CA2456264A1

CA2456264A1 - Improved golf club shaft and grip and method for gripping golf club

Info

Publication number: CA2456264A1
Application number: CA002456264A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Yoshihiko Shioda
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-02-26
Filing date: 2004-01-26
Publication date: 2004-08-26
Also published as: US20040166956A1; EP1452208A1; JP2004255179A; AU2004200596A1; KR20040076594A; US20050107181A1

Abstract

An improved golf club shaft comprising a plurality of alternating circular and rectangular cross-sections extending from a top end of the shaft toward a club head and a corresponding grip which closely follows the alternating cross-sectional contour of the shaft. The rectangular cross-sections allow the shaft of the golf club to fit between chosen fingers on either hand of a golfer, thus stiffening the golfer's grip an the club without creating additional tension in the golfer's arms, which can cause extraneous motion. Improved golf club shaft grips, employing the alternating cross-sectional area system as disclosed for the improved shaft are attachable to conventional golf club shafts for a golfer's use. An improved method for holding a golf club, conventional or as taught herein, to provide additional stability to a golfer during a golf swing is also taught.

Description

IMPROVED GOLF CLUB SHAFT AND GRIP AND
METHOD FOR GRIPPING GOLF CLUB
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001 ] The present invention relates to an improved golf club shaft and .
grip and an improved method of gripping a golf club.
BACKGROUND

(0002] Golf is a recreational and competitive sport that is a popular with large numbers of people of all ages. One of the skills necessary to play the sport well is the ability to maintain control of the golf club before, during, and after swinging the club to contact the golf ball. This skill is particularly important when putting. Many golfers;
however, struggle to maintain the proper attitude of the golf club during the swing when using a conventional grip. Thus, the golf club strikes the golf ball at an incorrect angle, causing the golf ball to travel in an undesirable direction.

(0003] Attempts to prevent such extraneous motion of a golf club during a' golf swing P
have included wrist braces intended to prevent movement of the wrist, thereby preventing corresponding movement of the golf club.

(0004] For putters, in particular, various means to better control the golf club during a golf swing have been put forth. For example, U.S. Patent No. 3,679,207, discloses the construction of a golf putter that allows the golfer to use a type of croquet stance instead of the conventional golf stance. The shaft of the patented club is considerably longer than a conventional putter and is used by gripping the club at the end of the shaft with one hand while gripping the shaft at the center of balance with the other hand, thus creating a type of fulcrum effect to prevent extraneous motion of the club. Other inventions, such as U.S. Patent Nos. 4,592,,552, and D201,250, disclose extending the shaft of a golf club above a central grip, resulting in the club having approximately the same weight above as below the grip position. Such counter-weighting is also thought to control extraneous motion of the club during a swing.

(0005] While these approaches may be effective, they do not address a very important aspect of controlling extraneous motion of a golf club being swung: the manner in which the golf club is gripped by a golfer. There is a desire, then, for a golf club providing an improved grip and method for gripping a golf club that controls such undesired motion.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0006] The improved golf club shaft and grip and method for gripping a golf club of the present invention proposes to provide golfer with golf club having a club head attached to a shaft via a hosel, wherein the shaft comprises a plurality of alternating circular and rectangular cross-sections extending from the top end of the shaft (opposite the hosel). A
grip covering a portion of the shaft, closely follows the alternating cross-sectional contour of the shaft. The rectangular cross-sections allow the shaft of the golf club to fit between chosen fingers on either hand of a golfer, thus stiffening the golfer's grip on the club without creating additional tension in , the golfer's arms, which can cause extraneous motion. Further, such a grip allows the golfer's wrists to remain aligned with the hands, again providing a more controlled grip and, subsequently, swing of the gaff club.

[0007] The present invention also provides different grip configurations that can be mounted on conventional golf club shafts. These grip configurations provide various locations at which a golfer may grip the golf club shaft during a golf swing.
[.fl008] The present invention also teaches a method for holding a golf club on which a preferred embodiment of the shaft and/or. grip are used, the method providing additional stability during the swing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0009] Further features, embodiments, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the drawings;
wherein:
[0010) Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a golf club according to one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, illustrating a golfer with the golf' club in preparation of swinging the golf club;
[0011] Fig: 2 is a side elevation illustrating the shape of a preferred embodiment of the golf club shaft and grip;
[0012] Fig. 3 is a magnification of an area of Fig. 2, illustrating the transition between club shaft and grip profiles;
(0013] Fig. 4 is a cross-section of the golf club of Fig. 2, taken along the line 4-4, illustrating one profile of the club shaft and grip;
[0014) Fig. 5 is a cross-section of the golf club of Fig. 2, taken along the line 5-5, illustrating a second profile of the club shaft and grip;

