ball flight. Conversely - and interestingly given all the misguided notions out there - a strong grip is used in our system as one of the setup features for a pull-fade shape. Go figure, right? But the physics and geometry do not lie... Thanks for your validating remarks and support!! Tom PS: By the way, since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I think you will also like my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
I sincerely appreciate your kind messages, and I'm very glad to know that my instruction content and teaching style are resonating with you!! Thanks so much for your ongoing support and for conveying your enjoyment! Keep up the great work!! Tom
I started to have better contact on my full swings with a neutral grip after watching this video…still played horrible today because of my short game… my handicap for 9 has jumped from a +11 to a +19 this year… horrible 120 yds and in and can’t hit a wedge to save my life. Gonna need work this off-season big time! All of my friends are playing golf now too which is stressful because I’ve been playing so badly
I'm very glad to know that this lesson resonated with you; excellent job incorporating it into your swing!! Thanks so much for sharing your improvement and keep up the great work!! Tom PS: With regard to your challenges and the added competitive pressures, have you considered the comprehensive, structured, sequential learning platform of my online school? That's where - among many other courses and lessons covering various aspects of the game - you will find very detailed instruction and drills that take you through the entire swing step-by-step, position-by-position from setup to finish. Additionally, you'll have access to all my short game content (putting, chipping, pitching, bunker play), advanced level material, diagnostic and corrective tools for resolving common swing, contact, and ball flight issues, and much more. Thousands of men and women from across the globe - including many seasoned, low-handicap, competitive players and spanning all age ranges from junior to super-senior - are now enjoying the best golf of their lives as a result, and I'm happy to let their unsolicited testimonials tell the story: saguto.golf/p/sagutogolfreviews. And if you'd like to first "dip a toe in the water" prior to diving into the school, then here is a link to my FREE mini course “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker”: go.saguto.golf/ That is where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner.
This is so true to me in reference to once I got a new driver I had to readjust my grip because my driver would always draw with the stronger grip but once I loosened up with my new driver all was well
I totally agree. Whenever I make my grip stronger, I slice it more easily. You go against conventional teaching and demonstrate very well why it may not work.
Thanks - I appreciate your validating message and support! “Truth" is defined as that which conforms to reality, and this swing system conforms to the unchanging realities of Physics, Geometry, and data from the game’s best golf ball strikers. Resistance is thusly futile, regardless of what "conventional" teaching may say..... 😎 Tom PS: By the way, since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I think you will also like my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
At the beginning of my first lesson with my coach he had me using a very strong grip to get the feel of a closed club face at impact and then throughout the lesson he had me weaken it slightly until towards the end I had a more neutral to weak grip but was still able to keep my club face closed and was hitting very straight shots. I’m not sure how it worked but it did. So this video definitely makes sense to me.
Pretty slick job by your coach there. I love it! And I'm glad to know that this lesson video validated your efforts in that regard. Thanks for your message and keep up the great work! Tom Saguto, PGA
Terrific breakdown. I'm playing some MP 221s 4-PW. Went in to a golf shop yesterday to tryout something in the 19-20 degree spot. Everything i hit turned left or right and was either way too high or too low. 90% were too low. The most inconsistent sober session of my adult life. Away from the "Strong left hand" I go!
I'm very glad to know that this grip lesson resonated with you, and I hope it performs well when you put it into practice! By the way - and as I have been telling others - if you've grown accustomed to your strong grip then this change to neutral can feel awkward at first and may produce some odd shots. But this is normal when trying to incorporate the necessary changes in the spirit of lasting improvement. As the crispiness builds in the weirdness will surely dissipate. Embrace the process and you WILL feel crispier impact and see your ball flight improve! Tom PS: By the way, since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I am confident that you will also benefit from my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker”.: go.saguto.golf. If you haven't already worked through it, this is a great way to gain a fundamental understanding of this system as well as an introduction to the instruction style that has thousands of men and women from across the globe - including many accomplished, low-handicap, competitive players and spanning all age ranges from junior to super-senior - enjoying the best golf of their lives: saguto.golf/p/sagutogolfreviews
@@SagutoGolf Everything you just said checks out. I'm 38 and have been golfing and played baseball since i was 5. 2020 was when i truly made a separation between golf and baseball swings. Always just played a power cut but can hit all 9 windows now. Biggest key was to approach the golf swing in a throwing manner instead of hitting. "Hitting" makes me take a strong grip. "Throwing" puts the focus more on the right wrist. My guess is that my left hand has just slowly worked back around the top of the club. Time off... With some practice of weakening that left hand, i should technically be able to get it out of the way and just let the club fly. Thank you, sir. I'll check it out.
As a former baseball player myself, I can say with certainty that while some similarities exist between the baseball and golf swings, there are also some considerable differences. You are going about it properly by focusing on the throwing motion rather than hitting. In fact, there are very legitimate reasons as to why pitchers make far better golfers than their position player teammates - well, at least during their ballplaying careers, anyway - and you have properly deciphered some of that. Well done!
Hey Tom! I struggled with the exact issues you talk about with a strong grip (hitting it low, hooking left). However, I read an article talking about how Nicklaus never saw a good player not address the ball with a clubface at least a bit open. As a result, i kept my strong grip, and simply address the ball with an open clubface, forward press, and my compression has never been better! Any thoughts on potential errors down the road? Love the vids man, keep it up!
Hey Davey! Deterring you from your desired grip is not the point here. A strong grip - when deployed as an anti-slice band-aid - is precisely that: a patch for a deficiency or flaw somewhere upstream in the swing motion that the teacher or golfer can't or won't fix. If, on the other hand - so to speak 😎 - it is simply a matter of personal preference, then we should endeavor to remain keenly aware of our ball flight as it is quite adept at telling us if our grip is starting to leak too much to the strong side. To be clear, one can certainly play good golf with a strong grip, and there have been plenty of examples of that. However, anything to either side of neutral disrupts the natural geometry of the swing that was preestablished at address and thus necessitates some measure of compensatory actions - such as addressing the ball with a sufficiently open face as you are doing - in order to achieve consistently crispy impact and a desirable shot shape. (In fact, my dad is doing exactly that with his stronger grip and experiencing good results.) FYI, one of the features of the Straight Stick training aid is that it shows us the proper address face angle needed to accommodate different types of grips (strong, neutral, weak). You will find the Straight Stick featured in some of my channel's videos including these: - th-cam.com/video/lRQd4zv9KNQ/w-d-xo.html - th-cam.com/video/MOXAwPcrQHk/w-d-xo.html If interested you can get your Straight Stick using this link: rb.gy/j3a6q Thanks for your message and keep up the great work! Tom PS: By the way, since my lesson content is connecting well with you, I am confident that you will also benefit from my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker”.: go.saguto.golf. If you haven't already worked through it, this is a great way to gain a fundamental understanding of this system as well as an introduction to the instruction style that has thousands of men and women from across the globe - including many accomplished, low-handicap, competitive players and spanning all age ranges from junior to super-senior - enjoying the best golf of their lives: saguto.golf/p/sagutogolfreviews
I was an over-the-top guy for 40 yrs and used my wrists to square up the face (inconsistently). For the standard weight shift takeaway perhaps a strong grip is effective. However I am now a Stack & Tilt guy and realized a strong grip was counter to this move. I had two experienced instructors, one being Golf Tech who both suggested I change to a strong grip which I tried for one season. After changing to S&T you want a neutral to weak grip so your forearms turn slightly up at setup and inturn your upper arms are more snug to your body. This assists in taking the club back on plane (correct arc) and and thru on plane as your arms remain somewhat straight on the follow-thru and finish high rather than wrapping your club around your body as taught with the traditional weight shift swing. Ok I know many will disagree but if you read the Stack and Tilt book you will see how effective this grip/arm position is for more consistent ball contact.
Amen. Totally agree neutral/weak is the proper grip for S&T. And like Tom said for a hammer to nail impact. But if you're not a s&t kinda guy and you want a more freewheeling bobby jones--freddie couples release i find strong the proper way to go. Like Tom said. Love when the instructors point out the differences like that btw.
Those who would disagree are wholly uninformed and thus their opinions in this regard are inconsequential. Despite the ridiculous "stigma" attached to Stack and Tilt by those who either don't understand it or who are otherwise inconvenienced by truth, the indisputable laws of physics and geometry cannot be held back, and those are precisely what the S&T system is rooted in. Thanks for your support in sharing your experience, and keep up the great work!! Tom
I sincerely appreciate your kind words, Richard, and I'm very glad to know that my instruction content and teaching style are resonating with you!! Thanks so much for sharing your improvement and enjoyment, and keep up the great work!! Tom PS: By the way, since my channel's content is performing well for you, I think you will also benefit from my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
Glad you enjoyed the video, Joseph, and I'm happy to know that the lesson is performing well for you! If you are compressing the ball and taking a divot, then all should be fine. Otherwise, face-on video will reveal if you have a little flip through the zone or if you are not getting your weight quite forward enough as the club approaches the ball. Keep up the great work! Tom PS: By the way, since my channel's content is performing well for you, I think you will also benefit from my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
My pleasure! I'm very glad to know that my instruction content and teaching style are resonating with you!! Tom PS: By the way, since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I think you will also like my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
I'm newer to golf. I had a golf lesson where I was told my grip is too weak even though I could hit it decently, but was having contact issues from other factors. When strengthening my grip all I got was these low, aggressive hooks. I was told to tuck my elbow in more and listen for the whoosh at the bottom of the swing. I couldn't do it. I loosened my grip back up and I'm hitting the ball straighter again. Just working on taking my divots/impact now. This is something a lot of people need to watch when instructors are telling them to strengthen their grips too much.
Thanks - I appreciate your validation remarks! Welcome to this greatest of games. Keep up the fantastic work and have fun out there! Tom PS: Would you like to learn some key aspects of the swing I teach in a more structured manner? If so, then here is a link to my FREE mini course “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker”: go.saguto.golf/ It's a great way to gain a fundamental understanding of this system as well as an introduction to the instruction style that has thousands of men and women from across the globe - including many accomplished, low-handicap, competitive players and spanning all age ranges from junior to super-senior - enjoying the best golf of their lives: saguto.golf/p/sagutogolfreviews
The keys to a good swing are a neutral grip, a proper athletic stance, a good takeaway (see Ryan Mouque’s drill) and keeping your head still until after you have hit the ball.
I'm very glad to know that this lesson resonated with you, Joel, and I hope it performs well when you put it into practice! By the way - and as I have been telling others - if you've grown accustomed to your strong grip then this change to neutral can feel awkward at first and may produce some odd shots. But this is normal when trying to incorporate the necessary changes in the spirit of lasting improvement. As the crispiness builds in the weirdness will surely dissipate. Embrace the process and you WILL see your ball flight improve! Tom PS: By the way, have you checked out my FREE mini-course “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” lately? That's where you can learn some key aspects of this swing system in a more structured manner, and I've recently updated it with some more of my favorite drills. Here's the link: go.saguto.golf/
I appreciate that, Michael, and I'm very glad to know that my instruction content and teaching style are resonating with you!! Yes - I'm playing the PXG 0311 GEN6 Driver & 3W, and 0311P irons. AeroTech Steel Fiber shafts in S-flex. Love 'em! Thanks so much for sharing your improvement and keep up the great work!! Tom PS: By the way, since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I am confident that you will also benefit from my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker”.: go.saguto.golf/ If you haven't already worked through it, this is a great way to gain a fundamental understanding of this system as well as an introduction to the instruction style that has thousands of men and women from across the globe - including many accomplished, low-handicap, competitive players and spanning all age ranges from junior to super-senior - enjoying the best golf of their lives: saguto.golf/p/sagutogolfreviews
*OUTSTANDING!!* I’m very glad to know that this grip lesson resonated with you; excellent job incorporating it into your swing and putting it into play so quickly. Thanks so much for your support in sharing your improvement and keep up the great work!! 💪💪 Tom Saguto, PGA PS: By the way, since my channel's content is performing well for you, I am confident that you will also benefit from my newly updated FREE mini course “The Top 3 Keys You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker”: go.saguto.golf/ Featuring 17 videos and 45 minutes of detailed lesson and drill content, this is a great way to gain a fundamental understanding of this system as well as an introduction to the formal learning method that has countless thousands of men and women from across the globe - including many accomplished, low-handicap, competitive players and spanning all age ranges from junior to super-senior - now enjoying the best golf of their lives: saguto.golf/p/sagutogolfreviews
This is so true and corrects a lot of bad grip advice. You dont want to deloft the irons. The pt of the irons too is to hit the ball high and land soft, especially the shorter irons. Start w a weaker grip. If you are leaking left, then strengthen the grip a touch. A strong grip gets your shoulders all messed up too, it makes you tilt away from the ball which makes the bottom of the swing move back so you can hit fatter shots.
Yes. Good points! To be clear, one can certainly play good golf with a strong grip, and there have been plenty of examples of that. However, anything to either side of neutral disrupts the natural geometry of the swing that was preestablished at address and thus necessitates some measure of compensatory actions in order to achieve consistently crispy impact and a desirable shot shape. Thanks for your message and support! Tom Saguto, PGA PS: By the way, since my lesson content is connecting well with you, I am confident that you will also benefit from my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker”.: go.saguto.golf. If you haven't already worked through it, this is a great way to gain a fundamental understanding of this system as well as an introduction to the instruction style that has thousands of men and women from across the globe - including many accomplished, low-handicap, competitive players and spanning all age ranges from junior to super-senior - enjoying the best golf of their lives: saguto.golf/p/sagutogolfreviews
Used a strong grip for a couple years I hated it!! It felt uncomfortable and I felt like I was working harder!! This video is what I needed to see!! Thank you so much for explaining this!!
My pleasure, Michael! I'm glad to know that this video provided the validation you needed to do what you knew was right!. You may now shift to neutral with peace of mind and crispiness of impact. 😎 Tom PS: By the way, since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I am confident that you will also benefit from my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker”.: go.saguto.golf. If you haven't already worked through it, this is a great way to gain a fundamental understanding of this system as well as an introduction to the instruction style that has thousands of men and women from across the globe - including many accomplished, low-handicap, competitive players and spanning all age ranges from junior to super-senior - enjoying the best golf of their lives: saguto.golf/p/sagutogolfreviews
@@SagutoGolf I signed up for your free mini course yesterday and watched all three videos!! You just simplify everything and make it easy to understand the fundamentals of the swing. I can’t wait to practice and use it on the course!!
@@SagutoGolf I also just shared this with a buddy of mine because he was struggling with all the same stuff I was and also told him about your free mini course!! Thanks again for all you do!!
Love the video Tom! Did you get a new camera or are you experimenting with different angles/positioning? Can't put my finger on it, but something feels new and different!
Spot on Tom. Also, because of his strong grip and "flip" at impact, Zach has always been one of the shortest hitters on tour, and he has to aim way right to compensate for his monster draw.
Thanks - I appreciate that! Of course, Zach figured out a way to make it work very well - well enough to be a two-time major champion - so there can be no disputing his place among the game's great players. It also took him years and years to hone his craft and get his swing dialed in to the extent that he did. That's a testimony to his hard work, determination, and perseverance. Having said that, in the world of amateur golf a strong grip - when deployed as an anti-slice band-aid - is precisely that: a patch for a deficiency or flaw somewhere upstream in the swing motion that the teacher or golfer can't or won't fix. If, on the other hand - so to speak 😎 - it is simply a matter of personal preference, then we should endeavor to remain keenly aware of our ball flight as it is quite adept at telling us if our grip is starting to leak too much to the strong side. Tom
I'm a 3.5 index and play with a strong grip. Ball striking was inconsistent and struggled with slightly fat shots on occasion. Switched to a neutral or a weaker grip today based on watching the video last night. Shot par and hit my irons effortlessly. My left wrist was finally flat on top. Driver not so much but maybe my face was open a address or need to change ball position with a weaker grip. IDK... Will work on it.
