Do You Use the Same Grip for Driver And Irons?

One of the most frequently asked questions among golfers is do you use the same grip for driver and irons or not. The answer is ‘Yes.’ All the grips of all of your golf clubs must be identical in terms of material, size and weight for consistency in your play. 

Whether you go for a driver, hybrid or iron, use the same grip you’re comfortable with. Your choice of grip depends on the size of your hand, not the swing you want to make. The angle of your strike and your posture at the address determines drivers and irons.

Let’s discuss this further by explaining the difference between driver and irons and between different grips!

The Difference between the Driver and the Iron

You can play either play iron or driver, depending on the distance to be covered and the narrowness of the landing zone. Nevertheless, in the collective unconscious, the tee shot is often synonymous with long-distance and, therefore, with the driver. 

This very specific club is often one of the golf player’s favorites. The driver is often associated with the pleasure of achieving distance and unfolding a golfer’s swing without restraint.

A standard bag of clubs has a maximum of 14 clubs, which are those allowed by the Rules of Golf. Of these 14 clubs, there are 9 or 10 clubs called irons that the player uses to reach intermediate and short distances.

The main basics of a good swing are the same for driver and irons, but the angle of the strike is different. With a driver and the ball resting on a tee, the hitting angle is more neutral and requires a slightly more horizontal swing plane. 

The objective with a driver is also to gain distance in a driver. It will be necessary to produce more speed, and the amplitude of the swing will therefore be greater. But beware! When you want to gain distance, remember to keep a good pace and balance until the finish.

In a classic shot with irons, the golf ball must be located in the central axis), whereas, when using a driver, position yourself 15 to 20 cm back on your right.

Hitting the ball during the clubhead lift phase is important for two reasons. The first is to get a good takeoff angle for the golf ball. The second reason is that you eliminate the retro effect by hitting the ball going up and thus allow the ball to roll longer and find better distances.

different golf grips for different clubs

The second component of a good driver’s shot is the swing plane. The plane of movement of the driver is horizontal, whereas, in irons, it is very vertical. Many golfers make the mistake of keeping their shot vertical when hitting the driver. 

If you keep it vertical, you will hit the ball too early in the descending phase. You cut the ball in a vertical movement plane and give it a short tennis chop-like effect and fluffy cushioning with a slice-like trajectory. Ideally, you should adopt a more horizontal plane as if you were mowing wheat in a field.

Position Yourself Correctly at the Address

As with all clubs, there are three main principles: good grip, good posture and good alignment. The hands’ position on the club must be neutral to guarantee a square face of the club at impact. 

The dynamic posture will guarantee you good amplitude and good balance throughout your swing. Finally, a good alignment will allow you to play perfectly straight.

Open loft or Closed Loft?

The choice of loft depends on several parameters: your level of play, the general shape of your swing, your usual ball trajectory and the one you are looking for. 

The final objective is to find the best compromise between comfort, power, precision and regularity. To choose the loft that suits you best, you must also consider the quality of the shaft used, which will also have a significant influence on this ball trajectory.

The larger the loft, the easier the driver. In such a case, you will have to choose a loft generally between 8.5° or 10.5°, which is also best suited to the course you usually play. For irons, a three, four and five-iron traditionally come at around 20°, 25° and 29°, respectively. 

A six-iron is typically at 31°, a seven-iron at 34°, and the eight and nine-irons often come with 37° and 41° of loft, respectively.

Do You Use The Same Grip For Driver and Irons?

Depending on the way you play, it is generally advisable to change your grip about every year. Below are some tips to help you find the right grip!

different golf grips for different clubs

You must take into account different elements when choosing and renewing your grips golf club. It is necessary to measure your hand and your middle finger to precisely define the size of the grip you will need and the one that best suits your profile. 

The grip sizes are divided into several families, with grips adapted to the “hand/middle finger” size ratio, classified from the smallest to the largest, namely:

  • Junior
  • Undersize
  • Standard
  • Midsize
  • Oversize

The Grip Weight

The weight of the grip is also to be taken into account so as not to lose playing quality. Be sure to maintain the usual weight so as not to lose swing weight and thus keep the balance of your golf club.

Round or Ribbed Grip

There are two main types of grip: the Round grip and the ribbed grip. The “Round” grip has a rounded shape, where the “Ribbed” has a bulge under the grip, a bulge made to be able to place your hands like a guide. 

It is not recommended to use a ribbed type grip on wedges, as this is a club used, for example, in bunkers, where you can open your clubface.

Material of the Grip

The material also plays a role in playing comfort. Club grips are generally strung made of rubber, polymer or leather. The rubber grip is a basic that is most often used. 

It offers a good grip of the hand. Leather grips are more expensive and offer a good grip for the hands; however, they tend to wear out more quickly, especially during intensive use.

Polymer grips have excellent adhesion and can be used in any weather.

Finally, strung grips are recommended for golfers with high swing speeds and are very absorbent against perspiration. But beware, these are a little abrasive and not very pleasant to the touch.

Now you know the difference between driver and irons and the importance of choosing the correct grip. Do not forget to share this information with your golf mates, and let us know if it worked for you!

Travis
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