Ben Hogan's Grip And Blisters: A Troubleshooting Guide For Golfers

Ben Hogan's grip, a cornerstone of his legendary swing, has captivated golfers for generations. His book, Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf, meticulously details his approach to the game, including his grip technique. However, many golfers attempting to emulate Hogan's grip, often described as a strong or neutral grip, encounter issues like blistering, as highlighted in the query. This article delves into the intricacies of Hogan's grip, explores the potential causes of blistering, and provides practical advice on adopting the grip effectively while minimizing the risk of injury.

The Essence of Ben Hogan's Grip

At the heart of Ben Hogan's grip philosophy lies the concept of controlling the clubface throughout the swing. Hogan believed that a proper grip is the foundation for a consistent and powerful golf swing. His grip is characterized by several key elements:

• The Left Hand Grip: Hogan advocated for placing the club primarily in the fingers of the left hand, rather than the palm. This allows for greater wrist hinge and clubhead control. The 'V' formed by the thumb and forefinger of the left hand should point towards the right shoulder (for a right-handed golfer). This is often referred to as a strong or neutral grip, depending on the degree of rotation.
• The Right Hand Grip: The right hand complements the left, fitting snugly on the club. Hogan emphasized the importance of the right hand acting as a supporting lever, applying pressure from the fingers rather than the palm. The 'V' formed by the thumb and forefinger of the right hand should point towards the chin or right shoulder.
• Interlocking or Overlapping: Hogan himself used the interlocking grip, where the pinky finger of the right hand interlocks with the index finger of the left hand. However, he acknowledged the overlapping (Vardon) grip, where the pinky finger of the right hand rests on top of the index finger of the left hand, as a viable alternative. The choice between these grips often comes down to personal preference and hand size.
• Grip Pressure: Hogan stressed the importance of a light grip pressure, often described as holding the club as one would hold a bird – firm enough to control it, but not so tight as to crush it. Excessive grip pressure restricts wrist hinge and arm movement, leading to tension and inconsistency.

Understanding these elements is crucial for adopting Hogan's grip correctly. However, simply mimicking the hand placement without considering the underlying principles can lead to problems, including blistering.

Blistering: A Sign of Incorrect Grip Technique

Blistering, as experienced by the golfer in the query, is a common complaint among those attempting to change their grip, particularly when adopting a more unconventional grip like Hogan's. Blisters are fluid-filled pockets that form on the skin due to friction. In the context of golf, blisters typically arise from:

• Excessive Grip Pressure: Gripping the club too tightly is the most frequent cause of blisters. A death grip restricts the natural movement of the hands and wrists during the swing, leading to increased friction between the skin and the grip. This is particularly problematic when trying Ben Hogan's grip, which emphasizes a lighter hold.
• Incorrect Hand Placement: If the hands are not positioned correctly on the club, they may rub against the grip in unnatural ways, creating friction points. For instance, if the club is held too much in the palm of the hand, the skin can bunch up and rub during the swing.
• Grip Material and Condition: The material and condition of the grip itself can contribute to blistering. Worn or slick grips can cause the hands to slip, leading to increased friction. Conversely, grips that are too firm or have an abrasive texture can also irritate the skin.
• Lack of Calluses: Golfers who are new to the game or who play infrequently may not have developed sufficient calluses on their hands. Calluses provide a protective layer against friction, and their absence can make the skin more susceptible to blistering.
• Swing Mechanics: Inefficient swing mechanics can also contribute to blistering. For example, excessive wrist hinging or a jerky swing motion can increase friction between the hands and the grip. While Ben Hogan's grip promotes wrist hinge, it should be a natural and controlled motion, not a forced one.

Therefore, the blistering experienced after a half-round and a range session suggests that the golfer may be gripping the club too tightly, have an incorrect hand placement, or be using grips that are not suitable for their hands.

Troubleshooting Blisters and Refining Your Grip

Addressing blistering requires a multifaceted approach, focusing on grip pressure, hand placement, grip condition, and swing mechanics. Here's a step-by-step guide to troubleshooting blisters and refining your grip, especially when attempting Ben Hogan's grip:

1. Assess Your Grip Pressure: The first step is to evaluate your grip pressure. Try the