Awesome!! I'm glad to know that this played well for you; excellent job incorporating it into your swing on the fly. By the way and to be clear, one can certainly play good golf with a strong grip, and there have been plenty of examples of that. However, anything to either side of neutral disrupts the natural geometry of the swing that was preestablished at address and thus necessitates some measure of compensatory actions in order to achieve consistently crispy impact and a desirable shot shape. Here is a recent episode on the topic of setup keys for the driver (including the grip): th-cam.com/video/OaaafCoY22w/w-d-xo.html Thanks for sharing your success and keep up the great work!! Tom
This fixed a lot of my issues. I drove the ball really well for years and clean irons. I quit playing for about two years and when I came back I was all of a sudden hooking everything so bad it made me not want to play and when it didn't hook I had no distance. So I started searching and realized my grip was way too strong, for whatever reason when I started back playing I adjusted my grip. I've spent the last month getting back to a weaker grip and I dropped so many strokes and I've got my drive back, and my irons are dialing back in the distance.
Nice job, Brandon!! 💪💪 I'm glad to know that you've reclaimed your ball striking mojo, and I appreciate you validating this lesson with your experience! Keep up the great work! Tom PS: By the way, since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I think you will also like my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
My pleasure, Bill! I'm very glad to know that this grip lesson resonated with you, and now that you are armed with this knowledge I hope you are able to use it to the betterment of your game. Thanks! Tom
I'm glad you enjoyed it, Matt, and I appreciate your interest! I had phased out in-person lessons awhile back so I could dedicate more time to my online school. At this point I'm not sure if I will resume them, but you can feel free to check back periodically see if I've reconsidered. I do, however, offer virtual private instruction and coaching as they are instrumental to the progress of my school's members. These are highly effective - as much or perhaps even more so than in-person based on the results and dramatic improvement my students are experiencing - and they can be done for any member from anywhere around the globe. You may learn more about these options here: saguto.golf/lessons As for the online school, thousands of men and women from across the globe spanning all age ranges and talent levels are now enjoying the best golf of their lives as a result, and I'm happy to let their unsolicited testimonials tell the story: saguto.golf/p/sagutogolfreviews And if you'd like to first "dip a toe in the water" prior to diving into the school, then here is a link to my FREE mini course “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker”: go.saguto.golf/ That is where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Thanks again! Tom
I have issues with wrist cupping on my backswing, and it definitely affects my ability to strike the ball, especially with my driver. I've been trying to figure out what a straight wrist is supposed to feel like, and some drills for that would be handy. By the way, nice overhead shot! You're getting fancy!
Here are a few videos on this topic: - th-cam.com/video/sbhbhL-fiwI/w-d-xo.html - th-cam.com/video/aLai9v2F0vM/w-d-xo.html - th-cam.com/video/uBCy5JEhQIA/w-d-xo.html A couple of these episodes feature a device called the Hackmotion. You can learn more about it here: www.hackmotion.com. If interested you may use code SAGUTOGOLF for free international shipping on your order. Beyond that, here is a link to my FREE mini course “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner: go.saguto.golf/ Tom
Thanks - I'm glad to know that you are enjoying my instruction and video production quality!! Tom PS: By the way, since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I think you will also like my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
You should grip the club the way your hands hang naturally at your side because that increases the odds of returning the club to the ball squarely. Also, a natural grip helps you achieve the right sequence to your swing. IF your palms face directly to your sides you will see half of one knuckle and if your palms face directly behind you, you will see at least three knuckles....just gage it from one to five....one looks weak and five is super strong (similar to Fred Couples) I'm a a three, so I can see two knuckles.
That's great, Father Joel! I'm very glad to know that this grip lesson resonated with you; excellent job incorporating it into your swing and putting it into play. And absolutely - if you had grown accustomed to your previous strong grip then this change to a more neutral attachment can indeed feel awkward at first and may even produce some odd shots. But this is normal when trying to incorporate the necessary changes in the spirit of lasting improvement. As the crispiness builds in the weirdness surely dissipates, as you are experiencing. Thanks so much for sharing your improvement and keep up the fantastic work!! Tom PS: By the way, since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I am confident that you will also benefit from my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker”.: go.saguto.golf. If you haven't already worked through it, this is a great way to gain a fundamental understanding of this system as well as an introduction to the instruction style that has thousands of men and women from across the globe - including many accomplished, low-handicap, competitive players and spanning all age ranges from junior to super-senior - enjoying the best golf of their lives: saguto.golf/p/sagutogolfreviews
Nice video Tom. Thank you. I have a different question that I would appreciate your thoughts. I’m left handed. However, I play golf right handed and have done for over 40 years at 49 years old. For 30 of those years my handicap has been single digit. I play tennis left handed, throw left handed However, for other sports like cricket for us Aussies I bat right handed and would be the same for baseball. Should I actually be playing golf left handed? As from a kid I only played with my father’s clubs and his father’s clubs (both naturally right handed). No one’s been able to answer this apart from the obvious “give it a try”. Looove your channel. 👍😎🇦🇺
Hi Marcus, After 40 years and playing as a single-digit, why would you feel compelled to switch? I eat and write left handed, and I throw and bat right handed. While I tinkered with left handed clubs in my very early childhood days, a right handed swing ultimately felt more natural to me (as it did in baseball). I suppose only you can determine whether or not you are realizing your full golf potential as a right handed player. Tom PS: By the way, since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I think you will also like my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
dang... this is very interesting... I've had a horrible slice for so long that I was told strong strong strong grip. I did all that but as I started fixing my actual swing and gaining control of my club face, I started getting really driving shots, often low flight duck hooks... just playing with this as you're saying it, I'm seeing how hooded my club gets at impact - and one of my corrections is often standing up out of my shot and flicking the club... it feels a lot easier also to control my club face with a neutral grip... .
There is one more thing to this neutral grip and flipping/ scooping. Pros actually "scoop", change their left wrist from flat/bowed to cupped in the end. If you think about it, how it changes face angle, and how face angle naturally changes through the swing, it makes a lot of sense.
@xerodeus2337 - Indeed, a strong grip - when deployed as an anti-slice band-aid - is precisely that: a patch for a deficiency or flaw somewhere upstream in the swing motion. Once the swing path is corrected, those low diving quackers are an expected consequence if the golfer does not neutralize their grip to an appropriate degree, and that then leads to the types of strong grip compensations at impact that you referenced. I'm very glad to learn that you are now making the necessary adjustments to your grip and experiencing improvements as a result. Thanks for sharing your progress in this regard and keep up the great work! Tom PS: By the way, since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I am confident that you will also benefit from my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker”.: go.saguto.golf. If you haven't already worked through it, this is a great way to gain a fundamental understanding of this system as well as an introduction to the instruction style that has thousands of men and women from across the globe - including many accomplished, low-handicap, competitive players and spanning all age ranges from junior to super-senior - enjoying the best golf of their lives: saguto.golf/p/sagutogolfreviews
I'm very glad to know that this lesson resonated with you, and I hope it performs well when you put it into practice! Tom PS: By the way, since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I think you will also like my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
This is exactly what I do. Although my grip isn’t as strong, is does seem to help off the tee but I feel the lack of power. For my irons, I hit a lot of fat shots. I have to watch more of Tom’s videos.
I'm very glad to know that this grip lesson resonated with you, and I hope it performs well when you put it into practice! By the way, would you like to learn some key aspects of the swing I teach in a more structured manner? If so, then here is a link to my FREE mini course “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker”: go.saguto.golf/ It's a great way to gain a fundamental understanding of this system as well as an introduction to the instruction style that has thousands of men and women from across the globe - including many accomplished, low-handicap, competitive players and spanning all age ranges from junior to super-senior - enjoying the best golf of their lives: saguto.golf/p/sagutogolfreviews Thanks for your message! Tom
This will help a lot of people Tom I just started working on getting to a more neutral grip on the pressure shots a strong grip and then an extra squeeze and it really shuts the face down Great stuff Thanks coach! And now guitars luv it!
I appreciate that, Frank! I'm very glad to know that this grip lesson resonated with you, and I hope it performs well when you put it into practice! Rock on! Tom PS: By the way, since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I think you will also like my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
Awesome! I'm glad to know that this grip lesson resonated with you, and I appreciate you sharing that! Tom PS: By the way, since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I am confident that you will also benefit from my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker”.: go.saguto.golf. If you haven't already worked through it, this is a great way to gain a fundamental understanding of this system as well as an introduction to the instruction style that has thousands of men and women from across the globe - including many accomplished, low-handicap, competitive players and spanning all age ranges from junior to super-senior - enjoying the best golf of their lives: saguto.golf/p/sagutogolfreviews
I recently joined your online school, and although have only progressed through the grip and setup section, my irons have already improved because of the the neutral grip that you encourage. Prior to this, I had a very strong grip, but compensated by heavily closing my stance, which is another option to "correct" the strong grip, not covered in this video. Although this functions, it's not highly accurate, so now that I've switched to a neutral grip, which although still feels unnatural at present and requires some faith during the swing, my irons are more accurate. I've never broken 90, and 2 of my last 3 rounds included an 87 and 85! Am looking forward to nibbling off more strokes as I progress through your online course...
That's AWESOME - congrats on your new personal bests and on shattering the 90 barrier!! 💪💪 Yes - as I have been telling others - if you've grown accustomed to your strong grip then this change to neutral can feel awkward at first and may produce some odd shots. But this is normal when trying to incorporate the necessary changes in the spirit of lasting improvement. As the crispiness builds in the weirdness will surely dissipate. Embrace the process and you WILL feel crispier impact and see your ball flight improve! Beyond that, I'm thrilled to learn of your dramatic improvement, and I sincerely appreciate your kind words regarding the online school and this body-friendly, consistent, powerful swing system for all ages!! Thanks so much for your support and keep up the fantastic work!! Tom
Thank you this video is perfect for me, I’ve just been hooking all my shots because of my grip and feel like I can’t hit a good iron shot to save my life right now
I'm very glad to know that this grip lesson resonated with you, and I hope it performs well when you put it into practice! By the way - and as I have been telling others - if you've grown accustomed to your strong grip then this change to neutral can feel awkward at first and may produce some odd shots. But this is normal when trying to incorporate the necessary changes in the spirit of lasting improvement. As the crispiness builds in the weirdness will surely dissipate. Embrace the process and you WILL see your ball flight improve! Tom PS: By the way, since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I think you will also like my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
@SagutoGolf - I played a few rounds while traveling last week & focused a lot of loading weight on the front leg & shoulder to the ball. However, I do have a strong grip & this video illustrates low ball launch & pull/hook issues I am seeing (push/slice with Driver/3wood for some reason). The neutral grip feels uncomfortable right now so I was wondering if you recommend a practice club with the correct grip trainer built into or if they cause potential issues with incorrect grip? I believe you may have shown/used one in one of your videos that clicked with proper contact also, but can't seem to find that video that referenced the recommended product. I have a son that has never played or swung a club that I am looking for good intro training aids so hoping this could help us both :)... Thanks!
Hi Levi, Yes! In last week's episode I featured the Straight Stick training aid, and it does come with a molded handle to help you ingrain a proper grip. Here is a link to the video: th-cam.com/video/lRQd4zv9KNQ/w-d-xo.html If interested you can get your Straight Stick here - rb.gy/j3a6q And yes - with regard to switching from a strong to neutral grip, it will feel weird at first. But weird is good when we're trying to incorporate the necessary changes in the spirit of improvement, and as the crispiness builds in the weirdness tends to dissipate. Embrace the challenge and have fun out there with your son! Tom PS: By the way, since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I think you will also like my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
Thanks Bill! I'm very glad to know that this grip lesson resonated with you, and I hope it performs well when you put it into practice! By the way, if you've grown accustomed to your strong grip then this change to a more neutral attachment can feel awkward at first and may produce some odd shots. But this is normal when trying to incorporate the necessary changes in the spirit of lasting improvement. As the crispiness builds in the weirdness will surely dissipate. Embrace the process and you WILL feel crispier impact and see your ball flight improve! Tom PS: Would you like to learn some key aspects of the swing I teach in a more structured manner? If so, then here is a link to my FREE mini course “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker”: go.saguto.golf/ It's a great way to gain a fundamental understanding of this system as well as an introduction to the instruction style that has thousands of men and women from across the globe - including many accomplished, low-handicap, competitive players and spanning all age ranges from junior to super-senior - enjoying the best golf of their lives: saguto.golf/p/sagutogolfreviews
I think it really depends on the comfort of the golfer. I used a weaker grip for nearly a year and hated my ball striking. I was hitting under average distances for a male golfer and couldn’t aim to save my life. I swapped over to the 3 knuckles method for my left hand and an under handed grip for my right with the thumb going across my club shaft. I started striking the ball with greater force, accuracy, and precision than ever before. I went from a 190-210 yard drive to over 240 with my grip change and now my 3 wood strikes 210-220 yards. Granted I still suck at golf and have yet to hit under 100 par, but that’s my short game hurting me and as I get tired my accuracy starts to fail me.
Deterring you from your desired grip is not the point here. A strong grip - when deployed as an anti-slice band-aid - is precisely that: a patch for a deficiency or flaw somewhere upstream in the swing motion that the teacher or golfer can't or won't fix. If, on the other hand - so to speak 😎 - it is simply a matter of personal preference, then we should endeavor to remain keenly aware of our ball flight as it is quite adept at telling us if our grip is starting to leak too much to the strong side. TS
This also applies to the driver. In fact, it is essentially the same swing with every club; just some minor setup differences and naturally occurring shaft plane changes as we graduate up in club length from short irons to woods. To demonstrate, you'll find towards the end of this episode some practice range footage of me hitting a 7 iron, 3 wood, and driver: th-cam.com/video/o0xscMyN3v8/w-d-xo.html Beyond that, if you search the word "drive" on this channel you'll see some related content. I am aware that many folks out there believe - and some even teach - that we must try to "hit up on the ball" with the driver. However, consider that in our stock setup with the driver the hands are even with the inside of the lead thigh (as they are with all clubs when playing a standard shot) and our ball position is even with the inside of the heel of the lead foot. This presets a very slight degree of forward shaft lean with the driver. Beyond that, the ball is behind the zero-point of the swing (which is even with the lead shoulder), meaning that without any contrived manipulations the club will still be on its descent - albeit very close to flat - at impact. So, perhaps with the exception of folks with slower swing speeds - or those Long Drive participants teeing it extra high and hitting maybe 1-2 balls out of 10 onto a 60-yard wide "fairway" - in general the path is still ever so slightly down. In fact, the PGA Tour average with the driver is actually minus (e.g.: downward) 1.5 degrees - nearly level - and it should feel level - but slightly down nonetheless. (Here is an article on Ping’s website addressing this topic - ping.com/en-us/blogs/proving-grounds/optimal-launch-and-spin#:~:text=According%20to%20Trackman%2C%20PGA%20Tour,85%25%20ball%2Dflight%20laws ) For these reasons I do not advocate trying to hit up on the ball, and efforts to do so due to erroneous advice has caused many an amateur significant issues with their driver. Upon learning this swing properly you will be harnessing the tremendous power source known as "angular momentum". This is the reason my students and online school members of all age ranges end up bombing it farther than they ever had previously, and I'm happy to let their unsolicited testimonials tell the story: saguto.golf/p/sagutogolfreviews. And here's a link to my FREE mini course “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” if you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/ Tom
Thanks James - I sincerely appreciate that! Tom PS: By the way, since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I think you will really like my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
Fantastic!! I’m very glad to know that my instruction in these regards is resonating with you, Patrick; excellent job incorporating it into your swing and putting it into play. Thanks so much for sharing your improvement and resulting enjoyment, and keep up the great work!! 💪💪 Tom PS: By the way, since my channel's content is performing well for you, I am confident that you will also benefit from my _newly updated_ FREE mini course “The Top 3 Keys You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker”: go.saguto.golf/ Featuring 17 videos and 45 minutes of detailed lesson and drill content, this is a great way to gain a fundamental understanding of this system as well as an introduction to the formal learning method that has countless thousands of men and women from across the globe - including many accomplished, low-handicap, competitive players and spanning all age ranges from junior to super-senior - now enjoying the best golf of their lives: saguto.golf/p/sagutogolfreviews
LOL! The wonders of modern technology! Either that, or I've been out there secretly spying on you...... 😎 Thanks for your message - I'm very glad to know that my instruction is resonating with you! Tom PS: By the way, since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I am confident that you will also benefit from my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker”.: go.saguto.golf. If you haven't already worked through it, this is a great way to gain a fundamental understanding of this system as well as an introduction to the instruction style that has thousands of men and women from across the globe - including many accomplished, low-handicap, competitive players and spanning all age ranges from junior to super-senior - enjoying the best golf of their lives: saguto.golf/p/sagutogolfreviews
Interesting. I’ve always respected Mike Malaska, but he teaches a very strong grip that depends on the lack of forearm rotation. I’ve tried it and just can’t make it work. If I grip it too strong I just hook it off the planet. I’m with you on the neutral grip; it’s the only way I can keep it in play.
