While practicing and developing your grip may be one of the least exciting areas of golf, it is the foundation of a great swing. Without a proper grip, we never establish the proper connection with the golf club which results in poor shots, lack of consistency, even loss of distance. This golf grip guide gives you everything you need to get your hands set on the club right each time you head out to play.
Key terms related to the golf grip
Golf grip terminology isn’t complicated but there are some things you should understand before trying to establish a connection with the club.
- Neutral grip: The hands are positioned to promote a straight ball flight. It is considered to be the ideal position for the majority of golf shots.
- Strong grip: The hands are rotated to the right (for right-handed golfers), typically producing a draw.
- Weak grip: The hands are rotated to the left (for right-handed golfers), often resulting in a fade.
- Grip pressure: The amount of force applied to the club, ideally to maintain a relaxed but secure hold. Different than “strong” or “weak” grips which refers to the position of the hands on the club.
- Overlapping grip: When the trailing hand’s pinky finger overlaps the leading hand’s index finger.
- Interlocking grip: When the trailing hand’s pinky finger interlocks with the leading hand’s index finger.
- 10-finger (Baseball) grip: All fingers touch the club without overlapping or interlocking.
Types of golf grips
There are three main types of golf grips: overlapping, interlocking and 10-finger. The overlapping and interlocking grips are used by the majority of golfers.
Overlapping grip (Vardon grip)
The overlapping grip is also known as the Vardon grip, a common option for experienced golfers. This is where the trail hand’s pinky finger overlaps the lead hand’s index finger. The overlap grip is often considered to be for players with large hands and those who want to try to reduce grip pressure.
Interlocking grip
The interlocking grip is where the trail hand’s pinky finger interlocks with the lead hand’s index finger. It is commonly used by golfers with small hands who need to establish a better connection with the golf club. In addition, the interlocking grip can be used by those looking for a little extra speed in their swing.
10-Finger (Baseball) grip
The 10-finger grip, also known as the baseball grip, is by far the simplest grip style. In this grip, the left and right hands are not connected or linked. Instead, all 10 fingers are on the club, creating more contact between the hands and the club itself. However, it can make the hands too active in the swing and keep players from using the correct muscles.
Comparison of grip types
| Grip Type | Description | Pros | Cons |
| Overlapping Grip | Pinky overlaps index finger of lead hand. | Comfortable, reduces hand tension. | May feel less secure for beginners. |
| Interlocking Grip | Pinky interlocks with index finger. | Secure for small hands, consistent. | Can feel restrictive or too handsy for some. |
| Ten-Finger Grip | All fingers touch the grip, no overlap. | Simple, strong hand contact, easy to learn | Less control and finesse, can lead to too much hand action |
Standard golf grip versus putting grip
In addition to the three main types of golf grips for the full swing, there are various putting grips. When you head to the putting green, the goal is to keep the putter consistent and stable and to do that, you may want to tweak the position of your hands.
Using your regular grip on the putting green is acceptable but remember that grips are built for creating leverage and power, not consistency in a small motion.
A few different types of putting grips include:
- Conventional grip: The conventional putting grip is called the reverse overlap. The lead hand’s index finger rests over the trailing hand’s fingers. The reverse overlap is more stable than the traditional overlap grip.
- Cross-handed grip: The cross-handed grip can also be called “left-hand low” for the right-handed player. Crossing the hands on the club helps reduce wrist action.
- Claw grip: This grip has gained considerable popularity in recent years. The trail hand takes a claw-like position, gripping the side of the putter with the fingers while the lead hand maintains control of the club.
The goal with all putting grips is to position the hands to help reduce wrist movement and increase the consistency of delivering a square clubface.
Step-by-step guide to gripping a golf club
Some professional players keep a grip trainer on a practice club or swing weight just to make sure they are always setting their hands in the right position. Like the pros, amateur golfers should be constantly aware of having the correct grip on their club. Here is a very basic step-by-step guide for how to grip a golf club (for right-handed players).
Build the left-hand grip
Place the club diagonally across the base of your fingers on the lead hand. The grip will run from the base of your pinky finger to the pad below your index finger. The club should be in the fingers so that when you close your hand around the club, the pad of your lead hand rests on top of the club.
- Checkpoint: When you look down, you should see two knuckles on the back of your lead hand and the V formed by your thumb and index finger will point to the trail shoulder
Build the right-hand grip
Place the club in the fingers of your trail hand. You’ll want the club to rest across the base of your pinky finger and the first knuckle of your index finger. When you wrap your hand around the grip, the palm of your trailing hand rests on top of the lead thumb.
- Checkpoint: Check that the V formed by your thumb and index finger points toward your trailing shoulder.
Connect the hands
Once your right and left hands are in position, you need to decide whether to interlock, overlap or stay with the 10-finger grip.
If you overlap, you’ll place the pinky finger of your right hand over the gap between the index and middle finger of your lead hand.
If you interlock, the pinky finger of your trailing hand will connect with the index finger of your lead hand.
Adjustments and pressure check
When both hands are placed on the club, ensure the V shapes formed by the thumb and index finger on both hands point to your trail shoulder. Your hands should also feel like they are in a neutral position and square along with the clubface.
Aim for light pressure. On a scale from one to 10, anywhere in the 4, 5 and 6 range is acceptable. You should have a secure grip on the club but not make it too tight to rotate and release it.
Common grip mistakes to avoid
If you feel like your grip position is still not correct, take a look at some of these common grip mistakes and see if one of them could be the problem.
| Mistake | Description | Impact |
| Palm Grip | Holding the club in your palm instead of your fingers. | Weakens power and makes wrist movement harder. |
| Deep Interlock | Jamming fingers too tightly in the interlock grip. | Makes it harder to control the clubface. |
| Weak Right Hand | Trailing hand sits too far on top of the grip. | Causes slices or high, weak shots. |
| Short Thumb | Lead thumb too short on the grip, squished against the hand. | Reduces leverage and limits wrist action. |
| Unwrapped Trail Thumb | Trail thumb rests on the side of the hand instead of wrapping slightly. | Less stability and control in the grip. |
| Too Much Pressure | Squeezing the club too tightly. | Creates tension and kills your swing speed. |
How the proper grip influences golf shots
If you don’t invest the time into getting the proper grip, you’ll notice issues with ball flight, power, distance, consistency and control. The position of your hands on the club can determine the position of the clubface at impact.
In addition, if your hands aren’t positioned correctly, you may have trouble with leverage and wrist hinge. A neutral grip with the correct pressure gives you control and helps improve your ability to deliver the clubface squarely.
Final thoughts
Experiment with grip styles and positions until you find one that works. Once you find a grip you like, practice it and make sure it’s exactly in the correct position each time you swing the club. Work with a golf professional if you struggle to get your grip correct.
The post Golf Grip Explained appeared first on MyGolfSpy.