[0015) Fig. 6 is a front elevation of the golf club .of Fig. 2, illustrating the profiles of the club shaft and grip;
[0016) Fig. 7 is a side elevation, illustrating a golf club having conventional shaft and grip profiles;
[0017) Fig. 8 shows a golf club shaft similar to that in Fig. ?, illustrating an embodiment of a grip of the present invention surrounding the club shaft;
[OOIB] Fig: 9 shows a golf club shaft similar to that in Fig. 7, illustrating another embodiment of a grip of the present invention surrounding the club shaft;
(0019) Fig. 10 shows a golf club shaft similar to that in Fig. 7, illustrating another embodiment of a grip of the present invention surrounding the club shaft;
(0020] Fig. 11 shows a golf club shaft similar to that in Fig. 7, illustrating another embodiment of a grip- of the present invention surrounding the club shaft;
(0021) Fig. 12 shows a golf club shaft similar to that in Fig. ?, illustrating another embodiment of a grip of the present invention surrounding the club shaft;
~Q022) Figs. 13-16 are a series of partial perspective views of a golf club shaft according to one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, illustrating a method of gripping a golf club shaft according to one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention;
(0023) Fig. 17 shows a golf club shaft similar to that in Fig. 13, illustrating another embodiment of a method a gripping a golf club shaft;
[0024) Fig. 18 shows a golf club shaft similar to that in Fig. 13, illustrating another embodiment of a method a gripping a golf club shaft;
[0025) Fig. 19 shows a golf club shaft similar to that in Fig. 13, illustrating another embodiment of a method a gripping a golf club shaft;
(0026] Figs. 20-21 are a series of partial perspective views of a golf club shaft according to one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, illustrating a method of gripping a golf club shaft according to . one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention;
[0027) Figs. 22-24 are a series of partial perspective views of a conventional golf club shaft, illustrating a method of gripping a golf club shaft according to one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention; and [0028) Fig. 2S is a cross-section of the golf club similar to that in Fig. S, illustrating placement of angers about a golf club shaft using a method of gripping a golf club shaft according to one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0029] Refernng now to the drawings, wherein like components are identified by similar numbers, a preferred embodiment of the improved golf club shaft and grip are shown in Figures 1-12. As illustrated in Fig. 7; a typical golf club 7S comprises a head 45, a hosel 55 and.a shaft 65. The shaft 65 has a top end 67 and a bottom end 69. The bottom end 69 of the shaft 65 is attached to the hosel S5. The club head 4S is attached to the hosel SS
opposite the shaft 65. A grip 85 surrounds a portion of the shaft 65, generally starting at the top end 67 of the shaft 65 and extending along the shaft 65 to a position intermediate the top end 67 and the bottom end 69 of the shaft 65. As shown in Fig. 1, a golfer 25 typically holds the golf club 75 by grasping the golf club 75 at the grip 185.
[0030] The club shaft 165 shown in Figures I-6 comprises three parts: an upper part U, a lower part B and a middle part M intermediate that upper and lower parts U, B.
The upper and lower parts U, B camprise cylinders having circular cross-sections of a defined and uniform diameter. The middle part M of the shaft 165 comprises a plurality of alternating rectangular 165b and circular 165a and cross-sectional areas. The circular cross-sections l6Sa are uniformly cylindrical and have the same diameter as that of the upper and lower parts U, B of the shaft 165. The rectangular cross-sections l6Sb have a length L, a width W and a height H. As seen in Figures 4 and S, the length L
