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Get a Grip: An inexpensive way for golfers to get a new club feel
Golfers who could use a boost in their games may just need to get a grip. Literally.
A player's swing, along with their ability to putt and chip and all essentials to get the most out of your game. However, if you don't have a good grip on your clubs you might be short-changing yourself.
That's where Ray Crawford, manager of the Frank E. Peters Municipal Golf Course in Nevada, can provide assistance.
Crawford, who wants all golfers to attain the most enjoyment possible from the game, has re-gripped golf clubs the past 15 years.
According to Crawford, avid golfers should re-grip their clubs each year. If you don't hit the links on a regular basis, you likely need to re-grip your clubs only every 2 to 3 years.
The winter months ahead mark a perfect time for golfers to get a re-grip.
"It makes you feel like you've got new clubs. They feel better and you are probably going to play better," Crawford said.
In just a few simple steps Crawford can transform a worn out grip -- which can lead to players fostering a negative feeling over the ball or even cause the club to slip in their hands during the swing -- into a new-club feel.
Crawford first places a golf club into a vice with a three-inch rubber protection holder for the shaft. He then uses a razor blade type fishhook -- where he is more deliberate on graphite shafts as opposed to the more durable steel shafts -- to slice open and remove the old grip. He then proceeds to place two-way tape over the area of the club's shaft where the new grip will be placed.
Crawford then squirts grip solvent into the new grip and onto the two-sided tape to ensure the new grip gets soaked all the way through so it will take hold. The new grip is applied to complete the process.
After a period of 2-3 hours the club is ready for action, although Crawford suggests waiting until the next day to take your first swings.
There are a wide range of grip prices. Junior golfers may want to go the most economical route and get new grips for about $1.50 to $2 a club. The most expensive grips cost in the $9 range.
"The price you pay depends on who is putting it on," Crawford noted.
Crawford charges roughly $1 over his cost per club and $1 for installing the grip on the club.
Crawford can slice off the old grip, tape, add grip solvent and apply the new grip in a matter of minutes.
"Anybody could do this. You just have to have the tools to do it. Ninety-eight percent of the people would probably rather have someone else put the grips on for them," Crawford said.
If a player doesn't desire a complete overhaul on grips, Crawford recommends they at least get a couple of their most used clubs done each year.
Crawford also pointed out a few nuggets of wisdom that could help golfers maintain more proper care of their clubs.
"If you notice thumb marks on the grip, it's an indication you are gripping the club way too tight," Crawford said.
He also pointed out that golf bags with padding around the edges help reduce wear on clubs along with the fact that clubs left flat on golf carts between shots can lead to improper wear near the bottom of the shaft near the clubface.
"Golf is a great game you can play the rest of your life. No matter how good you are, there is someone better than you. And no matter how bad you are, there is someone worse. That's what makes golf great."