Have you ever wondered if there is a correct way to hold a golf club? Thomas Astrella did, and that curiosity led him to create the golf-grip. After realizing that there was no ergonomically molded grip on the market that could be easily attached to any existing golf club, Astrella embarked on a 10-year journey to design and develop the perfect training aid.
The golf-grip stands out from other golf training aids due to its unique properties and effectiveness. Its ergonomic design allows users to learn the perfect grip through muscle memory. By reducing hooking, slicing, and regripping, the golf-grip addresses the most common problems that can affect a golfer's swing. With repeated use, the brain automatically adopts the correct grip, even without the aid. What sets the golf-grip apart is its ease of installation, effectiveness, pocket size, discreetness, and comfort.
One of the key factors in the success of the golf-grip is the combination of premium materials used in its production. Astrella experimented with various materials and found that injected sports-grade Pebax TPE combined with a soft Sanoprene TPR provided the optimum balance of comfort and strength. The golf-grip is soft and comfortable to the touch, yet stiff enough to securely hold onto the golf club.
The golf-grip measures 13.5 x 3.5 x 4.5cm and comes with packaging that measures 11 x 20.5 x 4.5cm when attached. Its compact size makes it easy to carry around and use whenever you need to practice your grip.
Using the golf-grip is a straightforward process. Simply align the device and slide it onto the club, following the graphics that guide you on hand placement. The ergonomic design allows your fingers to easily find their place, and the holes in the grip ensure maximum contact with your own golf club. Unlike other products on the market, the golf-grip is removable, small, and allows you to maintain the feel of your own golf club, which is crucial for learning the correct hand positioning. Over time, muscle memory takes over, and you can grip the club without assistance.
The golf-grip project began in late 2002 and went through several stages of development before going into manufacture in late 2012. Astrella conducted extensive research on the correct golf grip, consulting with golf professionals and molding their hands to determine the ideal form. The tapered nature of the golf club handle was utilized to create a simple friction fit, allowing for maximum contact with the club.
Creating the golf-grip presented its fair share of challenges. The device needed to be easily attached and securely fit around the player's club. Additionally, the combination of soft and hard materials and the ergonomic design required a complex dual mold. After overcoming initial doubts about its manufacturability, Astrella and his team successfully developed a complicated mold that passed rigorous testing. A production mold was then created, ensuring the golf-grip could be produced at scale.
The golf-grip has received recognition for its outstanding design and innovation. In 2015, it was awarded the Silver A' Design Award in the Sporting Goods, Fitness, and Recreation Equipment Design category. This prestigious award is given to designs that demonstrate exceptional expertise, innovation, and artistic skill. The golf-grip's technical characteristics and remarkable level of excellence make it a standout product in the industry.
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned golfer looking to improve your swing, the golf-grip is the perfect training aid. Its ergonomic design, ease of use, and effectiveness make it a must-have for any golfer striving to perfect their grip and enhance their performance on the course.
Project Designers: Thomas Astrella
Image Credits: All photo credits Tom Astrella 2012-2015
Project Team Members: Thomas Astrella
Project Name: golf-grip
Project Client: Thomas Astrella