of the rectangular cross-sections 165b is approximately the same as the diameter of the circular cross-sections 165a; The width W of the rectangular cross-sections l6Sb is less than the length L. Further, the width W and the height H of the rectangular cross-sections 165b are of a size to allow a golfer to easily position the rectangular cross-sections 165b between two fingers, as shown in Fig: 25. The grip 185 covers the upper part U, the middle part M, and a portion of the lower part B of the shaft 165, as shown in Figures 2-6.
Within the middle part M of the shaft.l65, the grip 185 has a convex profile relative to the circular cross-sectional areas 165a. Such a profile allows the portions of the grip 185 covering the circular cross-sectional areas l6Sa in the middle part M of the shaft 16S to have the same outer diameter as the portions of the grip 185 covering the upper part U
and the portion of the lower part B, hence providing a familiar gripping area for the golfer. As illustrated in Figs. 4 and S, the portions of the grip 18S covering the rectangular cross-sectional areas l6Sb of the middle part M of the shaft 16S
are less dense than those portions of the grip 18S covering the circular cross-sectional areas l6Sa. This lack of density provides a level of comfort and security to the golfer without impeding the placement of the rectangular cross-sectional areas l6Sb between two fingers of the golfer's hand, as shown in Fig. 2S.
[0031] In a preferred embodiment, transitions between the circular cross-sectional areas l6Sa and the rectangular cross-sectional areas l6Sb of the middle part M and the transitions between the upper IJ and lower B parts with the middle part M may be conical shaped to prevent excessive wear or abrasion at the transitions.
[0032] Fig. 7, as discussed above, illustrates and typical golf club 7S with a shaft 6S and grip 8S. In other preferred embodiments, as illustrated in Figs. 8-11, the shaft 6S (as shown in Fig. 7} maintains a uniform, cylindrical, shape from the top end 67.
to the bottom end 69 while the grip 8S changes contour. In Figs. 8-lI, the grip 285, 385, 485, $8S comprises a first part 287, 387, 487, S87 and a second part 289, 389, 489, 589. The first parts 287, 387, 487, S87 of each grip 285, 385, 485, S8S comprise a contour similar to a conventional grip of a golf club 7S, as shown in Fig. 7. The second parts 289, 389, 489, S89 of each grip 285, 385, 485, S8S comprises at least one contoured area having a profile different than that of a conventional grip.
[0033] As shown in Fig. 8, the first part 287 of the grip 28S covers the shaft 6S starting at the top end 67 and extending to abut the second part 289 of the grip 285. The second part 289.of the grip 28S extends between the abutting first part 287 and the bottom end 69 of the shaft 6S. The second part 289 of the grip is convex. .
[0034] Figs. 9 and 10 illustrate grips 385, 48S in which the second parts .389; 4$9 each has a conventional portion 3$9a, 489a and a protruding portion 389b, 489b. In Fig. 9, the conventional portion 389a of the second part 389 is located intermediate the first part 3$7 of the grip 38S and the protruding portion 389b of the second part 389 of-the grip 385.
The protruding portion 389b surrounds the shaft 6S in a uniform, geometric shape. In Fig. 9, the protruding portion 389b resembles a vertical hexagonal.
[0035] In Fig. 10, the protruding portiow 489b is intermediate the conventional portion 489a of the second part 489 and the first part 487 of the grip 485. The protruding portion S

