Questions & Answers Responses from PGA/LPGA Teachers on FINDaLESSON.com                                                                                  << BACK From John, golfer: "I lost the ring finger on my right hand in an accident at work; this has left the pinky extremely weak. I have tried various forms of the accepted standard grips to various degrees of success. Because of my injury, I find the grip and support on my right hand greatly reduced on the two remaining fingers with a tendency for the bottom of my right hand to almost leave the club. I was wondering if in your experience or travels you have come across a similar problem and could possibly offer me some advice or tips?" PGA/LPGA TEACHING PROFESSIONAL RESPONSES: California "John, have you ever heard the saying "I thought my leg hurt till I saw a man who couldn't walk"? I have taught golfers with Parkinson's disease, one arm, one leg and worse. Your situation while unique is not uncommon. In golf there are two kinds of players; strikers and swingers. Because of your accident I believe you should be relegated to the fact that you must be a striker of the ball. Therefore, I suggest that you use the ten fingered or baseball grip to practice or play. Of the three basic grips; inter-locking, over-lapping and ten fingered; the ten fingered grip offers the greatest strength and control. Do not hesitate to be a right hand dominant player and practice it as you must. I would also suggest that you use hand strengthening that are common to the market. See your local PGA professional with this information." - A.J. Molitor, Teaching Professional California "John: Sorry to hear about your accident. Unlike other sports, golf is very unique in that people can play with all sorts of disabilities provided their instructor knows cause and effect and can build a compensation into the swing. In your instance, I would make sure the grip is in the fingers of the right hand as that is where the control comes from. As long as the grip is in the fingers and is a proper one (V's in line pointing right of your chin and matching), you can grip as firm as you like and still get the proper rotation. I would guess from what you have said that your left hand grip is incorrect and your hands are not working in sync. Find a respected professional known for working with special cases. I have worked with a number of students who have no knee daps, one arm, stroke victims, leg braces, no thumb, etc. The real challenge is finding the swing that works for them. Good luck and Good Golfing."  - Kati Biszantz, Teaching Professional Minnesota "I have seen many pictures of Fred Couples and Vijay Singh with only their thumb and fore-finger on the club at impact. I think that you want your right active in the swing, just not too soon. Try retaining the angle between your left arm and the shaft a little longer, releasing your right hand a little later in the downswing." - Jim Manthis, Teaching Professional Texas "John: Sorry to hear about your injury. To fix this we need to look at your grip. First of all I will recommend a two finger grip instead of an interlocking or overlapping. Secondly, shake hands with your right hand and the club. Look to see where the V points. It will probably point toward the right side of your right shoulder. Then insert your left thumb in the life line of your right hand. Make certain the Left V points to the rear of the right shoulder as does the right one. This is what people refer to as a strong grip but it fits your body type. Trust it and you will hit better shots."  - Dave Baron, Teaching Professional