Nina Caldwell
Holding a golf club correctly is one of the most important aspects of having a successful game. There are several ways to hold a golf club, but the technique you choose should be the one that feels comfortable to you. A proper grip allows for wrist action and club control during the swing. The right grip for you depends on your swing style, shot shape preferences, and comfort level. It is 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 one of the most important aspects of a successful golf game. It is the golfer's only connection to the club and plays a pivotal role in how the swing functions. A proper grip will help you to hit the ball straight and maximise your distance, or increase precision on your short game.
There are several ways to hold a golf club, but the technique you choose should be the one that feels comfortable to you. The right grip for you ultimately depends on your swing style, shot shape preferences, and comfort level. You want a relaxed grip that allows for proper wrist action and club control during the swing. A balanced grip pressure is also important for a fluid swing.
The specifics of the grip may be slightly different depending on your body, but as a general rule, you should place your dominant hand lower on the club with your non-dominant hand on the opposite side. You can tuck your hands against one another or interlock your fingers, depending on what feels comfortable. The interlocking grip involves interlocking the little finger of the trail hand with the index finger of the lead hand. This grip style was used by both Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. The overlapping grip, or Vardon grip, is another excellent option for how to hold a golf club. This was the grip style used by Harry Vardon, a six-time Open Champion.
It is important to find the grip size that suits your hand size, shape, and personal preference. If you are unsure about the appropriate grip size, it can be beneficial to seek guidance from a professional club fitter or a golf instructor. They can help you find the optimal grip size for your game.
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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 is 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 club should extend just past the base joint of your pinkie.
Next, secure your non-dominant hand by curling your bottom three fingers around the grip. Set your thumb flat across the club and roll it towards the opposite side of the grip, while curling your forefinger around. Golf teacher Michael Metz advises that you should see the index finger knuckle and middle finger knuckle of your non-dominant hand when holding the club.
Now, place your dominant hand on the club. If you're right-handed, this is 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 and the right thumb pointing down or slightly diagonally left on the shaft.
There are several ways to connect your hands and mesh your fingers, including the interlocking grip and overlapping grip. For the interlocking grip, the pinky finger of the dominant hand crosses between the pointer finger and middle finger of the non-dominant hand, creating an interlock. The overlapping grip, also known as the Vardon grip, is where the pinky finger of the dominant hand rests on top of the notch between the pointer finger and middle finger of the non-dominant hand.
It's important to find a grip that suits your hand size, shape, and personal preference. The grip should be relaxed and balanced, allowing for proper wrist action and club control during the swing. Check for any gaps between your fingers—you want zero, as this increases the surface area over which you can push and pull on the handle, giving you greater control of the club face.
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The role of your dominant hand
When placing your dominant hand on the golf club, it is important to grip the club with your fingers rather than your palm. This can be achieved by wrapping your fingers around the grip, ensuring that your thumb points down or slightly diagonally left on the shaft. Leaving a small gap between your pointer finger and middle finger can also help create a signature trigger finger. This grip should feel relaxed and balanced, allowing for proper wrist action and club control.
For right-handed golfers, the right hand is the dominant hand, and vice versa for left-handed golfers. It is worth noting that the dominant hand placement may vary depending on geographical location, with Americans typically keeping their dominant hand lower on the club, while Canadians and Europeans may place their dominant hand on top.
There are several ways to connect your dominant hand with your non-dominant hand, including the interlocking grip, overlapping grip, and 10-finger grip. The interlocking grip involves interlocking the pinky finger of the dominant hand with the pointer and middle fingers of the non-dominant hand. The overlapping grip, also known as the Vardon grip, is where the pinky finger of the dominant hand rests on top of the notch between the pointer and middle fingers of the non-dominant hand. The 10-finger grip, or baseball grip, involves meeting the hands at the right pinky finger and left pointer finger, with the thumb of the non-dominant hand running under the palm of the dominant hand.
The choice of grip ultimately depends on personal preference and comfort. It is important to experiment with different grips and seek guidance from a golf instructor to find the one that suits your swing style and shot shape preferences.
