Help with lingering and chronic swing problems?

Question
Hi,
My name is Shahid and I'm left-handed.  I have been playing golf for about 5 years and for as long as I can remember I've had a hook/draw on every club.  I've fought it off for short periods of time but last year I started pushing the ball as well.  I started off this year quite badly but just last week I broke 80 for the first time.  Well, it didn't last long and I'm back to old habits again.  My push shot is becoming more and more evident and no matter how hard I try to swing from the outside, It just doesn't carry over to the course, or I end up switching to a huge hook.  The one thing I've never changed is my grip-- I have a pretty weak grip, when i grip the club you can see 3.5 knuckles.  Could this be the reason for my inconsistency?  I would really appreciate the help!
And secondly, my dad told me that if I ever broke 80 he would buy me a new set of clubs.  Right now I'm wondering if  getting "players" irons would be good for me because I am looking to play golf in college (if I can improve this summer).  Could you suggest some clubs that you would look for? thanks so much!

Answer
Hello and thank you for asking.  3.5 knuckles???  That is a very srong grip.  Neutral you would be able to see about two, weak you would see one.  Strong grips yes, would promote hooks.  Dont be afraid to experiment with grips on the range... it is part of your learning.

Otherwise, first I need you to read up on some of my FAQ's that I have already written up that address your problem.  After practicing some on the range and course, let me know how you are doing.

Please go to

http://answerway.com/profile.php?expid=Dathaeus

and you can check out my extensive FAQ collection by clicking on the link

"View My Public FAQS!"

and read these:

- Physics of moment of impact in golf...
- Push Hook Problem...
- Basic Ball Flights & Causes...
- Swing Radius and Early Wrist Break...

If you need any more followups or advice, please go to

http://answerway.com/profile.php?expid=Dathaeus

and you can click on

"Ask Me a Direct Question"

and follow the instructions. I do not use this site as much
as Answerway.com so I will be able to assist you better
there... Thank you and good luck!

If you would like more detailed information, please send another question with the following information
to my account at Answerway.com:

1 - Distance you hit your driver/5 iron/9 iron
2 - Typical ball flight for each club, if different, including trajectory and spin
3 - Typical contact point on the clubface
4 - Equipment, if you use any offset clubs, type of shaft, etc..
5 - Your handicap or typical scores for 18 holes and # of putts per round.