Nina Caldwell
Holding a golf club correctly is one of the most important aspects of playing a successful game of golf. There are several ways to hold a golf club, and the technique you choose should be the one that feels most comfortable to you. The specifics of the grip may vary depending on your body and anatomy, but the proper way to hold the club is with the face looking at the target. The grip should be relaxed and balanced, allowing for proper wrist action and club control during the swing. It is also important to find the grip size that suits your hand size, shape, and personal preference.
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What You'll Learn
The importance of grip
The grip is the golfer's only connection to the club. Therefore, it plays a pivotal role in how the swing functions and the matchups created. The grip can have a dramatic effect on the swing, and a slight mismatch between the trail hand hold and the trail arm extension during the downswing will limit the player's potential.
There is no universal "best way" to grip the golf club, and every player's body and range of motion varies. However, the grip should be comfortable and natural, and the hands should be resting softly together, not forcibly pressed into each other. The Vs created by the thumbs and forefingers do not need to point toward the trail shoulder, and the grip should be free of gaps between the fingers to increase the surface area over which the player can push and pull on the handle, giving greater control of the club face.
There are three common grips in golf: the ten-finger grip, the interlocking grip, and the overlapping grip (or Vardon grip). The ten-finger grip is the most basic, with all ten fingers touching the club, and is also known as the neutral or "baseball" grip. The interlocking grip, used by Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods, involves the pinky finger of the right hand crossing between the pointer finger and middle finger of the left hand, creating an interlock. The overlapping grip, used by Harry Vardon, involves the pinky finger of the trailing hand resting on top of the notch between the pointer finger and middle finger of the leading hand.
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How to position your hands
When holding a golf club, the first step is to place your non-dominant hand on the club. If you're right-handed, this will be your left hand, and vice-versa if you're left-handed. With your palm facing you, lay the grip of the club across the inside of your fingers where your first knuckles and palm meet. The butt of the club should extend just past the base joint of your pinkie.
Next, secure your non-dominant hand. Curl the bottom three fingers around the grip and set your thumb flat across the club, rolling it towards the opposite side. Curl your forefinger around the grip, ensuring that you can see the index finger knuckle and middle finger knuckle of your non-dominant hand. You should feel every part of the underside of your bottom three fingers making contact with the grip.
Now, place your dominant hand on the club. If you're right-handed, this will be your right hand. Imagine a clock with the club head pointing at twelve and curl your fingers over the grip. The dominant hand should be in direct alignment with the club face, with the left-hand thumb falling under the pad of the right hand. The right thumb should point down or slightly diagonally left on the shaft.
There are a few different ways to connect your hands and mesh your fingers. You can try an interlocking grip, where the pinky finger of the dominant hand crosses between the pointer finger and middle finger of the non-dominant hand. Alternatively, the overlapping grip (also known as the Vardon grip) is a good option, where the pinky finger of the dominant hand simply rests on top of the notch between the pointer and middle fingers of the non-dominant hand. The 10-finger grip is another option, where the hands meet at the right pinky finger and left pointer finger, with the thumb of the non-dominant hand running underneath the palm of the dominant hand.
Remember, the grip should be relaxed and balanced, allowing for proper wrist action and club control. Check for any gaps between your fingers—you want zero gaps to increase the surface area over which you can push and pull on the handle. You can also try holding the club straight up in the air and gripping it like a baseball bat, or like a suitcase.
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The role of your dominant hand
For right-handed golfers, the dominant hand is the right hand, and for left-handed golfers, it is the left hand. The dominant hand is placed lower on the club grip, underneath the non-dominant hand. This placement gives you better control over the swing. When gripping the club, it is important to grip it firmly but not too tightly. A good test is that you should be able to have the club lifted out of your hand with some resistance. A death grip can lead to tension in your arms, negatively affecting your swing.
There are three popular grip types for the dominant hand: the overlap grip, the interlocking grip, and the ten-finger grip. The overlap grip, also known as the Vardon grip, is the most common type. This grip is achieved by overlapping the pinky finger of the dominant hand with the index and middle fingers of the non-dominant hand. The interlocking grip is similar, but the pinky finger of the dominant hand interlocks with the index finger of the non-dominant hand by sliding under and around it. The ten-finger grip, also known as the baseball grip, is where the pinky finger of the dominant hand rests on top of the index finger of the non-dominant hand, with no interlocking.
