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GripSpeed, Power, and Distance All clubs Beginner / Intermediate ⏱ 5 min 🇫🇷 Video in French

Left-handed grip and loss of distance: Marchildon

Are you lacking distance and do your shots veer to the right? Charles Marchildon, a PGA of Canada professional, often attributes this to the left hand. He highlights the three problems it causes and demonstrates a four-step grip adjustment.

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Charles Marchildon
Charles Marchildon · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.

To be continued

2 minSame problemHank Haney's Loop Exercise to Correct a SliceHank Haney · Beginner / Intermediate3 minNext Level UpReverse-Grip Chipping: Matthieu Pavon's RoutineMatthieu Pavon · Intermediate2 minFrom the same proSleeve in front of the hip at impact: MarchildonCharles Marchildon · Intermediate / Expert

What the lesson shows

According to Charles Marchildon, An incorrect left-hand grip causes three problems, all of which result in a loss of distance. At high speeds, you can’t get the clubface square at impact, and most shots go to the right. To compensate, you unlock your wrists earlier—the main cause of distance loss. And, again to compensate, you alter the club’s path to the left of the target, which results in a slice.

His four-step method. One: the square face toward the target, the handle pointing toward the inside of the left thigh, for all clubs: the ball's position changes, but not the position of the hands. Two: the heel of the left hand resting on top of the grip, not to the side—a priority for Ben Hogan. Three: Close your hand while turning it slightly to the right, with your thumb slightly to the side; you should see three knuckles and the V between the thumb and index finger points toward the right shoulder. Four: the left thumb rests in the palm of the right hand.

The Exercise, Step by Step

  1. Position the square side toward the target, with the handle pointing toward the inside of your left thigh.
  2. Place the heel of your left hand on top of the grip, not on the side.
  3. Close your hand and turn it slightly to the right, with your thumb slightly to the side of the grip.
  4. Check for: three visible knuckles and the V between the thumb and index finger pointing toward the right shoulder.
  5. Add your right hand, with your left thumb tucked into the palm of your right hand.
  6. Keep the same hand position regardless of the club; only the ball position changes.

Key Takeaways

A poor left hand causes three problems that result in a loss of distance.
High-speed open stance, wrists released early, path to the left.
Shaft pointing toward the inside of the left thigh, for all clubs.
Place the heel of your left hand on top of the grip, not on the side.
Three visible knuckles, with the thumb and index finger forming a "V" toward the right shoulder.
Left thumb resting in the palm of the right hand.

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Place the heel of your left hand on the side of the grip.
  • Place your left thumb in the center of the grip.
  • Adjust your hand position depending on the club.
  • Compensate for the ball moving to the right by unlocking your wrists earlier.
  • Compensate by steering the shot to the left, which results in a slice.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

  1. Four-Step Technique for Creating a Ponytail in Front of a Mirror
  2. Check the three joints and the V-shape toward the right shoulder
  3. The same shot with a short iron, a mid-iron, and the driver

Your Questions

How can the left hand cause you to lose distance?

According to Charles Marchildon, a poor grip prevents you from bringing the clubface square at high speed. To compensate for the ball going to the right, you either uncoil your wrists too early or deflect the path to the left—both of which cause a loss of distance.

Where should you place the heel of your left hand?

On top of the grip, not on the side. It’s a reminder that Ben Hogan made this a priority.

How many joints should be visible?

Three knuckles on the left hand, with the V formed by the thumb and index finger pointing toward the right shoulder.

Does the grip vary depending on the club?

No. The club shaft points toward the inside of the left thigh for all clubs, from the short irons to the driver; it’s the ball position that changes.

Learn More

All “Grip” videos →Find the lesson that's right for youAll “Speed, Power, and Distance” videos →Find the lesson that's right for you Reverse-Grip Chipping: Matthieu Pavon's RoutineTo regain his confidence in chipping, Pavon switches to the reverse grip he uses for putting, then follows a pre-shot routine: slope, grain, lie, landing spot, visualization. Hank Haney's Loop Exercise to Correct a SliceThe slicer makes a counterclockwise loop; Haney has him repeat the reverse loop, then roll his hands to the 3 o'clock position. Lee Trevino's Swing: Clubface Control on the RangeThree surfaces to align (club, back of the left hand, right palm), a right hand that acts as a steering wheel, and a ball that is moved to choose between a draw or a fade. Charles MarchildonAll of his lessons

Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Charles Marchildon). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons, without hosting them.

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