AboutEddie Kilthau Expertise I am a PGA golf professional specializing in teaching the game.
Experience I played collegiately at Arizona State University, then turned professional in 1981. I became the shortest player to ever play in the United States Open at Oakmont Country Club in Pittsburgh & missed my PGA Tour card by 2 shots in 1986 at PGA West, La Quinta, California. I have been teaching for 26 years in Phoenix, Arizona & I am currently the Director of Instruction at the Vistal Club in Phoenix and owner of Victory Golfworks.
Business Administration, Arizona State University. PGA Business School I - 1986, PGA Business School II - 1992, PGA Advanced Business School III - 1995. Certified PING Clubfitter - 1999. PGA Teaching & Clubfitting Seminar - 1992. Numerous Southwest Section PGA educational seminars.
Question I have grips that feel as if they are too small in circumference. My drives are typically, either balloon slice, or blocked right. What are the implications of building up the grip? How do you measure the correct circumference for your hand size?
Answer Hi Rob:
Normally too small of grips leads to too much hand action, hooking and a loose grip. A balloon slice or a block right is usually not associated with grip size. However, if your grips are too fat for your hand (which yours are not), it tends to slow your hand action down which could lead to you not being able to release the clubface to square and hitting some shots right. Go get your grips checked for the correct size. Any club repair facility in your area can do that for you. Get your grips built up or down accordingly and it will always serve you better. Then, if you still have trouble hitting those shots, go see a PGA Professional and get some help with your swing. Also Rob, have them check the stiffness of the shaft while your there. If the shaft is too weak, balloon shots are a possiblity and controlling the direction is tough as well. Grip size alone will not cause what you have described. When you close your hand around the grip, the tips of your fingers (middle and ring) should just touch your thumb pad. Have someone check those for you.
