The TGM® shop window looks at some of the grips available in SA. Look out for Shayne Dowling’s Iomic grip review in the next issue. 

There are a couple of touchpoints that are essential to your golf swing. The most obvious is you standing on the ground – so a good base. The other is, of course, your hands – holding the club. Whether or not you use a glove, the most overlooked or potentially underestimated piece of golfing equipment has to be the grips.

Not only is it about the feeling of confidence the grip gives you, the stickiness, the texture but also the fitment and how it feels at impact. The impact is, of course, influenced by a lot of factors including the head material, shaft and golf ball, but the grip certainly has an effect on your performance before you have even hit a ball. The grip and how it feels and performs will also be influenced by your hand size and fitment, either using tape, or by selecting the correct width of grip. Make sure you get advice from your local pro and get it right, you will be amazed by the results.

Grips are not only available in different thickness and colours but also offer a variety of materials and styles. There are grips that are super sticky, offer single materials and combinations. Some offer better dry vs wet and then there’s a hybrid that should perform in both – which for the amateur is probably a better solution. Don’t forget that your putter also has a number of grip options – from standard to extra thick for side by side hands when putting, or rectangular vs round, a “grippy” rubber compound vs smooth and there are even grips that attempt to assist with alignment.

The bottom line is that the grip is where you hold your club. It influences not only your comfort and feel but also your swing! If your grips are shiny and smooth, it’s time.