In golf, cack-handed refers to an unconventional grip where a golfer places their left hand below their right hand on the club. This is the reverse of the standard grip for right-handed golfers.
Understanding the Cack-Handed Grip
The cack-handed grip is a distinctive method of holding the golf club. Instead of the typical setup where the left hand is positioned above the right (for a right-handed golfer), the cack-handed golfer reverses this, placing their left hand lower than their right hand.
- Standard Grip: Left hand above the right.
- Cack-Handed Grip: Left hand below the right.
This method, while unconventional for most full swings, is a valid alternative some golfers adopt.
Commonality in Golf
While the cack-handed method is widely used by many golfers specifically for putting, it is significantly less common for golfers to adopt this grip for full swings or for every shot played on the course. Most golfers using it for putting will revert to a more traditional grip for drives and iron shots. However, some players, like Gallagher, are known to utilize this grip for all shots, making them notable exceptions in the golfing world.
This grip style is an example of the many variations golfers employ to find comfort and control over their shots, particularly around the greens.
Grip Comparison
To illustrate the difference, here's a quick comparison of the hand placement:
| Grip Type | Left Hand Position | Right Hand Position | Common Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Grip | Above the Right | Below the Left | Most full shots (drives, irons), chipping |
| Cack-Handed | Below the Right | Above the Left | Primarily putting; rarely used for full swings |