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The role of your non-dominant hand
The non-dominant hand plays a crucial role in holding a golf club and achieving a successful swing. Here is a step-by-step guide detailing the role of the non-dominant hand:
First, grab the shaft of the golf club where it connects to the grip and lift it up at a 45-degree angle. This initial position will allow you to properly grip the club with your non-dominant hand. Place the club in your non-dominant hand, which will be your left hand if you are right-handed and vice versa if you are left-handed. Keep your non-dominant hand relaxed, with the palm facing you. Position 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 little finger.
Next, you will curl the bottom three fingers of your non-dominant hand around the grip. Make sure to set your thumb flat across the club and then roll it over towards the opposite side of the grip. Simultaneously, curl your forefinger around the grip. Golf teacher Michael Metz emphasises that you should be able to see the index finger knuckle and middle finger knuckle of your non-dominant hand when holding the club correctly. Additionally, you should feel every part of the underside of your bottom three fingers making contact with the club's grip.
The placement of your non-dominant hand is essential for a proper grip and a successful swing. A correct grip will influence the clubface's position at impact, affecting the direction and accuracy of your shots. A weak grip, where there is too little pressure, can cause the club to slip from your hands during the swing. Conversely, a death grip with too much pressure can lead to tension in your arms, negatively impacting your swing. Therefore, aim for a secure but not overly tight grip with your non-dominant hand.
Finally, the specific role of your non-dominant hand may vary depending on the type of grip you choose. There are three primary grip types: Overlap Grip (also known as Vardon Grip), Interlock Grip, and Ten-Finger Grip (Baseball Grip). The Overlap Grip is the most common and involves the pinkie finger of the dominant hand overlapping the index finger of the non-dominant hand. The Interlock Grip provides a more secure connection between the hands by interlocking the same two fingers. The Ten-Finger Grip is similar to holding a baseball bat, with the pinkie finger of the dominant hand placed on top of the non-dominant hand's index finger.
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How to connect your hands
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 three standard grips are the overlapping grip (also known as the Vardon grip), the 10-finger grip, and the interlocking grip.
For the overlapping grip, place your left hand on the club, then place your right hand on the club so your right hand is overlapping the ring and middle fingers of your left hand. The Vardon grip is the most common grip, where the pinky finger of the trailing hand (right hand for right-handed golfers) overlaps the index finger of the lead hand.
The 10-finger grip is less used by elite amateur and professional golfers but is a great method for beginners. The hands simply 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.
The interlocking grip was used by both Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. With this grip, the pinky finger of the right hand crosses between the pointer finger and middle finger of the left hand, thus creating an interlock or fitting together of the fingers.
When connecting your hands, it is important to consider the size of your grip. Golf clubs come in various grip sizes, from undersized to oversized. It is crucial to find the grip size that suits your hand comfortably. For instance, if you have smaller hands, an undersized grip may help you maintain control and feel through the swing. Conversely, if you have larger hands, an oversized grip may be more suitable. Additionally, the weather conditions can impact your grip. In wet or humid conditions, your grip may become slippery, while in cold conditions, your hands may stiffen. Adjusting your grip pressure and hand positioning can help you adapt to changing weather conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several grips you can use to hold a golf club, including the interlocking grip, overlapping grip, 10-finger grip, palm & fingers grip, and all fingers grip. The interlocking grip involves interlocking the pinky finger of the right hand with the pointer finger and middle finger of the left hand. The overlapping grip, also known as the Vardon grip, is where the right-hand pinky finger rests on top of the notch between the left pointer finger and middle finger. The 10-finger grip is where the hands meet at the right pinky finger and the left pointer finger, similar to a baseball grip.
The grip you choose should be based on what feels comfortable to you. Experiment with different grips and get feedback from a golf instructor or coach to find the right balance that suits your swing and shot shape preferences. It is important to have a relaxed and balanced grip pressure to allow for proper wrist action and club control during the swing.
For right-handed golfers, the left hand should be placed on the top of the golf club, and the right hand should be placed below it. The left thumb should run underneath the palm of the right hand, and the right thumb should point down or slightly diagonal left on the shaft. The right pointer finger should have a little space between it and the middle finger.