When using the overlap or interlocking grip, a "'V'" shape should be formed between the thumb and index finger of the dominant hand, pointing towards the rear shoulder or the middle of the torso. This positioning helps ensure both hands work together, providing added power and control to the swing.
It is important to note that the grip type should be comfortable and suitable for your hand size. Experimentation is encouraged to find the grip that suits your individual needs and provides the best results.
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The right grip for your swing
There are several ways to grip a golf club, and the right grip for you depends on your swing style, shot shape preferences, and comfort level. The most common grips are the interlocking grip and the overlapping grip (also known as the Vardon grip). The interlocking grip involves tucking your hands against one another and interlocking the little finger of the trail hand (the hand that's higher up on the club) with the index finger of the lead hand. This grip has been used by golfing greats like Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. The overlapping grip is similar, but instead of interlocking, the trail hand's pinky finger simply rests on top of the notch between the lead hand's pointer and middle fingers. This grip was used by six-time Open Champion Harry Vardon. Another option is the 10-finger grip, where the hands meet at the right pinky finger and the left pointer finger, with the thumb of the left hand running underneath the palm of the right hand. This grip is less common among elite golfers but can be a great option for beginners.
To find the right grip for your swing, start by placing the club in your non-dominant hand, with the grip of the club resting across the inside of your fingers where your first knuckles and palm meet. The butt of the club should extend just past the base joint of your pinkie. Curl the bottom three fingers of your non-dominant hand around the grip, then set your thumb flat across the club and roll it towards the opposite side. Your forefinger should curl around the grip, and you should be able to see the index and middle finger knuckles of your non-dominant hand. Now, place your dominant hand on the club. You can grip the club in the fingers of your dominant hand, with your thumb pointing down or slightly diagonally left on the shaft. There should be a little space between your pointer finger and middle finger.
It's important to have a relaxed and balanced grip pressure. Experiment with different grips to find the right balance that suits your swing and preferences. You want a grip that allows for proper wrist action and club control during the swing. Remember, consistency and repetition are key to developing a proper and comfortable grip, so make sure to practice your grip before hitting the golf course.
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How to improve consistency
To improve consistency in your golf grip, you need to find a grip that suits your body and natural motion. Golf Teacher Michael Metz suggests that the proper way to hold the club is with the face looking at the target. However, the specifics of the grip may be slightly different depending on your body and natural motion.
To find your natural grip, stand erect with your arms dangling freely at your sides. Grip the club with your lead hand (left hand if you are right-handed, and vice versa if you are left-handed) in its most natural setting. With your new lead-hand hold, point the club out in front of you, then begin rotating the handle back and forth.
Next, double-check that your lead-hand grip matches your lead-hip mobility. Place your trail hand on the handle, hold the club in your address posture, then get into a "dynamic impact" position with your weight on your front side, hands forward, and hips as open as possible.
When you find a consistent grip that works for you, it is important to practice it and get comfortable with it before hitting the golf course or range. Consistency and repetition are key to developing a proper and comfortable grip.
You can also improve consistency by focusing on grip pressure. Avoid gripping the club too lightly at the beginning and then tightening your grip during impact. Instead, strive for a consistent grip pressure that feels comfortable and allows for relaxation throughout the swing. The pressure should be primarily in the last three fingers of your lead hand and the middle two fingers of your trail hand. The thumbs should have a lighter touch on the golf grip.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to hold a golf club, but the technique you choose should be the one that feels comfortable to you. The correct way to hold a golf club is with a firm grip, but not too tight. You want a relaxed grip that allows for proper wrist action and club control during the swing.
You can double-check your grip by looking down at your hands. You should see two to three knuckles of your lead hand (for right-handed golfers) when looking down at the address position.
There are two common grips used by golfers of all levels: the interlocking grip and the overlapping grip (also known as the Vardon grip). The interlocking grip involves interlocking the little finger of the trail hand with the index finger of the lead hand. The overlapping grip is when the trail-hand pinky finger rests on top of the notch between the left pointer finger and middle finger.