489b surrounds the shaft 65 in a uniform, geometric shape. In Fig. 10, the protruding portion 489b is convex.
[0036] As shown in Fig. 11, the second part 589b of the grip 585 may include multiple contours. The first part 587 of the grip 585 extends from the top end 67 of the shaft 65 to abutting proximity to the second part 589: The second part 589 extends from a terminus of the first part 587 toward the bottom end G9 of the shaft G5. The second part comprises protruding portions 589b connected by a short conventional portion 589a. The protruding portions 589b may be the same or different shapes. In Fig. 11, the protruding portions S89b are the same shape. Further, the protruding portions 583b rnay.be of any geometric shape. In Fig. 11, the protruding portions 589b are barrel shaped.
[0037] Fig. 12 illustrates a preferred embodiment combining elements of the contoured golf club shaft 665 as shown in Figs. 1-6, and of the contoured grip 685, as shown in Fig.

8. The shaft 665 comprises three sections: an upper section U and a lower section B, both of which have a conventionally cylindrical shape; and a middle section M
intermediate the upper and Iower sections U, B of the shaft 665. The middle section M of is cylindrically shaped with a circular cross-section having a diameter between about 0.25 and 0.5 that of the diameter of the upper and lower sections U, B. Transitions between the sections may be abrupt or gradual. As illustrated in Fig. 12, the transition between the upper section U and the middle section M is substantially an abrupt, square-edged demarcation, while the transition between the middle section M and the lower section B is a gradual, comically shaped transition. The grip 685 comprises a first part 687 and a second part 689. The first part 687 comprises a contour similar to a conventional grip of a golf club 75, as shown in Fig. 7. The second part 689 of the grip 685 comprises at least one contoured area having a profile different than that of a conventional grip. ' As .shown in Fig. 12, the first part 687 of the grip 685 covers the shaft 665 starting at the,top end 667 and extending to abutting engagement with the second part 689. The second part 689 of the grip 685 extends between the abutting first part 687 and the bottom end 669 of the shaft 665. The second part 689 of the grip 665 may have any geometric shape.
The second part 689 of the grip 665 shown in Fig. 12 is convex.
[0038] Figs. 13-18 illustrate a preferred method for gripping the golf club 75 shown in Figs. 1-6. The golfer 25 first positions the golf club 75 with the head 45 of the golf club 75 adjacent to a striking surface {e.g., a greens area on a golf course) and a golf ball 35 and perpendicular to the golfer 25, as shown m Fig. I. The golfer 25 positions a first hand 27 in proximity to the golf club 75, fingers of the first hand 27 oriented toward one of the rectangular cross-sectional areas 165b of the shaft covered by and identified by the corresponding grip 185b, as illustrated in Fig. 13. The golfer then inserts the rectangular cross-sectional area l8Sb of the shaft 165 between two fingers of the .first hand 27, as illustrated in Figs. 14 and 25. As shown in Figs. 14, 16 and 17, the rectangular cross-sectional area 185b of the shaft 16S is insertable between any two forgers of the first hand: between index and middle forgers (Fig. 14); between middle and ring fingers (Fig.
16); and between ring and little fingers (Fig. 17).
[0039] Once the shaft 165 is properly positioned between fingers of the first hand 27, the fingers of the first hand are closed about the shaft 165, enclosing the shaft 1 GS within a fist made of the first hand 27, as shown in Fig. 14. Fingers of a second hand 29 are wrapped around the shaft 165, at least partially overlapping the first hand 27: A thumb of the first hand 27 may be covered by the second hand 29 or situated atop the second hand 29 after the second hand 29 is wrapped around the shaft, as illustrated in Figs. 1 a and 18.
Once the first and second hands 27, 29 are properly pasitianed, the golfer 25 may address the golf ball 35, as shown in Fig. 1, and prepare for swinging the golf club 7S.
[0040] Another embodiment of the method described above is shown in Fig. 19, wherein the shaft 165 is positioned between fingers of the first hand 27 and of the second hand 29.
The first and second hands 27, 29 may either utilize the same rectangular cross-sectional area 185b (illustrated' in Fig. 19}, or different rectangular cross-sectional areas 185b.
After properly positioning the shaft between forgers of both hands, the first and second hands 27, 29 are closed about the shaft 165.; completing the gripping method.
[0041] Another embodiment of the method of gripping a golf club is illustrated iri Figs.
20 and 21, wherein the first hand 27 is positioned as discussed above and illustrated in Figs. 13-18. The second hand 29 is closed about the shaft 165 at a position spaced apart from the first hand 27. Preferably, the second hand 29 is positioned intermediate the first hand 27 and the top end 67 of the shaft 165.
[0042] A feature of the method as described above is illustrated in Figs. 22-24, wherein any of the above grips is employed with a conventional golf club (shown in Fig: 7).
[0043] It will therefore be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those herein described, as well as many variations, modifications anal equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing description thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the present invention.
Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein in detail in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely far purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended or to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise to exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications and equivalent arrangements, the present invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.
.

Claims

What is Claimed is:

1. ~A golf club having a club head attached to a shaft via a hosel, the shaft having a top end and a bottom end, the bottom end being attachable to the hosel, the sham comprising:
an upper section, a lower section and a middle section intermediate the upper and lower sections, the upper section extending from the top end of the shaft to one end of the middle section, the lower section extending from the bottom end of the shaft to an end of the middle section opposite the upper section, the upper and lower sections having circular cross-sections approximating a conventional golf club shaft, the middle section of the shaft having a plurality of alternating rectangular and circular cross-sections extending therethrough, the circular cross sections approximating the cross sections of the upper and lower sections of the shaft, the rectangular cross-sections having a length, a width, and a height, the length of the rectangular cross sections being greater that the width, the width and height of the rectangular cross sections being sufficient to insert said rectangular cross sections between fingers of at least one hand of a golfer, and wherein the length of the rectangular cross sections is approximately the same as a diameter of the circular cross-sections of the middle section, and a grip adjacent to and surrounding a portion of the shaft, the grip having a first grip portion extending from the top end of the shaft to the middle section of the shaft, a second grip portion extending over the middle section, and a third grip portion cover a part of the lower section extending from the middle portion toward the bottom end of the shaft, the first grip portion having a generally cylindrical cross-section, the second portion of the grip comprising corresponding alternating rectangular and circular cross sections, the circular cross sections being convex along each length of the circular cross sections of the shaft, the rectangular cross sections of the grip corresponding to the rectangular cross sections of the shaft, and the third portion of the grip being convex relative to the lower section of the shaft.

