The Infamous Grip Change

The grip change has always been the most controversial element of Mindy's swing. In GSOTF he said you shouldn't try it until playing to single-digit handicap. Then in GTTB he as much as said it is an essential element of the swing. However, two of our members who have done very well with their own versions of the reflex swing, Chris W and Julian Z, use a fixed grip. On the other hand, Richard Wax, still playing to a low handicap in his mid-sixties, has always employed the grip change. I once mentioned to Richard that it seemed to me the grip change was really nothing more than a grip "completion," ie, when executed properly the two hands come together naturally and it is complete by end of takeaway. Richard began referring to the move as a grip completion and used that terminology in the lesson he presents on the Combined Riviera and Orlando DVD which the forum offers for a nominal fee.

Blake's ratonale for the move was that it (1) helps keep the trail elbow forward in the backswing, and (2) keeps the clubface square going back. My own experience has been that it took me a long time to feel comfortable with the grip completion. When I first met and talked with Mindy about his statement in first book that it should only be used after attaining a single-digit handicap, he said, "You look reasonably athletic to me, so go ahead and start using it." My athleticism is not extraordinary and I surmise that anyone could master the grip completion.

At this point I should mention that since member Tom N obtained the actual video of Mindy swinging a club on a 1973 Mike Douglas TV show, more detailed analysis of Blake's swing has been possible. Tom concluded that Mindy's swing is rather conventional, though elite, and he did NOT keep the clubface square throughout his swing (it opened and closed somewhat conventionally). So did Mindy incorporate a move that was, in fact, unnecesary and perhaps even complicated swing execution? You'll have to decide for yourself. Even if it doesn't keep the clubface square, it may help keep the trail elbow forward (connected). You might consider practicing it until it feels smooth and natural. The backswing should be relatively slow anyway, so you will get the hang of it with a some persistence. Then, if it improves your swing, incorporate it, otherwise dispense with it. SD