Your thumb may be wrecking your swing. Here’s how to fix it

Your hands are the only connection between you and the club, so it’d be wise for you to make sure you’re gripping the club properly. But despite the huge importance of solid grip fundamentals, for many recreational golfers, it’s an afterthought.

Look, I get it. Dialing in your grip is not the most fun form of practice. But if you’re serious about becoming a consistent golfer, you’d be wise to dedicate some time to figuring it out.

Don’t believe me? Just watch Scottie Scheffler on the range when he practices. Not only does he use a molded grip to make sure his fundamentals are correct, he also obsesses over where his hands are on the club before every shot. If it works for him, it’ll work for you.

In the text below, GOLF Top 100 Teacher Mike Dickson sheds some light on how your lead-hand thumb impacts your grip — and how you can make sure it’s in the best position for solid swings.

Master clubface control by doing this

A key component to controlling the golf ball is controlling the club face. Most amateur golfers struggle with this because of an incorrect grip — especially on the lead hand — which compromises club face control and creates a chain reaction of swing faults.

One of the biggest culprits? The position of the lead-hand thumb. A poorly positioned thumb often leads to slices, casting, a lack of power, and inconsistency. Most players place their lead-hand thumb straight down the center of the shaft. This is the worst place to put it.

Athletes coming to golf from sports like tennis, baseball, softball, or hockey often don’t rely on thumbs to grip their equipment. Typically, the thumbs wrap around or barely touch the object. But in golf, where the club moves much faster, thumb placement becomes crucial to controlling the club face.

It’s not just about how the hands connect to the grip — it’s about how they control the club face.

Rethink your setup routine

Let’s start by examining how most golfers approach the ball: They walk up, set their feet, place the club on the ground, and then try to figure out their grip. This often leads to an awkward and inconsistent setup.

Now compare that to what tour players do:

• They start behind the ball, picking a target and visualizing the shot.
• As they walk into the shot, they grip the club with it held at waist height, not resting on the ground.
• They approach the ball with feet unset, place the club behind the ball, and carefully aim the club face.
• Only after the face is aligned do they build their stance — feet parallel to the target line.

This is the complete opposite of what most amateurs do. And the most important part? The club was gripped while in the air, not on the ground.

Creating a neutral grip

Let’s set you up with a Tour-Neutral grip, starting with your lead hand.

Step 1: Mark your glove

You’ll need a Sharpie for this part. Put on your glove and mark a small dot in the center of the webbing between your thumb and index finger. This spot lines up with an anatomical area known as the snuff box in your wrist.

This dot — not your thumb — should line up with the center of the shaft. This is non-negotiable. Most golfers try to place their hand by looking at the palm, but it’s far easier and more effective to use this marked dot as your guide.

Step 2: Hold the glove to take your grip

Hold the shaft just below the grip with your trail hand, pointing the butt of the club toward your belly button. The shaft should be at a slight angle — not vertical or horizontal.

Extend your glove hand out in front of you. Rotate it about 30 degrees to the right (away from the target), then bend the wrist back slightly.

The first part of the hand to connect to the grip is the heel pad, followed by the thumb pad, which should rest just right of center on the shaft. Once the thumb is placed, wrap the fingers around naturally.

Your trail hand is now perfectly positioned to slide down onto the grip, resting over the lead thumb. You may interlock the fingers if you prefer, but it’s not required. In fact, for players with smaller hands, interlocking can often make the right-hand grip too strong, which may close the face too quickly through impact.

Step 3: Align and address the ball

With your grip set, it’s time to address the ball. I recommend using a visual reference point a few feet in front of the ball — aligned with your target — to help with aim.

If you struggle with alignment, especially on tee shots or putts, take advantage of the opportunity to aim while touching the ball. Carefully square the club face to your target first — then set your stance.

Step 4: Final check

Once you’re in position, glance down and check your grip — especially the lead hand. Poor grips often feel uncomfortable at first, but that discomfort is often a sign you’re doing it right. (And frankly, it’s why I have a job!)

Final thoughts

Now that your hands are properly on the club, you’re ready to start hitting compressed, solid shots that fly straight at your target. Remember, the grip is the only connection you have to the club—and ultimately, to the golf ball.

Get this right, and you’ll be amazed at the difference in your swing, your consistency, and your confidence.

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