2. ~A golf club according to claim 1, wherein the rectangular cross sections of the grip corresponding to the rectangular cross sections of the shaft are positioned such that the length of the cross sections are oriented perpendicular to the club head.

3. ~A golf club according to claim 1, wherein the diameter of the convex shaped portions of the grip is greater than the length of the rectangular cross sections of the grip.

4. ~A golf club according to claim 1, wherein the width and the height of the rectangular cross sections of the grip and shaft are of a sufficient size for a golfer to position at least one finger along each length of at least one of the rectangular cross sections of the grip and shaft.

5. ~On a golf club having a head attached to a bottom end of a shaft, the shaft having a top end opposite the bottom end, a grip comprising a tube extending from the top end of the shaft toward a terminating position intermediate the top and bottom ends of the shaft, the tube having an inner diameter sufficiently sized to insert the shaft therethrough, the tube also having a first end proximate to the top end of the shaft and a second end at the terminating position, the grip further comprising an outer surface having a contoured area, said contour being relative to a longitudinal axis of the grip intermediate the first and second ends.

6. ~The grip according to claim 5, wherein the outer surface comprises a first contour section and a second contour section, the first contour section extending from the first end of the grip to a transition point between the first and second contour sections, the second contour section extending from the transition point to the second end of the grip.

7. ~The grip according to claim 6, wherein the first contour section of the outer surface is cylindrical.

8. ~The grip according to claim 7, wherein the second contour. section of the outer surface is an extension of the first contour section of the outer surface.

9. ~The grip according to claim 7, wherein the second contour section of the outer surface is convex.

10. ~The grip according to claim 7, wherein the second contour section of the outer surface has a first part and a second part, the first part extending from the transition point and the second part extending from the first part to the second end of the grip, the first part having an outer surface contour approximating the first contour section of the grip, the second part having a geometric shape with an outer diameter greater than an outer diameter of the first part.

11. ~The grip according to claim 7, wherein the second contour section of the outer surface has a first part and a second part, the first part extending from the transition point and the second part extending from the first part to the second end of the grip, the first part being convex, the second part approximating the first contour section of the grip.

12. ~The grip according to claim 7, wherein the second contour section of the outer surface has a first part, a second part and a third part, the first part extending from the transition point to the second part, the second portion extending to the third part, and the third part extending to the second end of the grip, the first and third parts being convex with a defined diameter, the second part approximating the first contour section of the grip.

13. ~The grip according to claim 12, wherein the second part of the second contour section of the grip has an outer diameter sufficiently sized such that the second part is insertable between fingers of a golfer for establishing a hold on the golf club.

14. ~A method of gripping a golf club, said club having a head attached to one end of a shaft, the head generally perpendicular to the shaft, the shaft having a longitudinal axis extending upwardly from the head to a top end of the shaft, the shaft manipulatable by a golfer, the method comprising the steps:
orienting a controlling hand perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft and perpendicular to the head;
placing the shaft between two fingers of the controlling hand;
closing the controlling hand about the shaft, the shaft resting upon a portion of the controlling hand opposite the fingers; and encircling the shaft with a guiding hand, the thumb of the guiding hand parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, the guiding hand in vertical relationship to the controlling hand relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft.

15. ~The method according to claim 14, wherein the golfer has a left hand and a right hand, the left hand of the golfer being the controlling hand and the right hand of the golfer being the guiding hand.

16. ~The method according to claim 14, wherein the golfer has a right hand and a left hand, the right hand of the golfer being the controlling hand and the left hand of the golfer being the guiding hand.

17. ~The method according to claim 14, wherein the locating step comprises placing the shaft between an index finger and a middle finger of the controlling hand.

18. ~The method according to claim 14, wherein the locating step comprises placing the shaft between a middle finger and a ring finger of the controlling hand.

