Inconsistent grip

Question
In the past 2 months, with LOTS of short game practice, I have dropped my handicap from a 10.7 to a 4.3.  I normally play with a strong grip (v's pointing to my right ear) but it seems that works great for a few rounds and then I start hitting big nasty hooks or a push with the longer clubs.  I usually hit the push when I hang back trying not to hook it.  I'll change my grip to a neutral and even weak grip and will play well that way for a few rounds but my misses become a push slice and then I go to the strong grip again.  I'm 5'8" with wide shoulders and have short arms (like a T-Rex) which makes me a great wedge player but I don't get the width or turn that would be optimal for the longer clubs.  I know that part of my problem is that I tinker with my swing, grip, stance, etc every time I don't like the ball flight I'm getting.  I'm probably using my grip as a Band-Aid for some other swing fault but thought I'd see what you thought.  Thank you for your time.

Answer
Hey Justin:

You obviously are a good player with a 4.3 handicap.  Congratulations on working so hard on your short game, because that is how one becomes a good player.  Don't stop doing that by the way, keep working hard on it.  But for your long game, making adjustments to your grip all the time is very inconsistent.  It's great you can do it and see results, but you are not seeing lasting results, which is not consistent.  I'm curious about your T-Rex analogy to your body make up.  My question would then be "are your clubs properly fitted for your short arms"?  I wonder if a half, 3/4 or an inch over standard would help you stand taller to the ball for your longer clubs and not have to fight with your grip so much to control ball flight?  If you have had this done and you are comfortable with your equipment, then I would suggest picking out the ball flight you are comfortable hitting (for instance a draw) and working hard on repeating that motion.  As a good player, you need to know how to move the ball either direction if you have to, but most good players tend to play one shot well, whether it's a slight fade or a slight draw.  It tends to fit their eye and their body makeup.  No sense working too hard to produce a shot that is not comfortable anyway.  

Eddie Kilthau
PGA Member