The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-06-03
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GnIPs--LEATHER AND OTHERS
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GRIPs-LEATHER AND OTHERS
 In golf the word grip has two technical meanings One indicates the method of holding the club for a strike, and the other designates the upper part of the club shaft. pre- pared In a certain manner for ease and comfort in grasping. Golfers have differed considerably as to the advantages of varying sorts of grips put on by club manufacturers. and there have been many inventions to meet differing needs.
 IL hardly seems necessary to say that the finger gripper must con slider carefully the size of his own hand and the thickness of the grip on his golf club, for there are fat grips and thin ones, and which Is the better depends on individual lengths of fingers.
 In my earlier days when l haunted the professionals shop. the following method of putting grips on clubs was used. First, with a heavy rasp- file, the club shaft was roughened from top downward to a point where it was guessed the grip would end. Then strong glue was applied to the cut places and tacks were put at each end of the prepared surface Of the shaft. This was to hold the list ing in place. This listing. varying in thickness. and from one-half to a whole inch In width, came in large balls. There was also thin cloth used as an underlisting As soon as the underwrapping was done more glue was put on and the leather grip ping prepared.
 Most professionals cut the leather out of the whole sheepskin and 1t takes quite knack to do it so that 1t will wind properly around the staft of the club. The cutting Is done with a chiscl and it demands a steady hand to make the edges even enough to fit smoothly when wound.
 The Winding
 After the cutting the leather IS wound around the shaft as far down as 1t is expected to go and there held in place by tack. the ends cut off and then tied with whipping in surprisingly tight knot. The top part Is cut so that one sixteenth of the shaft shows. and the top is rounded with a wood file. The leather is se- cured over the nail with several rounds of whipping. Then heavy mallet is taken and the grip Is rolled on a flat surface until perfectly smooth. Of course the strings are shellaced.
 Either side of the leather can be used, but the smooth side treaied with a kind of oil that gives pleas ing softness. but does not make 1t greasy, is the most popular. Such grip I have used for many years, and any other would feel uncomfor- table to me. The rough side is also used, and Is sometimes very good. especially in wet weather, for those who have difficulty in getting a firm grip.
 Rubber Grips
 Many materials besides leather are used for grips. but rubber stands next in popularity. It Is very hard to put on and wears out easily. but when new 1t certainly feels sooo' Cork grips have also been used put the whole matter of material re- solves itself into which Is easiest TOT you to grasp. and which will help your sense of feeling and touch. Care must be exercised not to use material that will tear your hands or allow tbem to slip. Then again one ought not to employ a grip that is not cas- fly duplicated. As to repairing grips I suggest there is A certain benefit In holding on to grip when the fin gers have nodded the leather to suit the hand.
 There are many freak grips. all with the idea of gaining confidence ir ones grip. Some put knobs on the ends of their clubs, and some have even put rings of leather and listing underneath the leather so, that their fingers would fit into perfect grip. remember that Wal ter J. Travis once came to cham pienship with no grip at all on his shaft He claimed, perhaps right fully. too. that the wood would give him a better sense of touch.
 There are different lengths of grips, and have known players who have had the leather run all the way down the shaft. I think. however, that moderation in this as in every thing else is best
 Copyright John F. Dille Go.