I well recall the first time I received a formal lesson on the grip.
Said The Instructor: Be Sure Both Hands Are
"PARALLEL ON THE CLUB!"
(At the time it made a lot of sense.)
Later research of Mr. Hogan confirm a Fingers "3x3" Grip Symmetry.
I also learned this was only one of many views regarding hand placement on the club; and one famous instructor -- noting a plethora of grip types -- even claims the grip is "Not" A Fundamental At All!
-- WHAT A MISTAKE! --
-------------------------
Particularly when study shows that the "2-Mid-Fingers" in each Hand introduce a "Synergy" that extends from the Hands through the Arms to the Pec Minors, Shoulders & Chest! -- ("Muscle Synergy" Continues In Swing Research.)
--------------------------
Let's also check the "ADJUSTMENT" made in Mr. Hogan's "BACK HAND GRIP" beginning in about 1946.
In CHAP "1" of Five Lessons Mr. Hogan shows club in Back Hand "2" Middle Fingers with the rest of the hand "TURNED OVER" -- Much Like The Lead Hand! @ 45 ( Page 29)
Of course, all this simplifies with the notion of a Pistol Position!
Surely, pointing the "V" to the Back Shoulder is observed in many
successful players and was Mr. Hogan's former position in
POWER GOLF, 1948.
But this is "NOT" what Ben Hogan advances in the Five Lessons, 1957!
Take a new look at Chapter 1 and see the "ADJUSTED" Backhand "45" Diagonal.
In fact, enlarge the adjacent image and check with a Protractor from "Under" the Arm!
** Also Check The Ben Hogan GOLF WINDOW on our 13th HOLE!
It features a "BIG BOX" detailing a MAJOR "45" DIAGONAL showing
how "ALL ELEMENTS" CUBICLY CONFORM IN Mr. HOGAN's SWING!
**Notice The Same Holds True For The "HOGAN TWIST!" The Back Forearm Has The Function Of REVERSING "UNDER" CONVERTING Into A Reliable "45" For Straight Shots & ERROR FREE GOLF!
P L E A S E N O T E
Later research (2021) confirms "Hogan's Twist" as a fundamental "CATALYST" and Master Mechanic Of The Golf Swing!
Finally, it is worth noting that almost all players "DO NOT SET" The Back Hand As "ADJUSTED" By Mr. Hogan IN FACT -- THE HAND IS GENERALLY TURNED IN THE "OPPOSITE" DIRECTION!
** LEE TREVINO -- a Texas Neighbor of Mr. Hogan -- Is A Notable Exception! Mr. Trevino was often called on by Mr. Hogan to Test Factory Models of Hogan Clubs! It's my guess Mr. Trevino studied carefully and took a long look at the HOGAN GRIP -- 1948 vs 1957!
SPECIAL NOTE: I had the great privilege of studying Mr. Trevino (& Herman) -- UP CLOSE & PERSONAL -- On The Range "2 Hours AFTER" the Senior Tournament at the Meadow Brook Club on Long Island in 1993. It's true that Mr. Trevino hits a slight fade "at will".
But it's equally true that he hits "ANY SHOT" at will!
FYI: ** I was on one knee facing Mr. Trevino on line with the ball. --Very Generous of Mr. Trevino and -- "Quite Special!"
PLEASE NOTE
It would be impossible to over-estimate Mr. Hogan's GRIP ADJUSTMENT in 1946! -- Not only did it solve his occasional problem with "HOOKING" but it tapped into the "Power Science" that helps AUTOMATES SQUARE IMPACT!
Such is the definitive role body science plays in walking, talking, running, jumping and even "GRIPPING & SWINGING A GOLF CLUB"
In fact, we are naturally geared to perform all golf skills rather well. For example, no child ever had to sign up for a "SERIES of SIX" to become good at the basics of human movement!
If for some reason you are "hesitant" about Mr. Hogan's GRIP "45" "PISTOL" ADJUSTMENT & "Hogan's "TWIST" -- learn these special features and see how easily your swing performs!
For this purpose see the Palm of your Hand as a Square and draw a
45 Diagonal from the base at the Wrist to the base joint of the Index Finger. -- **All Golf Swing Geometry Stems From Here.
This 45 Diagonal helps to "AUTOMATE SQUARE IMPACT" and makes you a better player and student for the "REST Of YOUR LIFE!"
DrDom