I'm glad to know that this lesson resonated with you, Larry, and I appreciate your validating remarks with regard to a neutral grip! Tom PS: By the way, since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I think you will also like my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
Thanks Goldie - I'm glad you enjoyed it! Yes - The flaring of both feet 10-20 degrees facilitates the proper amount of body-friendly, free-flowing hip turn back and through. This is a major power move that also keeps the club traveling on the correct path. If you were to square your feet so that they were perpendicular to the target line, then your hips would be impeded from turning sufficiently in the backswing (which would then inhibit the shoulders from executing a full and effortless turn), and from releasing properly in the downswing to propel the club through the zone. Restricting this action can cause a variety of path issues and/or also place strain on the lead knee and the hip joints as the hips will "want" to move laterally and turn through into the finish but will be fighting the body in the process. Tom PS: By the way, have you checked out my FREE mini-course “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” lately? That's where you can learn some key aspects of this swing system in a more structured manner, and I've recently updated it with some more of my favorite drills. Here's the link: go.saguto.golf/
Hi Chuck, Head movement signifies a likely deficiency somewhere in the tilting, turning, extending, and/or weight forward components. While there are certainly videos on my channel that address these topics, a better option would be my FREE mini course “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker”: go.saguto.golf/ It's a great way to gain a fundamental understanding of this system as well as an introduction to the instruction style that has thousands of men and women from across the globe - including many accomplished, low-handicap, competitive players and spanning all age ranges from junior to super-senior - enjoying the best golf of their lives: saguto.golf/p/sagutogolfreviews Thanks, Tom
Not at all, David. It may feel weird at first - especially if you are accustomed to a strong grip - but weird is good when we're trying to incorporate the necessary changes in the spirit of improvement. As the crispiness builds in the weirdness tends to dissipate. Embrace the challenge! Tom PS: By the way, here is a link to my FREE mini course “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner: go.saguto.golf/
Interesting, the norm is to look to a stronger grip to prevent slicing. Pitching is often taught with a weaker grip and I use it for pitching. I will try this on for full iron and wood shots.
Deterring you from your preferred grip is not the point here. A strong grip - when deployed as an anti-slice band-aid - is precisely that: a patch for a deficiency or flaw somewhere upstream in the swing motion that the teacher or golfer can't or won't fix. If, on the other hand - so to speak 😎 - it is simply a matter of personal preference, then we should endeavor to remain keenly aware of our ball flight as it is quite adept at telling us if our grip is starting to leak too much to the strong side. TS
I appreciate that, Steve, and I hope it helps you!! Tom PS: By the way, since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I think you will also like my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
Glad you enjoyed it! My main concerns with regard to grip are that the handle remains secure in the fingers throughout the entirety of the motion and that the proper hinging and unhinging of the wrists is fully supported without any contrived effort. Beyond that, each golfer is free to add their own individual flair and determine what works best for them (while, of course, keeping in mind the potential issues discussed here if the grip leaks too much toward the strong side).
Recently I've been having this problem primarily with the driver . Sharp hook most of the time, maybe 20 feet off the ground, goes nowhere. I've always had a strong left hand grip as all the books say the heel of the left hand has to be on top of the club so that you could hold the club with just the last two fingers . It felt good and in control and generally worked but I've always had periodic bouts with hooking the driver and the irons would be inconsistent . Recently after 13 holes of hooks , with the odd decent result , out of exasperation I tried a weaker grip with 2 knuckles showing - instant straight drive about 40 yards longer . Feels strange of course but it forces you to use your right hand properly at the top of the backswing while maintaning a flat left wrist to get the club in position and the clubface stays square and you can get more 'hit' with the right hand at the bottom (not the top where it could induce casting) and increased clubhead speed. Thanks Mr Saguto for confirming this grip !
Nice job figuring that out on your own, Mike, and I appreciate your validating this lesson with your experience! This neutral grip still allows the heel pad of the lead hand to sit on top of the grip, and I do believe that is very important as it promotes the proper hinging of the wrist. To get a feel for this, try holding the club with just the middle two fingers rather than the last two as you described for the very strong grip. And yes - if you've grown accustomed to your strong grip then this change to neutral can certainly feel awkward at first and may even produce some odd shots. But this is normal when trying to incorporate the necessary changes in the spirit of lasting improvement. As the consistently crispy impact builds in the weirdness will surely dissipate. Thanks again for sharing your improvement and keep up the great work!! Tom PS: By the way, would you like to learn some key aspects of the swing I teach in a more structured manner? If so, then here is a link to my FREE mini course “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker”: go.saguto.golf/ It's a great way to gain a fundamental understanding of this system as well as an introduction to the instruction style that has thousands of men and women from across the globe - including many seasoned, low-handicap, competitive players and spanning all age ranges from junior to super-senior - enjoying the best golf of their lives: saguto.golf/p/sagutogolfreviews
Tom you gotta be only one on TH-cam telling people to use a weak/neutral grip! But it does make perfect sense! I always looked at my strong grip and noticed I can never get it flat in the backswing, which is what everyone says it correct and I agree, but the strong grip doesn’t achieve that unless you become Dustin Johnson 😂
Unfortunately, such sorcery from this dark underworld of golf instruction rarely finds its way to the mainstream because if too many folks found out about it the mainstream would then be rendered irrelevant....... 😎 Actually, that's funny, since in the comment from Ron that I just read prior to yours he said, "You're not alone, more and more recent YTers are coming to your point of view on this. Good stuff." 😆 Because the wrist is cupped at address, the only way to get a flat wrist condition at the top with a strong grip is through manipulation. This is why impact and ball flight consistency are typically fleeting at best unless much time has been spent dialing in the compensatory moves needed to make it work. Tom By the way, here's a link to my FREE mini-course “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” in case you’re interested in learning some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner: go.saguto.golf/
Thank you! I was at a 5 handicap and decided it was time to take a lesson. My pro told me i should be controlling the swing more with my lead arm, suggesting I strengthen my grip. I tried a stronger grip and controlling my swing more with my lead arm and my ball striking, shot shape, and consistency slowly deteriated. I tried neutralizimg my grip as suggested and finally pured some iron shots for the first time since that initial lesson. Thank you!
My pleasure! I'm very glad to know that this grip lesson resonated with you, and I appreciate you sharing your resulting ball striking improvement! By the way, last week's lesson video also included some detail on the grip if interested: th-cam.com/video/OaaafCoY22w/w-d-xo.html Thanks for your message and keep up the great work!! Tom Saguto, PGA PS: Since my lesson content is connecting well with you, I am confident that you will also benefit from my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker”.: go.saguto.golf. If you haven't already worked through it, this is a great way to gain a fundamental understanding of this system as well as an introduction to the structured learning method that has countless thousands of men and women from across the globe - including many accomplished, low-handicap, competitive players and spanning all age ranges from junior to super-senior - enjoying the best golf of their lives: saguto.golf/p/sagutogolfreviews
Im just getting back into golf after 15 years and I think I'm going to look for a swing coach. I had such a naturally good swing in highschool and always had a natural draw on my drives. After highschool I would only play once or twice a month and my arms and hands got stronger from work and drumming and for some reason that started messing with my natural swing. Out of nowhere I started slicing the ball off the tee and couldn't fix it and I just couldn't enjoy sucking at golf. Now it's been long enough that I don't expect to be good, but I would like to get my natural swing back and hit the ball without worrying it's going to fly into someone else's fairway. Lol
A study of the best golfers of all time revealed that they all had 3 things in common (the 3 main golf fundamentals): 1. Hitting the ground in the same spot every time. 2. Having enough power to play the golf course well. 3. Having a predictable shot shape. A player MUST possess these three non-negotiables in order to truly be good at golf. How they accomplish it varies as much as the different swings you see at any Tour event. What I happen to teach is a body-friendly, low-maintenance swing system that provides a means to master all of the above, and since it is rooted in physics, geometry, and human physiology it does not discriminate by age or ability - from kids to seniors and everyone in between, inclusive of the best players in the world. For a good starting point, here is a link to my FREE mini course “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner: go.saguto.golf/ Let's get you out of that abyss and into the wonderful world of consistent ball striking bliss!! Thanks for your message, Tom
Well, my hands are so feeble and weak that I have never even been able to even turn my left hand over the club. But, the key to correcting a strong grip and a weak grip is the same. Stretch the left hand out and press your palm onto the grip. Also, if you hold the club up into a vertical position you will put your left hand on the club in the correct position.
I have this same problem with juking shots to the left. I'm gonna try this grip fix because I too have a strong left-handed grip and when I look at my backswing in a mirror my wrist is cupped at the top of the backswing. In other news since my handicap is down to a 15 (down from 25), I got fitted for a new set of irons last weekend at Golf Galaxy. I a got Titleist T-350 set with stiff shafts. I'm hitting my 7-iron 170 yds now up from 150 with my G400 Ping set. If this grip fix helps I'll probably be hitting further and staighter more consistently.
WOW - that's a substantial jump in yardage!! Yes, this grip adjustment is the next step towards bringing your game to a new level. By the way - and as I have been telling others - if you've grown accustomed to your strong grip then this change to neutral can feel awkward at first and may produce some odd shots. But this is normal when trying to incorporate the necessary changes in the spirit of lasting improvement. As the crispiness builds in the weirdness will surely dissipate. Embrace the process and you WILL feel crispier impact and see your ball flight improve! Keep up the fabulous work!! Tom
Unfortunately, such sorcery from this dark underworld of golf instruction rarely finds its way to the mainstream because if too many folks found out about it the mainstream would then be rendered irrelevant....... 😎 Seriously, consider that despite all the advances in equipment, technology, golf course grooming, etc. the average golfer still struggles to break 100. Epic failures within the realm of modern “conventional” instruction, perhaps??? So many misconstrued and/or misguided teachings have relegated generations of golfers to the vast abyss of inconsistency and chronic frustration (and chronic back/knee/hip pain as well). I’m doing my best here to clear these up one by one and put an end to this madness. Thanks so much for your kind words and support!! Tom PS: By the way, since my lesson content is connecting well with you, I am confident that you will also benefit from my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker”.: go.saguto.golf. If you haven't already worked through it, this is a great way to gain a fundamental understanding of this system as well as an introduction to the instruction style that has thousands of men and women from across the globe - including many accomplished, low-handicap, competitive players and spanning all age ranges from junior to super-senior - enjoying the best golf of their lives: saguto.golf/p/sagutogolfreviews
Like 👍this video and comment below if it helped you improve your golf game!
►FREE - Discover the Top 3 Things You Need to to Be a Great Ball Striker - go.saguto.golf/
►Play the best golf of your life with my online golf school - saguto.golf
►AWESOME STUFF I USE/WEAR - visit: saguto.golf/p/store
Agree Tom. Neutral grip allows the wrists to work correctly.
This confuses me. When I switch to a strong grip, I went for my 20 handicap down to an eight now.
I naturally had a strong grip way back but then I started learning again to have a more relaxed grip with a smooth and slower wind-up. The guy who's teaching me now is having me grip my other hand way over my lead hand in order to "close the gap" and it's actually making the grip more intense and very uncomfortable to wind-up. Nowy somewhat decent swing is ALL MESSED UP and I don't know what to do anymore haha.
Great video
@stark20ful maybe your swing allows for a stronger grip
This is the video I NEEDED..! I have identified a strong grip for many months, and it's just that taking a more neutral position feels so weird , that I can barely lift the club back. However, when I do it (on driving range), I get more loft and am more accurate in terms of direction. This video is the missing link - thanks Saguto Golf, you always come up with the goods.
I'm very glad to know that this lesson resonated with you, Harry; excellent job incorporating it into your swing!!
And yes - I fully understand what you are saying. Weird is good when we're trying to incorporate the necessary changes in the spirit of improvement. But as the crispiness builds in the weirdness tends to dissipate.
Thanks so much for sharing your improvement and keep up the great work!!
Tom
PS: By the way, since my channel's content is performing well for you, I think you will also benefit from my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
I suck but my best shots come from a weaker grip and being more relaxed but when i try to incorporate my strong grip and shaft lean and weight transfer ive no idea where its gonna go, thanks for validation to weaken it samurai saguto!
When I played w a strong grip it took away all my feel. My wrists became tense. I literally lost distance and hooked on occasion. My shots had zero height. I played this stupid way for 3 years before I woke up and weakened my grip.
This perfectly describes the problem I was having about 20 years ago. I had a terrible slice. After reading various golf magazines, I began implementing a progressively stronger grip. My ball path went from a slice, to a workable fade, straight, a long powerful draw, then to a massive duck hook. Then the problem was that I could not "unfix" my grip no matter how hard I tried. I got so frustrated that I quit the game all together, swearing that I would never golf again. I am now trying to pick it up again, thanks to my son's interest in the game. So far, my swing seems to have forgotten a lot of it's bad habits. I wish I would have saw this tip years ago.
I'm very glad to know that this lesson resonated with you!
Strong grips may feel nice and powerful, but in reality they have destroyed countless amateur swings and games across the globe when deployed as an anti-slice band-aid because there are compensatory actions required in order to accommodate it and achieve desirable results. In the system I teach a neutral grip is the preferred attachment for our stock powerful push-draw ball flight, and you can only achieve that through the proper in-to-out route to the ball that the neutral grip helps us to ingrain. Conversely, a strong grip is used in our system as one of the setup features for a pull-fade shape. Go figure, right? But the physics and geometry do not lie...
Welcome back to this greatest of games. Thanks for your message and for sharing your progress, and keep up the fantastic work!!
Tom
PS: By the way, since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I think you will also like my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
Exactly what happened to me. I was about 20 years old and my aim was a little erratic, but mostly ok and I could hit a mile. Went for some lessons and was told to have a stronger grip. I diligently practised my new grip. It never felt comfortable, and I ended up with a horrible hook. By the time I realised what was happening I couldn't get the old grip back. It took years to undo the damage.
Be great if you could of explained and shown what a strong grip is. Assume it means holding club firm
@@johnmcmanamon3930 it means left hand rotated to the right definitely not grip pressure
Well, it's no fluke. I have enough swings in now to KNOW THIS WORKS. I have also noticed that my drives are crisper, longer and straighter by KEEPING WEIGHT FORWARD.
I'm old as dirt and after all of these years, THIS is my #1 tip of all time. KEEP YOUR WEIGHT FORWARD. No more Scoop McGee. Ball, divot. Crispy Creme !!! God, I love this game. Thanks Tom, you rule, dude. Your instruction is top notch. Top notch.
Most excellent, Ken!!
This powerful, low-maintenance, body-friendly swing system is designed to provide a lifetime of blissful ball striking up to and including at the game's most elite levels, and since it is rooted in physics and geometry there can be no "fluke".
Thanks so much for your support in sharing your success with it and keep it KFCrispy out there!
Tom
This is the epitome of golf.I'm 59 and I've been through every swing trend starting in the 70s. I've been following Milo Lines lately and he recommends a strong grip and you recommend a more neutral grip and you both pure it. Neither one of you are wrong you just have found what works for you. That's Awesome 👍
Thanks for the videos
LOL! Isn't it, though?!....😆
Deterring you from your desired grip is not the point here. A strong grip - when deployed as an anti-slice band-aid - is precisely that: a patch for a deficiency or flaw somewhere upstream in the swing motion that the teacher or golfer can't or won't fix. If, on the other hand - so to speak 😎 - it is simply a matter of personal preference, then we should endeavor to remain keenly aware of our ball flight as it is quite adept at telling us if our grip is starting to leak too much to the strong side.
