[70sSanO]

I'm not sure this is senior related, but I'm 58, you guys have probably seen it all, and the post will probably stay on the first page for more than 8 hours, so this is where it goes.

I've played a whole bunch more tennis in my life than golf. In tennis if I want to hit with a semi-western grip there are edges on the handle to assist in placing your hand at the same place each time, or slightly rotate it for more or less topspin.

Putters generally have a flat edge to line up your hands.

So... I was wondering if anyone makes an octagon shaped grip similar to a tennis racquet handle (Except symmetrical)?

If so has anyone tried one?

It seems like a no brainer to me to get the proper setup with club square or slightly opened/closed. You would need to make sure the person re-gripping the clubs spends some quality time lining things up.

Hmmm... This could be the invention I've been looking for to get me retired and on the course, court, in the surf, etc. everyday!

Any thoughts?

John

[rthodges]

Sorry to rain on your parade, but the rules of golf don't permit what you are suggesting. See the quote from the rules below...


3. The Grip

a. Definition

Appendix II, 3 begins by stating that:
The grip consists of material added to the shaft to enable the player to obtain a firm hold. The grip must be straight and plain in form, must extend to the end of the shaft and must not be molded for any part of the hands. If no material is added, that portion of the shaft designed to be held by the player must be considered the grip.

The grip is principally for the purpose of assisting the player in obtaining a firm hold — so that the club does not slip or twist out of the player’s hand.

In order to accommodate both hands, the grip must be at least seven inches (177.8 mm) in length. This also applies to clubs which have been designed to be used one-handed. For putters with two grips, see The Grip, Section 3c.

When no material is added to the part of the shaft designed to be held by the player, the Rules relating to the grip take precedence over the Rules relating to the shaft. Therefore, equal bending in any direction would not be required in that area (see Design of Clubs, Section 2b).

When examining grips, it is sometimes very difficult to make a ruling without examining and comparing examples of other grips which are known to either conform or not conform. However, this is not something which would normally be possible in the field. It may help to remember that the overall consideration is that a grip “must not be molded for any part of the hands.”
If a certain feature on the grip enables the player to place his hands in exactly the same position every time, solely by feel and without actually looking at the grip, then it must be determined whether that feature renders the grip “molded for the hands.” An extreme example of a grip which would be ruled “molded for the hands” is the type of ‘training grip’ often used to help beginners. However, a grip which has subtle changes in surface texture would usually be considered conforming. Likewise, printed markings which assist with the correct placement of the hands visually would not normally be considered non-conforming. Most of the details contained in Design of Clubs, Sections 3b and 3c serve to clarify and expand on this basic principle.

b. Cross-section

Appendix II, 3(i) and (ii) states that:
(i) For clubs other than putters the grip must be circular in cross-section, except that a continuous, straight, slightly raised rib may be incorporated along the full length of the grip, and a slightly indented spiral is permitted on a wrapped grip or a replica of one.

(ii) A putter grip may have a non-circular cross-section, provided the cross-section has no concavity, is symmetrical and remains generally similar throughout the length of the grip.

Grips on woods and iron clubs are allowed to deviate from circular by having a slightly raised rib running along the full length of the grip (often called a “reminder rib”).

“Slightly raised” is interpreted to mean that the maximum and minimum diameters of the cross-section at any point must not differ by more than 0.040 inches (1 mm). This measurement can be taken using a pair of calipers.

In the case of a standard length grip (approximately 10 inches (254 mm) in length), the “full length of the grip” is interpreted to mean that the rib must extend to within 3 inches (76.2mm) of the tip. This is generally regarded as enough to cover the span of the player’s hands on the grip.

[JoeF]

Way back in the day, I know I had them on clubs in the 60's, there were grips with a flat side om it to aid in hand placement. These, of course, are now illegal

[70sSanO]

rthodges,

Thanks for the reply... as disappointing as it was.

Well, I guess it is back to the grind.

Thanks!

John

[wkuo3]

JoeF, on Aug 31 2009, 07:29 AM, said:

Way back in the day, I know I had them on clubs in the 60's, there were grips with a flat side om it to aid in hand placement. These, of course, are now illegal

Only in the grips for putters, the flat front side is still conforming.