(tips from the pros ) Maintain Your Grip Checking your grip is key to playing consistent golf By Mike Barge, Hazeltine National GC Photos by Matt Seefeldt T here is no way to overestimate the importance of a good grip. It's the one basic fundamental that sets up all the others. Unfortunately, our grips can change without us realizing it if we don't pay attention. Get in the habit of checking your grip while holding the club up in front of you. It's the best way to see the positioning of both hands, look for gaps and try to eliminate them-and it tends to relax the hands and reduce tension. Using the correct grip and being able to replicate it are the fi rst steps to consistent golf. Mike Barge is the Director of Instruction at Hazeltine National GC and a Class A Member of the PGA of America. 12 MINNESOTAGOLFER Summer 2012 www.mngolf.orghttp://www.mngolf.org