With regard to watching different videos from different sources, my suggestion is to be careful in navigating the muddied, overly-complicated, oft-conflicting realm of golf instruction. That is not a dig against any other teachers out there. It's simply best to commit to a system - whether it be this body-friendly, powerful, consistent, low-maintenance method or another - put your blinders on, and stick to it. And if the system I teach appeals to you or at the very least stokes your curiosity, then here is a link to my FREE mini course “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker”: go.saguto.golf/ It's a great way to gain a fundamental understanding of this system as well as an introduction to the instruction style that has thousands of men and women from across the globe - including many accomplished, low-handicap, competitive players and spanning all age ranges from junior to super-senior - enjoying the best golf of their lives: saguto.golf/p/sagutogolfreviews
Thanks for your message - I'm very glad to know that you are enjoying my content!!
Tom
Glad I saw this. I stopped playing golf for YEARS because I was a terrible slicer, to the point I wouldn’t even take the driver out of my bag. I recently picked up golf again because of my kids and started taking lessons. My first “correction” was to have a much stronger grip (and had to eliminate hip sway) It was great during my first lesson. I left with a straighter shot and more confident. A few lessons later as I started correcting the rest of my swing I found myself now having a hook and always left of the pin.
I commented during my last lesson, that I had to slowly go back to a neutral grip to straighten out my shots. Your video showed that I wasn’t crazy or picking up bad habits, just improving my swing, reducing the need to overcompensate with a strong grip.
Welcome back to this greatest of games!
I'm very glad to know that this video validated your findings. A strong grip - when deployed as an anti-slice band-aid - is precisely that: a patch for a deficiency or flaw somewhere upstream in the swing motion that the teacher or golfer can't or won't fix. If, on the other hand - so to speak 😎 - it is simply a matter of personal preference, then we should endeavor to remain keenly aware of our ball flight since - as you discovered - it is quite adept at telling us if our grip is starting to leak too much to the strong side.
To be clear, one can certainly play good golf with a strong grip, and there have been plenty of examples of that. However, anything to either side of neutral disrupts the natural geometry of the swing that was preestablished at address and thus necessitates some measure of compensatory actions in order to achieve consistently crispy impact and a desirable shot shape.
Thanks for your message and keep up the great work!!
Tom Saguto, PGA
PS: By the way, since my channel’s content is connecting well with you, I am confident that you will also benefit from my newly updated FREE mini course “The Top 3 Keys You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker”: go.saguto.golf/ Featuring 17 videos and 45 minutes of detailed lesson and drill content, this is a great way to gain a fundamental understanding of this system as well as an introduction to the formal learning method that has countless thousands of men and women from across the globe - including many accomplished, low-handicap, competitive players and spanning all age ranges from junior to super-senior - now enjoying the best golf of their lives: saguto.golf/p/sagutogolfreviews
Tom, in this video you just absolutely described my biggest swing flaw!! Thank you sir!!!
My pleasure! (And rest assured, you are definitely not alone.... 😎)
I'm very glad to know that this grip lesson resonated with you, and I hope it performs well when you put it into practice! (By the way - and as I have been telling others - if you've grown accustomed to your strong grip then this change to neutral can feel awkward at first and may produce some odd shots. But this is normal when trying to incorporate the necessary changes in the spirit of lasting improvement. As the crispiness builds in the weirdness will surely dissipate. Embrace the process and you WILL feel crispier impact and see your ball flight improve!)
Have fun out there!
Tom
PS: Since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I think you will also like my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
So glad to see you are still persistent in such a basic moment in the game of golf. I have watched your vids, off and on since your first vid. I love your enthusiasm, and non condescending, presentation, absence of "gimmicks, and aids ". We are all so different, in our understanding, and anticipation of improvement. I have watched some vids, and gone to the course with amazing, but unfortunately, at times, short success. I keep coming back, in hopes of something "magical", but in truth we are aging and everything is temporary. So appreciative of your endless solutions, which may benefit of only a few, but hopefully I am among them if only for "one good round". I wish you success and continuance of your program.
I sincerely appreciate your kind words, Ron, and I'm very glad to know that my instruction content and teaching style are resonating with you!!
You are absolutely correct in that I do my best to convey multiple “feels” or thoughts throughout the swing wherever possible. We're all different physiologically and psychologically, and something that resonates effectively with one golfer may not necessarily work for another. However, no matter the variety of suggested feels/thoughts offered for a particular element of the swing, they are all directed at getting different golfers to achieve the desired positions, motions, and ball striking results.
If you would really like to get on the fast track towards properly learning this swing system in a comprehensive, structured, sequential platform, please consider my online school. It will make for a far more efficient, superior, and enjoyable learning process rather than haphazardly trying to piece things together through these channel videos that jump around randomly from topic to topic. The school is where you will find very detailed instruction and drills that take you through the entire swing step-by-step, position-by-position from setup to finish, along with diagnostic and corrective tools for resolving common swing, contact, and ball flight issues, and much more. The instruction provides the guidelines and sets the boundaries, while allowing ample leeway for each individual golfer to infuse and exercise their own uniqueness. As a result, thousands of men and women from across the globe - including many seasoned, low-handicap, competitive players and spanning all age ranges from junior to super-senior - are now enjoying the best golf of their lives, and I'm happy to let their unsolicited testimonials tell the story: saguto.golf/p/sagutogolfreviews. And if you'd like to first "dip a toe in the water" prior to diving into the school, then here is a link to my FREE mini course “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker”: go.saguto.golf/ That is where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner.
Thank you again for your message and support, and keep up the great work!!
Tom
I had a slice for 20 years. I don’t golf enough so didn’t really tried too hard to fix it. This year a friend taught me to “strong grip” and almost immediately fixed my slice (on my driver). I’ve noticed that I was going hard left when Strong Grip my irons. This video now helped me straighten my irons.
I'm very glad to know that this lesson resonated with you, Luis; excellent job incorporating it into your iron swing and putting it into practice.
Thanks so much for sharing your shot shape improvement and keep up the great work!!
Tom
PS: By the way, since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I think you will also like my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
Tom, have you been following me on the course? Lol I had this problem for 14holes straight, until I did the exact thing you are teaching in this video. I kept going left and was so frustrated thinking it was my swing. Finally, my last resort was my grip and I was dead center the rest of the way. Great advice! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
I've been following you and countless thousands of others around the course LOL!
I'm very glad to know that this grip lesson resonated with you. Excellent job figuring it out on your own and putting it into play on the fly!!
Tom
PS: By the way, since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I think you will also like my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
Hopping this helps with my irons . Always hit ahead or on the ball a bunch . The pro I took lessons from said show me at least 3 knuckles . Very frustrating
This grip realization, along with the other elements of your swing teachings, have helped me a great deal. When I was young I had a great natural swing and power, but a nasty slice. I had never had a formal lesson, and a the first thing the instructor did was strengthen my grip. And, while I was young, flexible and playing a lot of golf a very strong grip worked great. But as I got older, drifted away from the game for a while, and lost some of my flexibility, my grip was killing me but I didn’t realize it. Once I adopted your principles and then later switched to neutral, it improved my ball contact AND my chipping and pitching, which I had formerly pulled left frequently while losing loft (no doubt from the strong grip). I really appreciate your very clear teachings. I am still too inconsistent off the tee- I think I need to slow down my tempo with the longer clubs - but my iron play in particular is much better due to more consistent strikes. For the first time in years I know what I am working towards to improve my swing, as opposed to just swinging over and over, hoping to groove the timing of of a swing that was just not simple enough for an average golfer. That is the key - a swing that is powerful AND repeatable (without hitting hundreds of balls a week) for a typical golfer. Thanks again.
My pleasure! I sincerely appreciate your kind words, and I'm very glad to know that my instruction content and teaching style are resonating with you!!
A strong grip - when deployed as an anti-slice band-aid - is precisely that: a patch for a deficiency or flaw somewhere upstream in the swing motion that the teacher or golfer can't or won't fix. To be clear, one can certainly play good golf with a strong grip, and there have been plenty of examples of that. However, anything to either side of neutral disrupts the natural geometry of the swing that was preestablished at address and thus necessitates some measure of compensatory actions in order to achieve consistently crispy impact and a desirable shot shape.
Thanks so much for your support and for sharing your ball striking improvement, and keep up the great work!! 💪💪
Tom
PS: If you've not already joined, have you considered enrolling in the online school and taking your learning - and your game - to the next level? That's where - in addition to detailed lessons and drills that take you through the entire swing step-by-step, position-by-position from setup to finish - you'll find diagnostic tools for identifying/resolving swing and ball flight issues when they arise, plus advanced level instruction, and much more. Thousands of men and women from across the globe - including many accomplished, low-handicap, competitive players and spanning all age ranges from junior to super-senior - are now enjoying the best golf of their lives as a result, and their unsolicited testimonials tell the story quite well: saguto.golf/p/sagutogolfreviews. At just $14.99/month or $149.99 per year the value in terms of what you get for that price point is beyond comprehension, and based on proven results it represents by far the best golf instruction deal on the planet.
And if you'd like to first "dip a toe in the water" prior to diving into the school, then here is a link to my FREE mini course “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker”: go.saguto.golf/ That is where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner.
Amazing how your videos help me. I had started to hit the balls much crispier lately, but wondered why I didn’t hit so far. The strong grip as you mentioned in this video messed it up for me. Today I hit a 3-wood from semi-rough around 280 yards with the wind in my face after changing the grip! 😊
That's fantastic, Bjorn!!
I'm very glad to know that this grip lesson resonated with you; excellent job incorporating it into your swing and putting it into play!! Thanks so much for sharing your improvement and keep up the great work!!
Tom
PS: By the way, since my channel's content is performing well for you, I think you will also benefit from my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
@@SagutoGolf I will join at least for now the free part. Maybe also later for the subscription, but that makes more sense when the next season starts. Here in Vienna, Austria, you can usually not play through the whole winter. Thanks again for all terrific videos!
This is the best grip lesson I have ever heard, you are so correct. I see this every time I golf with my buddies. Slice after slice after slice
I sincerely appreciate your kind words, Claude, and I'm very glad to know that this lesson resonated with you.
Thanks so much for sharing your validating observations!!
Tom
PS: By the way, since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I think you will also like my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
Hi Tom-I used to play with a strong grip before I found S@T. This top of swing move to bent left wrist really shows the past error of my ways. Be good-Russ
I was a strong gripper too, Russ. It really begins to make sense when you develop an appreciation for the physics and geometry of the swing, right?
Keep it neutral, keep it KFCrispy!
Tom
This was enlightening. I loved the demonstration and relation to the swing. This was/is me. I felt as tho you were talking directly to me. I have an issue where when i waggle the address my grip moves to a strong grip accidentally. It’s something i just identified. Working on a fix. Right now working on keeping the face open feeling and fixing swing or swing path. The hard part is that i have rehearsed this so many times that it’s almost second nature. This was profound for me. 18 handicap. With decent putting.
I'm very glad to know that this grip lesson resonated with you, and I hope it performs well when you put it into practice!
By the way - and as I have been telling others - if you've grown accustomed to your strong grip then this change to neutral can feel awkward at first and may produce some odd shots. But this is normal when trying to incorporate the necessary changes in the spirit of lasting improvement. As the crispiness builds in the weirdness will surely dissipate. Embrace the process and you WILL feel crispier impact and see your ball flight improve!
Tom
PS: By the way, since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I think you will also like my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
Watched this video again today. I have a strong grip that gets stronger throughout the round. 😊 I’ll start out with a weaker/neutral grip next round. I learned from your video that this move will make my shots fly higher. Thanks again Tom!
Shot 91 today. All thanks to learning from Tom’s channel. Thank you. Happy Labor Day. 😊
Awesome job!!! 💪💪
Thanks for your support in sharing your improvement and keep up the fantastic work!!
Tom
PS: By the way, have you checked out my FREE mini-course “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” lately? That's where you can learn some key aspects of this swing system in a more structured manner, and I've recently updated it with some more of my favorite drills. Here's the link: go.saguto.golf/
This is best video I have seen, I've always had a strong grip I never chunk it but my ball flights are all over the place. I tried this at driving range today and my irons were straight as arrows, my driver had a nice power fade consistently. I can't wait till Saturdays competition🤞. Great tip thanks Tom.
Fantastic!! I’m very glad to know that this grip lesson resonated with you, Paul; excellent job incorporating it into your swing so quickly. 💪💪
Thanks so much for your support in sharing your resulting ball striking improvement, and have fun putting this into play at your next competition!!
Tom Saguto, PGA
PS: By the way, since my channel’s content is connecting well with you, I am confident that you will also benefit from my newly updated FREE mini course “The Top 3 Keys You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker”: go.saguto.golf/ Featuring 17 videos and 45 minutes of detailed lesson and drill content, this is a great way to gain a fundamental understanding of this system as well as an introduction to the formal learning method that has countless thousands of men and women from across the globe - including many accomplished, low-handicap, competitive players and spanning all age ranges from junior to super-senior - now enjoying the best golf of their lives: saguto.golf/p/sagutogolfreviews
Thanks Tom. The grip is one of the things I’ve often thought about but have never been clear on what to do. This helps a lot!
My pleasure, Matt!
I'm very glad to know that this grip lesson resonated with you, and I hope it performs well when you put it into practice!
Tom
Great video Tom on grips! I, like you, use a neutral grip and I have no problem in staying in the "short grass!" I find that using the neutral grip and my swing being in to out, I get a slight draw and do not have trouble finding my golf ball. Good Job Tom! Keep Up The Good Work!
Well done, John, and thanks for validating this grip lesson with your personal experience!!
Tom
PS: By the way, have you checked out my FREE mini-course “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” lately? That's where you can learn some key aspects of this swing system in a more structured manner, and I've recently updated it with some more of my favorite drills. Here's the link: go.saguto.golf/
I definitely noticed that I had to start weakening my grip when I started the Superstar Saguto golf swing. My original coach when I was in college wanted me to have a strong grip, and even sway a little bit….. it is also easier to get a flat wrist at the top of the swing with a weaker grip…..it still feels funky though…I know it will take time to get comfortable with it.
Weird is good when we're trying to incorporate the necessary changes in the spirit of improvement, Eric. But as the crispiness builds in the weirdness tends to dissipate.
Embrace the challenge and keep up the great work!!
Tom
PS: By the way, since my channel's content is performing well for you, I think you will also benefit from my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
I needed this video... I knew it, but didn't do anything about it. I've been using a strong grip this whole season in order to "fix" my slice. It has worked on half my shots, but those it didn't have gone both left and right! It's time for a change! I even know what causes my slice anyways so I should have done this long time ago. It was just an easy quick fix at the time and I stuck with it.
I'm very glad to know that this grip lesson resonated with you, and I hope it performs well when you put it into practice!
By the way - and as I have been telling others - if you've grown accustomed to your strong grip then this change to neutral can feel awkward at first and may produce some odd shots. But this is normal when trying to incorporate the necessary changes in the spirit of lasting improvement. As the crispiness builds in the weirdness will surely dissipate. Embrace the process and you WILL feel crispier impact and see your ball flight improve!
Tom
PS: By the way, since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I think you will also like my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
@@SagutoGolf Cheers, mate! I will definitely experience bad shots at the beginning and it will feel weird. But I'll stick with it and work on other aspects instead of the grip if it goes sideways.
Love your content!
Spot on video. When I use a strong grip to tee off, the ball goes low and straight, but takes a big nosedive at 100 yards out. It's in the fairway but it is very short on distance.
I'm glad you enjoyed this video, Gerard, and thanks for validating the lesson with your personal experience!
