So, what did the electrical tape do?

[jc4birdie]

Admit upfront I'm not a "techie", but had a recent situation intrigue me to the point of wanting to understand what actually happened. 

 

My driveway is 80 yds long at home, so with a couple Real Feel mat sections and a bucket full of Birdie Balls (both great products, btw) and Callaway foam practice balls for driver/FWoods, I've got a makeshift "driving range" at home, with a 5 yd wide "fairway".

 

Anyway, I've got an old Mizuno 4i in the garage, among other clubs I've kept thru the years to swing at the "range".  This Mizzy 4i was bereft of any grip a few weeks back; it looked like Rat fur!  Was afraid to swing it, as my car is parked in the little wing of my driveway, directly behind me about 10-12 yds away, so if a club ever slips, it won't end well.  So, I just use it for home practice, and the thought occurred to get some "grip" on it via wrapping electrical tape around the grip.  So, I did, no big deal, and I've got some tackiness and grip to the club.  Put several layers on it....OUTSIDE on what little grip is left.

 

All of a sudden, I CANNOT MISS with this club.  High, straight, far....WAY BETTER than I ever hit it when it was in my bag, last in 2018.  It's also very light & easy for me to swing.  I'm 58, so I'm no spring  chicken, and I'm feel so fast with this club that I'm wondering what did the tape do to make this club so easy for me to hit, besides securing my hold on it??

 

Did I inadvertently do something technical to the club?

[NHenson815]

You probably put a sufficient amount of tape weight on the grip end of the club, which would change the balance of the club by lowering the swing weight to something you’re more comfortable with.  The extra tape may be making the grip fit better in your hands also.

[Billfitz]

Making the grip larger with the tape was the equivalent of putting on an oversize grip. I've used 1/8" oversized for years, and just last fall went to 1/4" oversize jumbos. They give me much better control. Golf is the only implement sport that uses a thin grip. Baseball, hockey, lacrosse, cricket, tennis, even ping pong use grips that are far larger. IME bigger is better.