When it is early in the golf season and you have not had a chance to play and practice much in several months, having a sound grip is critical.  As your only real connection to the golf club your hands must be placed on the club in the correct manner.  With a poor grip even a good golf swing can produce a poor shot that will cost you valuable strokes.

 

Keep in mind the important parts of a good grip include having the club sit diagonally across the fingers of your left hand (for right-handed golfers) from the base of your pinky to the middle of your index finger.  The opposite obviously applies for left-handed players.  Placing the club in the fingers of your left hand improves the range of motion in your wrists and allows you to create the proper amount of wrist hinge during the golf swing.  The fitting of the left hand on the club is most important, as it will allow the right hand to fit comfortably onto the club as well.

I advise using a specific glove just for practice sessions.  As the club sits diagonally across your fingers use a bold pen to draw a line on your glove illustrating the correct placement of the club (pictured).  This becomes a great reference point during future practice sessions, especially early in the season when you want to feel as comfortable as possible.  I have seen all levels of golfers, from beginners to touring professionals, refer to lines on their glove during practice sessions.  It is also a great way for juniors to practice.

 

Keep these simple thoughts in mind during your next practice session and have a great season.