Tom
PS: By the way, since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I think you will also like my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
I changed from a 3-knuckle left hand grip to 2-knuckles about 3 years ago and it has worked well. Sometimes with longer clubs I take a slightly stronger grip. I started to play again 5 years ago after having an almost 30 year pause. On a good day I have 10 mph more clubhead speed with my irons than I had with the 3-knuckle grip. 7-iron carry is up from under 140 meters to over 150 meters. I have to be careful though with my plane. 3-4 degrees inside is perfect but if the hands are not enough "behind" on top of backswing I lose a lot of distance and also consistency.
Thanks for a great video! I am not a fan of "stack-tilt" method 😂 because I need to feel a slight movement to right on the backswing with my upper body but otherwise I love your videos 👍.
There are a lot of very strong grips on TH-cam. And they do work for many. For most I agree the neutral 2 knuckle grip is the best.
Nice job, Peter!!
A strong grip - when deployed as an anti-slice band-aid - is precisely that: a patch designed to mask a deficiency or flaw somewhere upstream in the swing motion. There are certain compensatory actions required in order to accommodate a strong grip and achieve consistently desirable results. As long as one remains keenly aware of those as well as the ball flight and impact tendencies that can creep in if not diligently managed, then they can enjoy their strong grip and let their ball striking and shot shape be their guide.
With regard to your not being a fan of the Stack and Tilt method, I'm saddened by the misconceptions that some seem to hold - or that they have been told by misguided naysayers - because they are missing out on a fantastic swing system that would provide them with a lifetime of body-friendly, low-maintenance, blissful ball striking and the resulting true enjoyment of this greatest of games. For example, the need for a *_weight_* shift in the golf swing is one of the greatest fallacies ever taught, and it has led many an amateur golfer into the vast abyss of chronic inconsistency and frustration. This system certainly allows for some transfer of *_pressure_* into the trail side during the takeaway. After all, we are moving the mass of the arms and club backwards during that initial stage of the swing. Some like to sense the dynamic pressure shifts; others prefer the feel of a gradual increasing of weight load into the lead leg from the start. However, in either scenario the key here is that we do not allow our mass - and thereby our swing center and low point - to drift back at any point. In the swing I teach we start with our weight forward (generally 55/45 for the short and mid irons, 60/40 for the longer clubs), gradually add more forward weight load into the transition (70/30), 80/20 halfway down, 90/10 impact, and 95/5 finish. There's no "weight shift"; instead, it's just a gradually increasing load onto the lead side. And the result is a centered, low-maintenance, body-friendly, consistent, and tremendously powerful motion.
In actuality, the Stack and Tilt swing system is rooted in physics, geometry, and human physiology, and it is modeled on empirical observations of the game's most prolific ball strikers. As such it does not discriminate by age or ability - from kids to seniors and everyone in between, inclusive of the best players in the world. Watch any Tour event on TV and you'll see a significant number of players executing these motions, a fact corroborated by just how many of them have a very centered swing with the lead knee flexing and the trail leg straightening during the backswing, their lead arms on or very close to their tilted shoulder planes, and their hands deep behind their trail shoulder at the top.
Thousands of folks across the globe - including many seasoned, low-handicap, competitive players - are now enjoying the best golf of their lives as a result of learning this swing system through my online school, and I'm happy to let their unsolicited testimonials tell the story: saguto.golf/p/sagutogolfreviews. Compare and contrast that with the sad reality that despite all the advances in equipment, technology, golf course grooming, etc. the average golfer still struggles to break 100. Epic failures within the realm of “conventional” instruction, perhaps??? So many misconstrued and/or misguided teachings - such as taking the club straight back, turning the shoulders level while independently lifting the arms, shifting into and torquing against a firm trail side, actively rolling the hands through impact, etc. - have relegated generations of golfers to the vast abyss of inconsistency and chronic frustration (and chronic back/knee/hip pain as well).
Anyway, I'll get off my soapbox now. 😎 Thanks for validating this grip lesson with your experience and keep up the great work!!
Tom
@@SagutoGolf Hei Tom and thnks a lot for your in-depth answer. I really appreciate the time you took to explain the method you are teaching.
I should have been talking about pressure shift more than weight shift. Thats anyway what I mean. I like to feel the pressure shift and dont mind if my head moves 2 inches to the right. It just suites me better.
Generally I respect you simplicity of the swing greatly and I would not watch your videos, if I dont think they would not help me. I am 64y already and have bad osteoarthritis in my right elbow. I have been sportclimbing for 30 years and that sure hasn't helped that elbow 😂. I doubt any swing method unfortunately doesn't help that elbow as it has to take the impact force anyway. I only have the club in the back3 fingers of my right hand, that helps a little to absorb the impact.
I think there is no one way to swing to correctly but your method is definitely one of the simplest, if not THE simplest on youtube.
Have a good day and keep posting these great videos 👍.
What about the right hand ?
this is good sense tom, i`ve always had a neutral position to "hold" the club at adress,
,its not a grip,because swinging the club is a dynamic and fluid motion, hands are
an articulating variable ! not a `hinge`so finding your own version of where you are
more consistently "square" through impact is vital, you hit the nail on its head
with this video for sure 😊👍
Thanks! I appreciate the kind words and supporting remarks!!
Tom
Coach Saguto your driver tips really helped me fix my slice I was hitting 250 dead straight into a 12mph wind this weekend, unreal
*_Outstanding!!_* I’m very glad to know that my driver instruction is resonating with you; excellent job incorporating it into your swing and putting it into play.
Thanks so much for your support in sharing your dramatic improvement and keep up the great work!! 💪💪
Tom
PS: By the way, since my channel's content is performing well for you, I am confident that you will also benefit from my newly updated FREE mini course “The Top 3 Keys You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker”: go.saguto.golf/ Featuring 17 videos and 45 minutes of detailed lesson and drill content, this is a great way to gain a fundamental understanding of this system as well as an introduction to the formal learning method that has countless thousands of men and women from across the globe - including many accomplished, low-handicap, competitive players and spanning all age ranges from junior to super-senior - now enjoying the best golf of their lives: saguto.golf/p/sagutogolfreviews
Been playing with a strong grip for a while and have always struggled with short irons - generally result in left pull. As I've also had issues with slicing which this was supposed to 'fix' but as a lot with golf, it still seems to come and go. I watched this video and tried it yesterday in a weekly comp and wow, results were a lot better. The grip just seems more natural in this neutral state and I wasn't pulling short irons. Roll on tomorrow when I'm playing again.
I'm very glad to know that this lesson resonated with you, Greg; excellent job incorporating it into your swing and putting it into play!!
Thanks so much for sharing your improvement and keep up the great work!! 💪💪
Tom
PS: By the way, since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I think you will also like my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
I’ve been struggling with a low hook lately, lefty here! Awesome video, will give this a try next time on the range!
Thanks Joshua - I'm very glad to know that this grip lesson resonated with you, and I hope it performs well when you put it into practice!
By the way, those low hooks can be the result of a variety of issues, and while there are certainly videos on my channel that address this topic, a better option would be my FREE mini course “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker”: go.saguto.golf/ It's a great way to gain a fundamental understanding of this system as well as an introduction to the instruction style that has thousands of men and women from across the globe - including many accomplished, low-handicap, competitive players and spanning all age ranges from junior to super-senior - enjoying the best golf of their lives: saguto.golf/p/sagutogolfreviews
Let's get that ball flight straightened out!!
Tom Saguto, PGA
The faults you described from using a strong grip explained my game to a tee. Almost 32 years using a strong grip has been a rough ride. As noted by others, bringing the club back feels wildly weird. Shot one under in league the other day messing with a more neutral grip. I am beyond excited to get to the range and get to work. Thanks for the vids!
One under while messing with a major grip modification?? That is outstanding, Matthew!! 💪💪 I'm very glad to know that this lesson resonated with you; excellent job incorporating it into your swing and putting it into play. Thanks so much for sharing your improvement and excitement, and keep up the great work!!
Tom
Excellent perspective change on grip. I am happy I watched this. Trial and error, here I come! Thanks, Saguto!
I'm very glad to know that this lesson resonated with you, Matthew, and I hope it performs well when you put it into practice!
By the way - and as I have been telling others - if you've grown accustomed to your strong grip then this change to neutral can feel awkward at first and may produce some odd shots. But this is normal when trying to incorporate the necessary changes in the spirit of lasting improvement. As the crispiness builds in the weirdness will surely dissipate. Embrace the process and you WILL see your ball flight improve!
Tom
PS: Since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I think you will also like my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
You are quite the inspiration, man! Love the content and really appreciate the genuine response. GO SAGUTO!@@SagutoGolf
I am looking forward to trying this. I will loosen my death grip and be more Perry Como like. My fairway game is dreadful because of my over strong grip. Thanks for the tip.
Perry Como like? LOL!
Just to be clear, David, I am not referring to grip pressure here. "Strong", "neutral", and "weak" in this context relate to how we place our hands on the club, and not how loosely or tightly we grip it. Have a look at the crease formed by the forefinger and thumb on the lead hand. Generally speaking - and assuming the hand is properly affixed to the handle - a neutral grip would have that crease pointing towards somewhere between the trail eye and trail ear with a relatively flat wrist condition (whereas a strong grip would have the crease pointing more towards the trail shoulder with a bit of a cupped wrist condition). The palm of the trail hand covers the thumb of the lead hand, with its crease pointing in a similar direction.
Thanks - I'm glad you enjoyed the lesson and I hope it performs well for you!
Tom
PS: By the way, since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I think you will also like my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
It's nice to have my suspicions confirmed. There was a time when if I was trying to hit a big looping draw, I would really strengthen my grip, and I would almost always hit a nice double crossing fade. I finally just worked on my setup, but If I had known this back in the day, I would have a few more dozen balls to my name. Thx for this vid.
Thanks - I'm glad you enjoyed the video and appreciate your validating remarks. Nice job figuring this out on your own! 💪💪
Tom
PS: By the way, since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I think you will also like my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
Tom, your explanations on all your videos are always to the point and easy to understand. I've been following you for some time now and I think you need to add a shot tracer so we can all see and appreciate all those crispy shots.
I sincerely appreciate your kind words, Bob, and I'm very glad to know that my instruction content and teaching style are resonating with you!!
I do have a number of videos on this channel where I've used a shot tracer. Here are a few of them:
- th-cam.com/video/cVggUORbs5I/w-d-xo.html
- th-cam.com/video/UnOMjaDl3fE/w-d-xo.html
- th-cam.com/video/NthJA6TTZpo/w-d-xo.html
- th-cam.com/video/CSAvOMD7m_A/w-d-xo.html
- th-cam.com/video/o0xscMyN3v8/w-d-xo.html
- th-cam.com/video/pQEriWz9hGI/w-d-xo.html
Thanks!
Tom
PS: By the way, since you are liking my channel's content, I think you will also enjoy my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
Strong grip works well for me. It added stability, about 30 yards of distance and took away my constant golfers elbow. You have to match it up though with good hip rotation, and tucking the right shoulder down and under through the swing to square the club face. You also need to preset the club with forward lean. The setup feels natural to me, and I never had an issue with a slice. Find the exact timing to square the face with a neutral grip was a challenge for me. A slight in to out path though can produce a hook, so you do need to keep it in check. I certainly compress the ball far better than a 2 knuckle grip. To each his own?
exactly how I play tbh, curious on your handicap? lol I can hit a 7 iron 200+ yards but it goes left too many times
@@yangg 87-90 is a good round for me. Swing path is what causes me to hook. Too much from the inside. Once I fixed that, my game improved a lot. Check your divot marks.
There are certainly compensatory actions required in order to accommodate a strong grip and achieve desirable results. As long as you remain keenly aware of those as well as the ball flight and impact tendencies that can creep in if not diligently managed, then let your ball striking and shot shape be your guide!
TS
I play a strong grip and i play way better this way. With a strong grip i actually don't flip the club at all. I play "down the line" type movement and i hit great. Weaker grip i balloon slice it and hit it way too high. Im a 6 handicap. I just have to "feel" tempo to make it work.
I appreciate this comment. Your old issue is my current issue and I read somewhere that my grip could be making it difficult for me to not flip, give my other match ups, so going to give the strong a try!
Hi Tom!
I absolutely love your videos! Your information is terrific; re: this video you’ve made it very clear as to the problems using a strong grip, however, I’m not exactly sure what a neutral grip looks like, unless you’re saying to have your thumb straighter down the shaft. Is that it? Thanks so much! You’re the best!⛳️👍
Hi Jill!
I sincerely appreciate your kind words, and I'm very glad to know that my instruction content and teaching style are resonating with you!!
Have a look at the crease formed by the forefinger and thumb on the lead hand. Generally speaking - and assuming the hand is properly affixed to the handle - a neutral grip would have that crease pointing towards somewhere between the trail eye and trail ear with a relatively flat wrist condition (whereas a strong grip would have the crease pointing more towards the trail shoulder with a bit of a cupped wrist condition). The palm of the trail hand covers the thumb of the lead hand, with its crease pointing in a similar direction.
Thanks again for your message and support!
Tom
PS: By the way, since you are liking my channel's content, I think you will also enjoy my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
Live this video!!! Great information!!! I am one of these golfers with a strong grip😢, Ty u so much!!
Thanks Scott - I'm very glad to know that this grip video resonated with you!
A strong grip - when deployed as an anti-slice band-aid - is precisely that: a patch for a deficiency or flaw somewhere upstream in the swing motion that the teacher or golfer can't or won't fix. If, on the other hand - so to speak 😎 - the strong grip is simply a matter of preference, then we should endeavor to remain keenly aware of where that clubface is pointing throughout the swing motion. It's always best to not have to rely on any precise handsy manipulations or other compensatory maneuvers, and our ball flight is quite adept at telling us if our grip is starting to leak one way or another.
By the way, if you are willing to take the "leap of faith" with regard to neutralizing your grip, then just be aware that if you've grown accustomed to your strong grip this change can feel awkward at first and may produce some odd shots. But this is normal when trying to incorporate the necessary changes in the spirit of lasting improvement. As the crispiness builds in the weirdness will surely dissipate. Embrace the process and you WILL feel crispier impact and see your ball flight improve!
Tom
Wonderfully DEMONSTRATED ! I’ve been trying 2 figure out the right way 2 figure out my clubs face at contact problem 4 months now ! LOL! Just about everything has been going left then on other shots…. Yeah, U guessed it ! Far right ! LOL! It’s been my hands probably all alone ! Can’t wait 2 work on this at the range today !
Thank you! I'm very glad to know that this lesson resonated with you, and I hope it performs well when you put it into practice!
Let's get that ball flight straightened out!!
Tom
PS: By the way, since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I think you will also like my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
I got told my club pro that my grip was too weak, so I needed to use a stronger grip, to improve my grip driver.
I did slice my driver on occasions, but over the last 2 months it’s got really bad, where every drive is like a banana.
I’m so glad I have found this video.
I will try to go back to what is comfortable for my and work on my swing path instead.
I'm very glad to learn that this video clicked with you, Robert. Yes - a strong grip when deployed as an anti-slice band-aid is precisely that: a patch for a deficiency or flaw somewhere upstream in the swing motion that the teacher or golfer can't or won't fix. As such your intentions are spot on - take a more neutral attachment, get your path figured out, and then make minor tweaks to dial things in to your desired shot shape.
And while there are certainly videos on my channel that address the topic of optimizing downswing path, a better option would be my FREE mini course “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker”: go.saguto.golf/ It's a great way to gain a fundamental understanding of this system as well as an introduction to the instruction style that has thousands of men and women from across the globe - including many accomplished, low-handicap, competitive players and spanning all age ranges from junior to super-senior - enjoying the best golf of their lives: saguto.golf/p/sagutogolfreviews
Thanks for your message, embrace the process, and have fun out there!
Tom
I love how you explain everything , so easy to understand and to implement ! Thank you
My pleasure, Patrick! I sincerely appreciate your kind words, and I'm very glad to know that my lesson content and teaching style are resonating with you and providing clarity and simplicity in the muddied, overly complicated, oft-conflicting realm of golf instruction.
Thanks for your message and support!