19. The method according to claim 14, wherein the locating step comprises placing the shaft between a ring finger and a little finger of the controlling hand.

20. ~The method according to claim 14, wherein the encircling step comprises placing the guidance hand on the shaft intermediate the controlling hand and the top end of the shaft.

21. ~The method according to claim 14, wherein the encircling step comprises placing the guidance hand on the shaft intermediate the controlling hand and the head of the club.

22. ~The method according to claim 14, wherein the enclosing step further comprises extending at least one finger of the guidance hand parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft.

23. ~The method according to claim 22, wherein the at least one finger comprises an index finger.

24. ~A method of gripping a golf club, said club having a head attached to one end of a shaft, the head generally perpendicular to the shaft, the shaft having a longitudinal axis extending upwardly from the head to a top end, the shaft manipulatable by a golfer, the method comprising the steps:
orienting a controlling hand parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft and oriented in the direction of the head such that the shaft is intermediate the controlling hand and the head;
placing the shaft between two fingers of the controlling hand;
closing the cor<trolling hand about the shaft, the shaft resting upon a palm of the controlling hand; and encircling the shaft with a guidance hand, a thumb of the guidance hand parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft and oriented toward the head of the club, the guidance hand in vertical relationship to the controlling hand relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft.

25. ~The method according to claim 24, wherein the golfer has a left hand and a right hand, the left hand of the golfer being the controlling hand and the right hand of the golfer being the guidance hand.

26. ~The method according to claim 24, wherein the golfer has a right hand and a left hand, the right hand of the golfer being the controlling hand and the left hand of the golfer being the guidance hand.

27. The method according to claim 24, wherein the locating step comprises placing the shaft between an index finger and a middle finger of the controlling hand.

28. The method according to claim 24, wherein the locating step comprises placing the shaft between a middle finger and a ring finger of the controlling hand.

29. The method according to claim 24, wherein the locating step comprises placing the shaft between a ring finger and a little finger of the controlling hand.

30. The method according to claim 24, wherein the encircling step comprises placing the guidance hand on the shaft intermediate the controlling hand and the top end of the shaft.

31. The method according to claim 24, wherein the encircling step comprises placing the guidance hand on the shaft intermediate the controlling hand and the head of the golf club.

32. The method according to claim 24, wherein the enclosing step further comprises extending at least one finger of the guidance hand parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft.

33. The method according to claim 32, wherein the at least one finger comprises an index finger.

34. A method of gripping a golf club, said club having a head attached to one end of a shaft, the head generally perpendicular to the shaft, the shaft having a longitudinal axis extending upwardly from the head to a top end, the shaft being manipulated by a golfer, the method comprising the steps:
orienting a controlling hand perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft and perpendicular to the head;
placing the shaft between two fingers of the controlling hand;
closing the controlling hand about the shaft, the shaft resting upon a portion of the controlling hand opposite the fingers;
orienting a guidance hand parallel to the controlling hand orientation relative to the shaft;
placing the shaft between two fingers of the guidance hand; and closing the guidance hand about the shaft, a thumb of the guidance hand parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, wherein the guidance hand is in vertical relationship to the controlling hand relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft.

35. ~The method according to claim 34, wherein the golfer has a right hand and a left hand, the left hand of the golfer being the controlling hand and the right hand of the golfer being the guidance hand.

36. ~The method according to claim 34, wherein the golfer has a right hand and a left hand, the right hand of the golfer being the controlling hand and the left hand of the golfer being the guiding hand.

37. ~The method according to claim 34, wherein the locating step comprises placing the shaft between an index finger and a middle finger of the controlling hand.

38. ~The method according to claim 34, wherein the locating step comprises placing the shaft between a middle finger and a ring finger of the controlling hand.

39. ~The method according to claim 34, wherein the locating step comprises placing the shaft between a ring finger and a little finger of the controlling hand.

40. ~The method according to claim 34, wherein the encircling step comprises placing the guidance hand on the shad intermediate the controlling hand and the top end of the shaft.

41. ~The method according to claim 34, wherein the encircling step comprises placing the guidance hand on the shaft intermediate the controlling hand and the head of the club.

42. ~The method according to claim 34, wherein the enclosing step further comprises extending at least one finger of the guidance hand parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft.

43. ~The method according to claim 42; wherein the at least one finger comprises an index finger.