PHOTO PROVIDED Look for wear in the thumb area.

Gripping your club too tightly will cause a loss of distance and clubhead speed. It can also cause tendinitis of the forearm and cost you money

Grips have become expensive and too much grip pressure destroys your grips up to a year early. The grip pressure should be the same amount as any other implement you hold in your hands, such as a hammer.

There shouldn’t be noticeable wear in the thumb area of the grip. If you hold the club properly, grip wear should be unnoticeable. Work on relaxing the arms and hands; your clubhead speed will increase to 10 miles per hour.

Don’t forget to enjoy this great game called golf.

Rick Musselman, a golf author and professional, owns Musselman’s Golf in Williamsport.