Tom
PS: By the way, since my lesson content is connecting well with you, I am confident that you will also benefit from my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker”.: go.saguto.golf. If you haven't already worked through it, this is a great way to gain a fundamental understanding of this system as well as an introduction to the instruction style that has thousands of men and women from across the globe - including many accomplished, low-handicap, competitive players and spanning all age ranges from junior to super-senior - enjoying the best golf of their lives: saguto.golf/p/sagutogolfreviews
Dude thank you so much for your videos. I’m truly enjoying golf because of your tips
I'm very glad to know that my instruction content and teaching style are resonating with you!!
Thanks so much for sharing your improvement and enjoyment, and keep up the great work!!
Tom
PS: By the way, since my channel's content is performing well for you, I think you will also benefit from my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
Hello Tom from Tokyo. I really love watching your videos. I am trying to change my swings like you before our club championships on the 23/24. Tama Hills Golf Course.
I'm very glad to know that my instruction is resonating with you, Preston!
For a good starting point, here is a link to my FREE mini course “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner: go.saguto.golf/
Good luck in your club championship!
Tom
You really are a good teacher and have taken a lot of worry out of my game, cheers!
I sincerely appreciate your kind words, Craig, and I'm very glad to know that my instruction content and teaching style are resonating with you!!
Thanks so much for sharing your improvement and keep up the great work!!
Tom
PS: By the way, since my channel's content is performing well for you, I think you will also benefit from my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
Absolutely brilliant video. I see almost every bad golfer with a strong grip. They either hit a low hook or a slice. Lol. The grip is the single most important fundamental and a bad grip can ruin all of your other fundamentals.
I appreciate your kind words and I'm glad to know that this video resonated with you, Michael!!
Yes - I've seen so often in lessons I've given. Students come to me with the uber-strong grips they've been "coached" to adopt, and they are still banana-balling it off the planet. It's only when we neutralize their attachment that we can get their paths properly fixed and ball flights straightened out with lasting results.
Strong grips may feel nice and powerful, but in reality they have destroyed countless amateur swings and games across the globe when deployed as an anti-slice band-aid. In the system I teach a neutral grip is the preferred attachment for our stock push-draw ball flight. Conversely - and interestingly given all the misguided notions out there - a strong grip is used in our system as one of the setup features for a pull-fade shape. Go figure, right? But the physics and geometry do not lie...
Thanks for your validating remarks and support!!
Tom
PS: By the way, since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I think you will also like my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
Dude your absolutely the best man couldn’t ask for anything better I hope you know your making so many people happy
I sincerely appreciate your kind messages, and I'm very glad to know that my instruction content and teaching style are resonating with you!! Thanks so much for your ongoing support and for conveying your enjoyment!
Keep up the great work!!
Tom
I started to have better contact on my full swings with a neutral grip after watching this video…still played horrible today because of my short game… my handicap for 9 has jumped from a +11 to a +19 this year… horrible 120 yds and in and can’t hit a wedge to save my life. Gonna need work this off-season big time! All of my friends are playing golf now too which is stressful because I’ve been playing so badly
I'm very glad to know that this lesson resonated with you; excellent job incorporating it into your swing!! Thanks so much for sharing your improvement and keep up the great work!!
Tom
PS: With regard to your challenges and the added competitive pressures, have you considered the comprehensive, structured, sequential learning platform of my online school? That's where - among many other courses and lessons covering various aspects of the game - you will find very detailed instruction and drills that take you through the entire swing step-by-step, position-by-position from setup to finish. Additionally, you'll have access to all my short game content (putting, chipping, pitching, bunker play), advanced level material, diagnostic and corrective tools for resolving common swing, contact, and ball flight issues, and much more. Thousands of men and women from across the globe - including many seasoned, low-handicap, competitive players and spanning all age ranges from junior to super-senior - are now enjoying the best golf of their lives as a result, and I'm happy to let their unsolicited testimonials tell the story: saguto.golf/p/sagutogolfreviews. And if you'd like to first "dip a toe in the water" prior to diving into the school, then here is a link to my FREE mini course “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker”: go.saguto.golf/ That is where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner.
This is so true to me in reference to once I got a new driver I had to readjust my grip because my driver would always draw with the stronger grip but once I loosened up with my new driver all was well
Nice job, and thanks for sharing your experience!!
Tom
I totally agree. Whenever I make my grip stronger, I slice it more easily. You go against conventional teaching and demonstrate very well why it may not work.
Thanks - I appreciate your validating message and support!
“Truth" is defined as that which conforms to reality, and this swing system conforms to the unchanging realities of Physics, Geometry, and data from the game’s best golf ball strikers. Resistance is thusly futile, regardless of what "conventional" teaching may say..... 😎
Tom
PS: By the way, since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I think you will also like my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
At the beginning of my first lesson with my coach he had me using a very strong grip to get the feel of a closed club face at impact and then throughout the lesson he had me weaken it slightly until towards the end I had a more neutral to weak grip but was still able to keep my club face closed and was hitting very straight shots. I’m not sure how it worked but it did. So this video definitely makes sense to me.
Pretty slick job by your coach there. I love it!
And I'm glad to know that this lesson video validated your efforts in that regard.
Thanks for your message and keep up the great work!
Tom Saguto, PGA
Terrific breakdown. I'm playing some MP 221s 4-PW. Went in to a golf shop yesterday to tryout something in the 19-20 degree spot.
Everything i hit turned left or right and was either way too high or too low. 90% were too low.
The most inconsistent sober session of my adult life.
Away from the "Strong left hand" I go!
I'm very glad to know that this grip lesson resonated with you, and I hope it performs well when you put it into practice!
By the way - and as I have been telling others - if you've grown accustomed to your strong grip then this change to neutral can feel awkward at first and may produce some odd shots. But this is normal when trying to incorporate the necessary changes in the spirit of lasting improvement. As the crispiness builds in the weirdness will surely dissipate. Embrace the process and you WILL feel crispier impact and see your ball flight improve!
Tom
PS: By the way, since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I am confident that you will also benefit from my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker”.: go.saguto.golf. If you haven't already worked through it, this is a great way to gain a fundamental understanding of this system as well as an introduction to the instruction style that has thousands of men and women from across the globe - including many accomplished, low-handicap, competitive players and spanning all age ranges from junior to super-senior - enjoying the best golf of their lives: saguto.golf/p/sagutogolfreviews
@@SagutoGolf Everything you just said checks out.
I'm 38 and have been golfing and played baseball since i was 5.
2020 was when i truly made a separation between golf and baseball swings. Always just played a power cut but can hit all 9 windows now.
Biggest key was to approach the golf swing in a throwing manner instead of hitting. "Hitting" makes me take a strong grip. "Throwing" puts the focus more on the right wrist. My guess is that my left hand has just slowly worked back around the top of the club. Time off...
With some practice of weakening that left hand, i should technically be able to get it out of the way and just let the club fly.
Thank you, sir. I'll check it out.
As a former baseball player myself, I can say with certainty that while some similarities exist between the baseball and golf swings, there are also some considerable differences. You are going about it properly by focusing on the throwing motion rather than hitting. In fact, there are very legitimate reasons as to why pitchers make far better golfers than their position player teammates - well, at least during their ballplaying careers, anyway - and you have properly deciphered some of that. Well done!
Hey Tom! I struggled with the exact issues you talk about with a strong grip (hitting it low, hooking left). However, I read an article talking about how Nicklaus never saw a good player not address the ball with a clubface at least a bit open. As a result, i kept my strong grip, and simply address the ball with an open clubface, forward press, and my compression has never been better!
Any thoughts on potential errors down the road? Love the vids man, keep it up!
Hey Davey!
Deterring you from your desired grip is not the point here. A strong grip - when deployed as an anti-slice band-aid - is precisely that: a patch for a deficiency or flaw somewhere upstream in the swing motion that the teacher or golfer can't or won't fix. If, on the other hand - so to speak 😎 - it is simply a matter of personal preference, then we should endeavor to remain keenly aware of our ball flight as it is quite adept at telling us if our grip is starting to leak too much to the strong side.
To be clear, one can certainly play good golf with a strong grip, and there have been plenty of examples of that. However, anything to either side of neutral disrupts the natural geometry of the swing that was preestablished at address and thus necessitates some measure of compensatory actions - such as addressing the ball with a sufficiently open face as you are doing - in order to achieve consistently crispy impact and a desirable shot shape. (In fact, my dad is doing exactly that with his stronger grip and experiencing good results.)
FYI, one of the features of the Straight Stick training aid is that it shows us the proper address face angle needed to accommodate different types of grips (strong, neutral, weak). You will find the Straight Stick featured in some of my channel's videos including these:
- th-cam.com/video/lRQd4zv9KNQ/w-d-xo.html
- th-cam.com/video/MOXAwPcrQHk/w-d-xo.html
If interested you can get your Straight Stick using this link: rb.gy/j3a6q
Thanks for your message and keep up the great work!
Tom
PS: By the way, since my lesson content is connecting well with you, I am confident that you will also benefit from my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker”.: go.saguto.golf. If you haven't already worked through it, this is a great way to gain a fundamental understanding of this system as well as an introduction to the instruction style that has thousands of men and women from across the globe - including many accomplished, low-handicap, competitive players and spanning all age ranges from junior to super-senior - enjoying the best golf of their lives: saguto.golf/p/sagutogolfreviews
I was an over-the-top guy for 40 yrs and used my wrists to square up the face (inconsistently). For the standard weight shift takeaway perhaps a strong grip is effective. However I am now a Stack & Tilt guy and realized a strong grip was counter to this move. I had two experienced instructors, one being Golf Tech who both suggested I change to a strong grip which I tried for one season. After changing to S&T you want a neutral to weak grip so your forearms turn slightly up at setup and inturn your upper arms are more snug to your body. This assists in taking the club back on plane (correct arc) and and thru on plane as your arms remain somewhat straight on the follow-thru and finish high rather than wrapping your club around your body as taught with the traditional weight shift swing. Ok I know many will disagree but if you read the Stack and Tilt book you will see how effective this grip/arm position is for more consistent ball contact.
Amen. Totally agree neutral/weak is the proper grip for S&T. And like Tom said for a hammer to nail impact. But if you're not a s&t kinda guy and you want a more freewheeling bobby jones--freddie couples release i find strong the proper way to go. Like Tom said. Love when the instructors point out the differences like that btw.
Those who would disagree are wholly uninformed and thus their opinions in this regard are inconsequential. Despite the ridiculous "stigma" attached to Stack and Tilt by those who either don't understand it or who are otherwise inconvenienced by truth, the indisputable laws of physics and geometry cannot be held back, and those are precisely what the S&T system is rooted in.
Thanks for your support in sharing your experience, and keep up the great work!!
Tom
I have said it before. Love this guy! He put the enjoyment back in my game.
I sincerely appreciate your kind words, Richard, and I'm very glad to know that my instruction content and teaching style are resonating with you!!
Thanks so much for sharing your improvement and enjoyment, and keep up the great work!!
Tom
PS: By the way, since my channel's content is performing well for you, I think you will also benefit from my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
Another awesome tutorial Tom. This works immensely, however noticed hitting the (irons) ball a little high on the club face. Any thoughts. Cheers...
Glad you enjoyed the video, Joseph, and I'm happy to know that the lesson is performing well for you!
If you are compressing the ball and taking a divot, then all should be fine. Otherwise, face-on video will reveal if you have a little flip through the zone or if you are not getting your weight quite forward enough as the club approaches the ball.
Keep up the great work!
Tom
PS: By the way, since my channel's content is performing well for you, I think you will also benefit from my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
Thanks for your continued help and advice… we never stop learning 👍😎👍
My pleasure! I'm very glad to know that my instruction content and teaching style are resonating with you!!
Tom
PS: By the way, since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I think you will also like my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
I'm newer to golf. I had a golf lesson where I was told my grip is too weak even though I could hit it decently, but was having contact issues from other factors. When strengthening my grip all I got was these low, aggressive hooks. I was told to tuck my elbow in more and listen for the whoosh at the bottom of the swing. I couldn't do it. I loosened my grip back up and I'm hitting the ball straighter again. Just working on taking my divots/impact now. This is something a lot of people need to watch when instructors are telling them to strengthen their grips too much.
Thanks - I appreciate your validation remarks!
Welcome to this greatest of games. Keep up the fantastic work and have fun out there!
Tom
PS: Would you like to learn some key aspects of the swing I teach in a more structured manner? If so, then here is a link to my FREE mini course “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker”: go.saguto.golf/ It's a great way to gain a fundamental understanding of this system as well as an introduction to the instruction style that has thousands of men and women from across the globe - including many accomplished, low-handicap, competitive players and spanning all age ranges from junior to super-senior - enjoying the best golf of their lives: saguto.golf/p/sagutogolfreviews
The keys to a good swing are a neutral grip, a proper athletic stance, a good takeaway (see Ryan Mouque’s drill) and keeping your head still until after you have hit the ball.
1:29 was a huge aha moment for me. That is absolutely what is happening with my swig right now. Great Stuff!
I'm very glad to know that this lesson resonated with you, Joel, and I hope it performs well when you put it into practice!
By the way - and as I have been telling others - if you've grown accustomed to your strong grip then this change to neutral can feel awkward at first and may produce some odd shots. But this is normal when trying to incorporate the necessary changes in the spirit of lasting improvement. As the crispiness builds in the weirdness will surely dissipate. Embrace the process and you WILL see your ball flight improve!
Tom
PS: By the way, have you checked out my FREE mini-course “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” lately? That's where you can learn some key aspects of this swing system in a more structured manner, and I've recently updated it with some more of my favorite drills. Here's the link: go.saguto.golf/
Great video. Love those tips. I'm still developing my swing and your tips have helped a lot. BTW, that club looks like a PXG. How do you like them?
I appreciate that, Michael, and I'm very glad to know that my instruction content and teaching style are resonating with you!!
Yes - I'm playing the PXG 0311 GEN6 Driver & 3W, and 0311P irons. AeroTech Steel Fiber shafts in S-flex. Love 'em!
Thanks so much for sharing your improvement and keep up the great work!!
Tom
PS: By the way, since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I am confident that you will also benefit from my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker”.: go.saguto.golf/ If you haven't already worked through it, this is a great way to gain a fundamental understanding of this system as well as an introduction to the instruction style that has thousands of men and women from across the globe - including many accomplished, low-handicap, competitive players and spanning all age ranges from junior to super-senior - enjoying the best golf of their lives: saguto.golf/p/sagutogolfreviews
Tried this on the course last night and it changed everything. No elbow pain, no chunks, no slices…this dude is awesome
*OUTSTANDING!!* I’m very glad to know that this grip lesson resonated with you; excellent job incorporating it into your swing and putting it into play so quickly.
Thanks so much for your support in sharing your improvement and keep up the great work!! 💪💪
Tom Saguto, PGA
PS: By the way, since my channel's content is performing well for you, I am confident that you will also benefit from my newly updated FREE mini course “The Top 3 Keys You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker”: go.saguto.golf/ Featuring 17 videos and 45 minutes of detailed lesson and drill content, this is a great way to gain a fundamental understanding of this system as well as an introduction to the formal learning method that has countless thousands of men and women from across the globe - including many accomplished, low-handicap, competitive players and spanning all age ranges from junior to super-senior - now enjoying the best golf of their lives: saguto.golf/p/sagutogolfreviews
This is so true and corrects a lot of bad grip advice. You dont want to deloft the irons. The pt of the irons too is to hit the ball high and land soft, especially the shorter irons.
Start w a weaker grip. If you are leaking left, then strengthen the grip a touch.
A strong grip gets your shoulders all messed up too, it makes you tilt away from the ball which makes the bottom of the swing move back so you can hit fatter shots.
Yes. Good points!
To be clear, one can certainly play good golf with a strong grip, and there have been plenty of examples of that. However, anything to either side of neutral disrupts the natural geometry of the swing that was preestablished at address and thus necessitates some measure of compensatory actions in order to achieve consistently crispy impact and a desirable shot shape.
Thanks for your message and support!
Tom Saguto, PGA
PS: By the way, since my lesson content is connecting well with you, I am confident that you will also benefit from my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker”.: go.saguto.golf. If you haven't already worked through it, this is a great way to gain a fundamental understanding of this system as well as an introduction to the instruction style that has thousands of men and women from across the globe - including many accomplished, low-handicap, competitive players and spanning all age ranges from junior to super-senior - enjoying the best golf of their lives: saguto.golf/p/sagutogolfreviews
Used a strong grip for a couple years I hated it!! It felt uncomfortable and I felt like I was working harder!! This video is what I needed to see!! Thank you so much for explaining this!!
My pleasure, Michael! I'm glad to know that this video provided the validation you needed to do what you knew was right!.
You may now shift to neutral with peace of mind and crispiness of impact. 😎
Tom
PS: By the way, since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I am confident that you will also benefit from my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker”.: go.saguto.golf. If you haven't already worked through it, this is a great way to gain a fundamental understanding of this system as well as an introduction to the instruction style that has thousands of men and women from across the globe - including many accomplished, low-handicap, competitive players and spanning all age ranges from junior to super-senior - enjoying the best golf of their lives: saguto.golf/p/sagutogolfreviews
@@SagutoGolf I signed up for your free mini course yesterday and watched all three videos!! You just simplify everything and make it easy to understand the fundamentals of the swing. I can’t wait to practice and use it on the course!!
@@SagutoGolf I also just shared this with a buddy of mine because he was struggling with all the same stuff I was and also told him about your free mini course!! Thanks again for all you do!!
Love the video Tom! Did you get a new camera or are you experimenting with different angles/positioning? Can't put my finger on it, but something feels new and different!
Glad you enjoyed it!!
I've been experimenting with different filming and video quality options, and I appreciate your feedback in this regard!!
Tom
Spot on Tom. Also, because of his strong grip and "flip" at impact, Zach has always been one of the shortest hitters on tour, and he has to aim way right to compensate for his monster draw.
Thanks - I appreciate that!
Of course, Zach figured out a way to make it work very well - well enough to be a two-time major champion - so there can be no disputing his place among the game's great players. It also took him years and years to hone his craft and get his swing dialed in to the extent that he did. That's a testimony to his hard work, determination, and perseverance.
Having said that, in the world of amateur golf a strong grip - when deployed as an anti-slice band-aid - is precisely that: a patch for a deficiency or flaw somewhere upstream in the swing motion that the teacher or golfer can't or won't fix. If, on the other hand - so to speak 😎 - it is simply a matter of personal preference, then we should endeavor to remain keenly aware of our ball flight as it is quite adept at telling us if our grip is starting to leak too much to the strong side.
Tom
I'm a 3.5 index and play with a strong grip. Ball striking was inconsistent and struggled with slightly fat shots on occasion. Switched to a neutral or a weaker grip today based on watching the video last night. Shot par and hit my irons effortlessly. My left wrist was finally flat on top.
Driver not so much but maybe my face was open a address or need to change ball position with a weaker grip. IDK... Will work on it.
Awesome!! I'm glad to know that this played well for you; excellent job incorporating it into your swing on the fly.
By the way and to be clear, one can certainly play good golf with a strong grip, and there have been plenty of examples of that. However, anything to either side of neutral disrupts the natural geometry of the swing that was preestablished at address and thus necessitates some measure of compensatory actions in order to achieve consistently crispy impact and a desirable shot shape.
Here is a recent episode on the topic of setup keys for the driver (including the grip): th-cam.com/video/OaaafCoY22w/w-d-xo.html
Thanks for sharing your success and keep up the great work!!
Tom
This fixed a lot of my issues. I drove the ball really well for years and clean irons. I quit playing for about two years and when I came back I was all of a sudden hooking everything so bad it made me not want to play and when it didn't hook I had no distance. So I started searching and realized my grip was way too strong, for whatever reason when I started back playing I adjusted my grip. I've spent the last month getting back to a weaker grip and I dropped so many strokes and I've got my drive back, and my irons are dialing back in the distance.
Nice job, Brandon!! 💪💪
I'm glad to know that you've reclaimed your ball striking mojo, and I appreciate you validating this lesson with your experience!
Keep up the great work!
Tom
PS: By the way, since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I think you will also like my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
THANK YOU! AWESOME TIP!
My pleasure, Bill! I'm very glad to know that this grip lesson resonated with you, and now that you are armed with this knowledge I hope you are able to use it to the betterment of your game.
Thanks!
Tom
This video is 💯 me!! Do you offer in person lessons? I’m in SC and enjoy your instructional videos.
I'm glad you enjoyed it, Matt, and I appreciate your interest! I had phased out in-person lessons awhile back so I could dedicate more time to my online school. At this point I'm not sure if I will resume them, but you can feel free to check back periodically see if I've reconsidered. I do, however, offer virtual private instruction and coaching as they are instrumental to the progress of my school's members. These are highly effective - as much or perhaps even more so than in-person based on the results and dramatic improvement my students are experiencing - and they can be done for any member from anywhere around the globe. You may learn more about these options here: saguto.golf/lessons
As for the online school, thousands of men and women from across the globe spanning all age ranges and talent levels are now enjoying the best golf of their lives as a result, and I'm happy to let their unsolicited testimonials tell the story: saguto.golf/p/sagutogolfreviews
And if you'd like to first "dip a toe in the water" prior to diving into the school, then here is a link to my FREE mini course “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker”: go.saguto.golf/ That is where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner.
Thanks again!
Tom
I have issues with wrist cupping on my backswing, and it definitely affects my ability to strike the ball, especially with my driver. I've been trying to figure out what a straight wrist is supposed to feel like, and some drills for that would be handy. By the way, nice overhead shot! You're getting fancy!
Ruler down the back of the glove.
Here are a few videos on this topic:
- th-cam.com/video/sbhbhL-fiwI/w-d-xo.html
- th-cam.com/video/aLai9v2F0vM/w-d-xo.html
- th-cam.com/video/uBCy5JEhQIA/w-d-xo.html
A couple of these episodes feature a device called the Hackmotion. You can learn more about it here: www.hackmotion.com. If interested you may use code SAGUTOGOLF for free international shipping on your order.
Beyond that, here is a link to my FREE mini course “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner: go.saguto.golf/
Tom
@@SagutoGolf Many thanks, Tom!
Your lessons and camera presence just keep getting better!
Thanks - I'm glad to know that you are enjoying my instruction and video production quality!!
Tom
PS: By the way, since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I think you will also like my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
You should grip the club the way your hands hang naturally at your side because that increases the odds of returning the club to the ball squarely. Also, a natural grip helps you achieve the right sequence to your swing. IF your palms face directly to your sides you will see half of one knuckle and if your palms face directly behind you, you will see at least three knuckles....just gage it from one to five....one looks weak and five is super strong (similar to Fred Couples) I'm a a three, so I can see two knuckles.
Spot on. I weakened my grip recently and though it feels a bit weird still the results are a lot better
That's great, Father Joel! I'm very glad to know that this grip lesson resonated with you; excellent job incorporating it into your swing and putting it into play.
And absolutely - if you had grown accustomed to your previous strong grip then this change to a more neutral attachment can indeed feel awkward at first and may even produce some odd shots. But this is normal when trying to incorporate the necessary changes in the spirit of lasting improvement. As the crispiness builds in the weirdness surely dissipates, as you are experiencing.
Thanks so much for sharing your improvement and keep up the fantastic work!!
Tom
PS: By the way, since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I am confident that you will also benefit from my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker”.: go.saguto.golf. If you haven't already worked through it, this is a great way to gain a fundamental understanding of this system as well as an introduction to the instruction style that has thousands of men and women from across the globe - including many accomplished, low-handicap, competitive players and spanning all age ranges from junior to super-senior - enjoying the best golf of their lives: saguto.golf/p/sagutogolfreviews
Nice video Tom. Thank you. I have a different question that I would appreciate your thoughts. I’m left handed. However, I play golf right handed and have done for over 40 years at 49 years old. For 30 of those years my handicap has been single digit. I play tennis left handed, throw left handed However, for other sports like cricket for us Aussies I bat right handed and would be the same for baseball. Should I actually be playing golf left handed? As from a kid I only played with my father’s clubs and his father’s clubs (both naturally right handed). No one’s been able to answer this apart from the obvious “give it a try”. Looove your channel. 👍😎🇦🇺
Hi Marcus,
After 40 years and playing as a single-digit, why would you feel compelled to switch? I eat and write left handed, and I throw and bat right handed. While I tinkered with left handed clubs in my very early childhood days, a right handed swing ultimately felt more natural to me (as it did in baseball).
I suppose only you can determine whether or not you are realizing your full golf potential as a right handed player.
Tom
PS: By the way, since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I think you will also like my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
dang... this is very interesting... I've had a horrible slice for so long that I was told strong strong strong grip. I did all that but as I started fixing my actual swing and gaining control of my club face, I started getting really driving shots, often low flight duck hooks... just playing with this as you're saying it, I'm seeing how hooded my club gets at impact - and one of my corrections is often standing up out of my shot and flicking the club... it feels a lot easier also to control my club face with a neutral grip... .
There is one more thing to this neutral grip and flipping/ scooping.
Pros actually "scoop", change their left wrist from flat/bowed to cupped in the end.
If you think about it, how it changes face angle, and how face angle naturally changes through the swing, it makes a lot of sense.
@xerodeus2337 - Indeed, a strong grip - when deployed as an anti-slice band-aid - is precisely that: a patch for a deficiency or flaw somewhere upstream in the swing motion. Once the swing path is corrected, those low diving quackers are an expected consequence if the golfer does not neutralize their grip to an appropriate degree, and that then leads to the types of strong grip compensations at impact that you referenced.
I'm very glad to learn that you are now making the necessary adjustments to your grip and experiencing improvements as a result. Thanks for sharing your progress in this regard and keep up the great work!
Tom
PS: By the way, since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I am confident that you will also benefit from my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker”.: go.saguto.golf. If you haven't already worked through it, this is a great way to gain a fundamental understanding of this system as well as an introduction to the instruction style that has thousands of men and women from across the globe - including many accomplished, low-handicap, competitive players and spanning all age ranges from junior to super-senior - enjoying the best golf of their lives: saguto.golf/p/sagutogolfreviews
Yep, definitely working on that. Got a horrible habit of closing the club on the downswing....
I'm very glad to know that this lesson resonated with you, and I hope it performs well when you put it into practice!
Tom
PS: By the way, since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I think you will also like my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
This is exactly what I do. Although my grip isn’t as strong, is does seem to help off the tee but I feel the lack of power. For my irons, I hit a lot of fat shots. I have to watch more of Tom’s videos.
I'm very glad to know that this grip lesson resonated with you, and I hope it performs well when you put it into practice!
By the way, would you like to learn some key aspects of the swing I teach in a more structured manner? If so, then here is a link to my FREE mini course “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker”: go.saguto.golf/ It's a great way to gain a fundamental understanding of this system as well as an introduction to the instruction style that has thousands of men and women from across the globe - including many accomplished, low-handicap, competitive players and spanning all age ranges from junior to super-senior - enjoying the best golf of their lives: saguto.golf/p/sagutogolfreviews
Thanks for your message!
Tom
This will help a lot of people Tom
I just started working on getting to a more neutral grip on the pressure shots a strong grip and then an extra squeeze and it really shuts the face down
Great stuff
Thanks coach!
And now guitars luv it!
I appreciate that, Frank!
I'm very glad to know that this grip lesson resonated with you, and I hope it performs well when you put it into practice!
Rock on!
Tom
PS: By the way, since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I think you will also like my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
Dude everything you said I was noticing all these things today. Great video
Awesome! I'm glad to know that this grip lesson resonated with you, and I appreciate you sharing that!
Tom
PS: By the way, since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I am confident that you will also benefit from my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker”.: go.saguto.golf. If you haven't already worked through it, this is a great way to gain a fundamental understanding of this system as well as an introduction to the instruction style that has thousands of men and women from across the globe - including many accomplished, low-handicap, competitive players and spanning all age ranges from junior to super-senior - enjoying the best golf of their lives: saguto.golf/p/sagutogolfreviews
I recently joined your online school, and although have only progressed through the grip and setup section, my irons have already improved because of the the neutral grip that you encourage. Prior to this, I had a very strong grip, but compensated by heavily closing my stance, which is another option to "correct" the strong grip, not covered in this video. Although this functions, it's not highly accurate, so now that I've switched to a neutral grip, which although still feels unnatural at present and requires some faith during the swing, my irons are more accurate. I've never broken 90, and 2 of my last 3 rounds included an 87 and 85! Am looking forward to nibbling off more strokes as I progress through your online course...
That's AWESOME - congrats on your new personal bests and on shattering the 90 barrier!! 💪💪
Yes - as I have been telling others - if you've grown accustomed to your strong grip then this change to neutral can feel awkward at first and may produce some odd shots. But this is normal when trying to incorporate the necessary changes in the spirit of lasting improvement. As the crispiness builds in the weirdness will surely dissipate. Embrace the process and you WILL feel crispier impact and see your ball flight improve!
Beyond that, I'm thrilled to learn of your dramatic improvement, and I sincerely appreciate your kind words regarding the online school and this body-friendly, consistent, powerful swing system for all ages!!
Thanks so much for your support and keep up the fantastic work!!
Tom
As usual, very interesting advice to consider. Such a nice guy.
Thank you - I appreciate your kindness and I hope this lesson performs well for you!
Tom
Thank you this video is perfect for me, I’ve just been hooking all my shots because of my grip and feel like I can’t hit a good iron shot to save my life right now
I'm very glad to know that this grip lesson resonated with you, and I hope it performs well when you put it into practice!
By the way - and as I have been telling others - if you've grown accustomed to your strong grip then this change to neutral can feel awkward at first and may produce some odd shots. But this is normal when trying to incorporate the necessary changes in the spirit of lasting improvement. As the crispiness builds in the weirdness will surely dissipate.
Embrace the process and you WILL see your ball flight improve!
Tom
PS: By the way, since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I think you will also like my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
@SagutoGolf - I played a few rounds while traveling last week & focused a lot of loading weight on the front leg & shoulder to the ball. However, I do have a strong grip & this video illustrates low ball launch & pull/hook issues I am seeing (push/slice with Driver/3wood for some reason). The neutral grip feels uncomfortable right now so I was wondering if you recommend a practice club with the correct grip trainer built into or if they cause potential issues with incorrect grip? I believe you may have shown/used one in one of your videos that clicked with proper contact also, but can't seem to find that video that referenced the recommended product. I have a son that has never played or swung a club that I am looking for good intro training aids so hoping this could help us both :)... Thanks!
Hi Levi,
Yes! In last week's episode I featured the Straight Stick training aid, and it does come with a molded handle to help you ingrain a proper grip. Here is a link to the video: th-cam.com/video/lRQd4zv9KNQ/w-d-xo.html
If interested you can get your Straight Stick here - rb.gy/j3a6q
And yes - with regard to switching from a strong to neutral grip, it will feel weird at first. But weird is good when we're trying to incorporate the necessary changes in the spirit of improvement, and as the crispiness builds in the weirdness tends to dissipate.
Embrace the challenge and have fun out there with your son!
Tom
PS: By the way, since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I think you will also like my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
Wow..that's been my biggest issue for DECADES. Great lesson!
Thanks Bill! I'm very glad to know that this grip lesson resonated with you, and I hope it performs well when you put it into practice!
By the way, if you've grown accustomed to your strong grip then this change to a more neutral attachment can feel awkward at first and may produce some odd shots. But this is normal when trying to incorporate the necessary changes in the spirit of lasting improvement. As the crispiness builds in the weirdness will surely dissipate. Embrace the process and you WILL feel crispier impact and see your ball flight improve!
Tom
PS: Would you like to learn some key aspects of the swing I teach in a more structured manner? If so, then here is a link to my FREE mini course “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker”: go.saguto.golf/ It's a great way to gain a fundamental understanding of this system as well as an introduction to the instruction style that has thousands of men and women from across the globe - including many accomplished, low-handicap, competitive players and spanning all age ranges from junior to super-senior - enjoying the best golf of their lives: saguto.golf/p/sagutogolfreviews
I think it really depends on the comfort of the golfer. I used a weaker grip for nearly a year and hated my ball striking. I was hitting under average distances for a male golfer and couldn’t aim to save my life.
I swapped over to the 3 knuckles method for my left hand and an under handed grip for my right with the thumb going across my club shaft. I started striking the ball with greater force, accuracy, and precision than ever before. I went from a 190-210 yard drive to over 240 with my grip change and now my 3 wood strikes 210-220 yards.
Granted I still suck at golf and have yet to hit under 100 par, but that’s my short game hurting me and as I get tired my accuracy starts to fail me.
Deterring you from your desired grip is not the point here. A strong grip - when deployed as an anti-slice band-aid - is precisely that: a patch for a deficiency or flaw somewhere upstream in the swing motion that the teacher or golfer can't or won't fix. If, on the other hand - so to speak 😎 - it is simply a matter of personal preference, then we should endeavor to remain keenly aware of our ball flight as it is quite adept at telling us if our grip is starting to leak too much to the strong side.
TS
this makes perfect sense for irons, how about doing the same type of clinic for the driver, where we hit more behind the ball?
This also applies to the driver. In fact, it is essentially the same swing with every club; just some minor setup differences and naturally occurring shaft plane changes as we graduate up in club length from short irons to woods. To demonstrate, you'll find towards the end of this episode some practice range footage of me hitting a 7 iron, 3 wood, and driver: th-cam.com/video/o0xscMyN3v8/w-d-xo.html Beyond that, if you search the word "drive" on this channel you'll see some related content.
I am aware that many folks out there believe - and some even teach - that we must try to "hit up on the ball" with the driver. However, consider that in our stock setup with the driver the hands are even with the inside of the lead thigh (as they are with all clubs when playing a standard shot) and our ball position is even with the inside of the heel of the lead foot. This presets a very slight degree of forward shaft lean with the driver. Beyond that, the ball is behind the zero-point of the swing (which is even with the lead shoulder), meaning that without any contrived manipulations the club will still be on its descent - albeit very close to flat - at impact.
So, perhaps with the exception of folks with slower swing speeds - or those Long Drive participants teeing it extra high and hitting maybe 1-2 balls out of 10 onto a 60-yard wide "fairway" - in general the path is still ever so slightly down. In fact, the PGA Tour average with the driver is actually minus (e.g.: downward) 1.5 degrees - nearly level - and it should feel level - but slightly down nonetheless. (Here is an article on Ping’s website addressing this topic - ping.com/en-us/blogs/proving-grounds/optimal-launch-and-spin#:~:text=According%20to%20Trackman%2C%20PGA%20Tour,85%25%20ball%2Dflight%20laws )
For these reasons I do not advocate trying to hit up on the ball, and efforts to do so due to erroneous advice has caused many an amateur significant issues with their driver.
Upon learning this swing properly you will be harnessing the tremendous power source known as "angular momentum". This is the reason my students and online school members of all age ranges end up bombing it farther than they ever had previously, and I'm happy to let their unsolicited testimonials tell the story: saguto.golf/p/sagutogolfreviews. And here's a link to my FREE mini course “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” if you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
Tom
Great instructor... ty Tom
Thanks James - I sincerely appreciate that!
Tom
PS: By the way, since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I think you will really like my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
Weaken the grip with a closed shoulder has made me enjoy the game. Those two changes have been a life saver for me.
Fantastic!! I’m very glad to know that my instruction in these regards is resonating with you, Patrick; excellent job incorporating it into your swing and putting it into play.
Thanks so much for sharing your improvement and resulting enjoyment, and keep up the great work!! 💪💪
Tom
PS: By the way, since my channel's content is performing well for you, I am confident that you will also benefit from my _newly updated_ FREE mini course “The Top 3 Keys You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker”: go.saguto.golf/ Featuring 17 videos and 45 minutes of detailed lesson and drill content, this is a great way to gain a fundamental understanding of this system as well as an introduction to the formal learning method that has countless thousands of men and women from across the globe - including many accomplished, low-handicap, competitive players and spanning all age ranges from junior to super-senior - now enjoying the best golf of their lives: saguto.golf/p/sagutogolfreviews
I love randomly landing on a Saguto video that addresses the exact problem I've been having...thanks youtube recommendations!
LOL! The wonders of modern technology! Either that, or I've been out there secretly spying on you...... 😎
Thanks for your message - I'm very glad to know that my instruction is resonating with you!
Tom
PS: By the way, since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I am confident that you will also benefit from my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker”.: go.saguto.golf. If you haven't already worked through it, this is a great way to gain a fundamental understanding of this system as well as an introduction to the instruction style that has thousands of men and women from across the globe - including many accomplished, low-handicap, competitive players and spanning all age ranges from junior to super-senior - enjoying the best golf of their lives: saguto.golf/p/sagutogolfreviews
Interesting. I’ve always respected Mike Malaska, but he teaches a very strong grip that depends on the lack of forearm rotation. I’ve tried it and just can’t make it work. If I grip it too strong I just hook it off the planet. I’m with you on the neutral grip; it’s the only way I can keep it in play.
I'm glad to know that this lesson resonated with you, Larry, and I appreciate your validating remarks with regard to a neutral grip!
Tom
PS: By the way, since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I think you will also like my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
Great info & is it true if you open your foot stance U will get more distance? LMK & Thx ‼️
Thanks Goldie - I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Yes - The flaring of both feet 10-20 degrees facilitates the proper amount of body-friendly, free-flowing hip turn back and through. This is a major power move that also keeps the club traveling on the correct path. If you were to square your feet so that they were perpendicular to the target line, then your hips would be impeded from turning sufficiently in the backswing (which would then inhibit the shoulders from executing a full and effortless turn), and from releasing properly in the downswing to propel the club through the zone. Restricting this action can cause a variety of path issues and/or also place strain on the lead knee and the hip joints as the hips will "want" to move laterally and turn through into the finish but will be fighting the body in the process.
Tom
PS: By the way, have you checked out my FREE mini-course “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” lately? That's where you can learn some key aspects of this swing system in a more structured manner, and I've recently updated it with some more of my favorite drills. Here's the link: go.saguto.golf/
Tom, I see a lot of Head shoulder raising up on the backswing ? What is the easy cure ? Cheers
Hi Chuck,
Head movement signifies a likely deficiency somewhere in the tilting, turning, extending, and/or weight forward components. While there are certainly videos on my channel that address these topics, a better option would be my FREE mini course “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker”: go.saguto.golf/ It's a great way to gain a fundamental understanding of this system as well as an introduction to the instruction style that has thousands of men and women from across the globe - including many accomplished, low-handicap, competitive players and spanning all age ranges from junior to super-senior - enjoying the best golf of their lives: saguto.golf/p/sagutogolfreviews
Thanks,
Tom
Very interesting Tom. For me I have to get out of my mind that a weaker grip doesn't mean the club head, upon impact, will lose stability.
Not at all, David. It may feel weird at first - especially if you are accustomed to a strong grip - but weird is good when we're trying to incorporate the necessary changes in the spirit of improvement. As the crispiness builds in the weirdness tends to dissipate.
Embrace the challenge!
Tom
PS: By the way, here is a link to my FREE mini course “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner: go.saguto.golf/
Thank you Tom!
Interesting, the norm is to look to a stronger grip to prevent slicing. Pitching is often taught with a weaker grip and I use it for pitching. I will try this on for full iron and wood shots.
Deterring you from your preferred grip is not the point here. A strong grip - when deployed as an anti-slice band-aid - is precisely that: a patch for a deficiency or flaw somewhere upstream in the swing motion that the teacher or golfer can't or won't fix. If, on the other hand - so to speak 😎 - it is simply a matter of personal preference, then we should endeavor to remain keenly aware of our ball flight as it is quite adept at telling us if our grip is starting to leak too much to the strong side.
TS
This is one of your best videos ever !
I appreciate that, Steve, and I hope it helps you!!
Tom
PS: By the way, since my channel's content is connecting well with you, I think you will also like my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” - where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner. Here's a link in case you’re interested in checking it out: go.saguto.golf/
Good video, I feel like you could have elaborated on the specific grip that could of helped more. Thanks!
Glad you enjoyed it!
My main concerns with regard to grip are that the handle remains secure in the fingers throughout the entirety of the motion and that the proper hinging and unhinging of the wrists is fully supported without any contrived effort. Beyond that, each golfer is free to add their own individual flair and determine what works best for them (while, of course, keeping in mind the potential issues discussed here if the grip leaks too much toward the strong side).
Recently I've been having this problem primarily with the driver . Sharp hook most of the time, maybe 20 feet off the ground, goes nowhere.
I've always had a strong left hand grip as all the books say the heel of the left hand has to be on top of the club so that you could hold the club with just the last two fingers . It felt good and in control and generally worked but I've always had periodic bouts with hooking the driver and the irons would be inconsistent . Recently after 13 holes of hooks , with the odd decent result , out of exasperation I tried a weaker grip with 2 knuckles showing - instant straight drive about 40 yards longer . Feels strange of course but it forces you to use your right hand properly at the top of the backswing while maintaning a flat left wrist to get the club in position and the clubface stays square and you can get more 'hit' with the right hand at the bottom (not the top where it could induce casting) and increased clubhead speed. Thanks Mr Saguto for confirming this grip !
Nice job figuring that out on your own, Mike, and I appreciate your validating this lesson with your experience!
This neutral grip still allows the heel pad of the lead hand to sit on top of the grip, and I do believe that is very important as it promotes the proper hinging of the wrist. To get a feel for this, try holding the club with just the middle two fingers rather than the last two as you described for the very strong grip.
And yes - if you've grown accustomed to your strong grip then this change to neutral can certainly feel awkward at first and may even produce some odd shots. But this is normal when trying to incorporate the necessary changes in the spirit of lasting improvement. As the consistently crispy impact builds in the weirdness will surely dissipate.
Thanks again for sharing your improvement and keep up the great work!!
Tom
PS: By the way, would you like to learn some key aspects of the swing I teach in a more structured manner? If so, then here is a link to my FREE mini course “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker”: go.saguto.golf/ It's a great way to gain a fundamental understanding of this system as well as an introduction to the instruction style that has thousands of men and women from across the globe - including many seasoned, low-handicap, competitive players and spanning all age ranges from junior to super-senior - enjoying the best golf of their lives: saguto.golf/p/sagutogolfreviews
Tom you gotta be only one on TH-cam telling people to use a weak/neutral grip! But it does make perfect sense! I always looked at my strong grip and noticed I can never get it flat in the backswing, which is what everyone says it correct and I agree, but the strong grip doesn’t achieve that unless you become Dustin Johnson 😂
Unfortunately, such sorcery from this dark underworld of golf instruction rarely finds its way to the mainstream because if too many folks found out about it the mainstream would then be rendered irrelevant....... 😎
Actually, that's funny, since in the comment from Ron that I just read prior to yours he said, "You're not alone, more and more recent YTers are coming to your point of view on this. Good stuff." 😆
Because the wrist is cupped at address, the only way to get a flat wrist condition at the top with a strong grip is through manipulation. This is why impact and ball flight consistency are typically fleeting at best unless much time has been spent dialing in the compensatory moves needed to make it work.
Tom
By the way, here's a link to my FREE mini-course “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” in case you’re interested in learning some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner: go.saguto.golf/
Thank you! I was at a 5 handicap and decided it was time to take a lesson. My pro told me i should be controlling the swing more with my lead arm, suggesting I strengthen my grip. I tried a stronger grip and controlling my swing more with my lead arm and my ball striking, shot shape, and consistency slowly deteriated.
I tried neutralizimg my grip as suggested and finally pured some iron shots for the first time since that initial lesson. Thank you!
My pleasure! I'm very glad to know that this grip lesson resonated with you, and I appreciate you sharing your resulting ball striking improvement!
By the way, last week's lesson video also included some detail on the grip if interested: th-cam.com/video/OaaafCoY22w/w-d-xo.html
Thanks for your message and keep up the great work!!
Tom Saguto, PGA
PS: Since my lesson content is connecting well with you, I am confident that you will also benefit from my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker”.: go.saguto.golf. If you haven't already worked through it, this is a great way to gain a fundamental understanding of this system as well as an introduction to the structured learning method that has countless thousands of men and women from across the globe - including many accomplished, low-handicap, competitive players and spanning all age ranges from junior to super-senior - enjoying the best golf of their lives: saguto.golf/p/sagutogolfreviews
Im just getting back into golf after 15 years and I think I'm going to look for a swing coach. I had such a naturally good swing in highschool and always had a natural draw on my drives. After highschool I would only play once or twice a month and my arms and hands got stronger from work and drumming and for some reason that started messing with my natural swing. Out of nowhere I started slicing the ball off the tee and couldn't fix it and I just couldn't enjoy sucking at golf. Now it's been long enough that I don't expect to be good, but I would like to get my natural swing back and hit the ball without worrying it's going to fly into someone else's fairway. Lol
A study of the best golfers of all time revealed that they all had 3 things in common (the 3 main golf fundamentals): 1. Hitting the ground in the same spot every time. 2. Having enough power to play the golf course well. 3. Having a predictable shot shape. A player MUST possess these three non-negotiables in order to truly be good at golf. How they accomplish it varies as much as the different swings you see at any Tour event. What I happen to teach is a body-friendly, low-maintenance swing system that provides a means to master all of the above, and since it is rooted in physics, geometry, and human physiology it does not discriminate by age or ability - from kids to seniors and everyone in between, inclusive of the best players in the world.
For a good starting point, here is a link to my FREE mini course “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker” where you can learn some key aspects of the swing system I teach in a more structured manner: go.saguto.golf/
Let's get you out of that abyss and into the wonderful world of consistent ball striking bliss!!
Thanks for your message,
Tom
Well, my hands are so feeble and weak that I have never even been able to even turn my left hand over the club. But, the key to correcting a strong grip and a weak grip is the same. Stretch the left hand out and press your palm onto the grip. Also, if you hold the club up into a vertical position you will put your left hand on the club in the correct position.
I have this same problem with juking shots to the left. I'm gonna try this grip fix because I too have a strong left-handed grip and when I look at my backswing in a mirror my wrist is cupped at the top of the backswing. In other news since my handicap is down to a 15 (down from 25), I got fitted for a new set of irons last weekend at Golf Galaxy. I a got Titleist T-350 set with stiff shafts. I'm hitting my 7-iron 170 yds now up from 150 with my G400 Ping set. If this grip fix helps I'll probably be hitting further and staighter more consistently.
WOW - that's a substantial jump in yardage!!
Yes, this grip adjustment is the next step towards bringing your game to a new level. By the way - and as I have been telling others - if you've grown accustomed to your strong grip then this change to neutral can feel awkward at first and may produce some odd shots. But this is normal when trying to incorporate the necessary changes in the spirit of lasting improvement. As the crispiness builds in the weirdness will surely dissipate. Embrace the process and you WILL feel crispier impact and see your ball flight improve!
Keep up the fabulous work!!
Tom
@@SagutoGolf Thanks!
Saguto debunking bs
Only pure facts
Best coach in youtube❤
Unfortunately, such sorcery from this dark underworld of golf instruction rarely finds its way to the mainstream because if too many folks found out about it the mainstream would then be rendered irrelevant....... 😎
Seriously, consider that despite all the advances in equipment, technology, golf course grooming, etc. the average golfer still struggles to break 100. Epic failures within the realm of modern “conventional” instruction, perhaps??? So many misconstrued and/or misguided teachings have relegated generations of golfers to the vast abyss of inconsistency and chronic frustration (and chronic back/knee/hip pain as well). I’m doing my best here to clear these up one by one and put an end to this madness.
Thanks so much for your kind words and support!!
Tom
PS: By the way, since my lesson content is connecting well with you, I am confident that you will also benefit from my FREE mini course - “The Top 3 Things You Need to Be a Great Ball Striker”.: go.saguto.golf. If you haven't already worked through it, this is a great way to gain a fundamental understanding of this system as well as an introduction to the instruction style that has thousands of men and women from across the globe - including many accomplished, low-handicap, competitive players and spanning all age ranges from junior to super-senior - enjoying the best golf of their lives: saguto.golf/p/sagutogolfreviews