Harper Lin
Holding a golf club correctly is crucial to playing a round of golf. The placement of the hands is an essential part of the stance and swing, and there are several ways to grip a golf club. The three basic types of grips are the overlapping, interlocking, and 10-finger grips. The overlapping grip, also known as the Vardon grip, is the most common, while the interlocking grip is similar to the overlap grip, except the pinky finger of the dominant hand is slid under and around the index finger of the other hand. The 10-finger grip is less used by professionals but is a great method for beginners.
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What You'll Learn
How to hold a golf club for right-handed golfers
Holding a golf club correctly is one of the most important factors in achieving success in golf. While there is some room for personal preference, there are key fundamentals that will ensure your hands work in partnership effectively. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to hold a golf club for right-handed golfers:
First, get into your golf posture without gripping the club. Allow your arms to hang limp and notice where your hands and wrists align. This will help you understand how your hands should align on the golf club, specifically the left hand.
Next, pick up the club and hold it waist-high in front of you, horizontal to the ground, with the club face squared. Always grab the club with your left hand first. Stretch out the fingers of your left hand and align the club handle with your left palm so it makes a straight line diagonally across your fingers. Close your left hand around the grip, ensuring that the heel of your palm rests along the top edge of the handle, but you should still be able to see the tip of the handle. When looking down at your left hand, you should be able to see the knuckles of your index and middle fingers.
Now, place your right hand on the club. The palm of your right hand should sit over the thumb of your left hand, towards the bottom part of the grip. The 'V' formed by your thumb and index finger should point to your right ear or eye, or towards your chin, matching the left hand.
There are three basic types of golf grips: the overlapping, interlocking, and 10-finger grips. For the overlapping grip, also known as the Vardon grip, the right-hand pinky finger rests on top of the notch between the left pointer finger and middle finger, rather than interlocking. The 10-finger grip, also known as the baseball grip, is 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.
It's important to find the right grip pressure, which will help you swing with freedom and speed. Hold the club with enough pressure so that it doesn't move during your swing, but without squeezing it too tightly. A relaxed and balanced grip pressure is important for a fluid swing.
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How to hold a golf club for left-handed golfers
Holding a golf club correctly is essential for achieving control, accuracy, and power in your golf swing. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to hold a golf club for left-handed golfers:
First, get familiar with your club. Hold your club waist-high in front of you, parallel to the ground, and square the club face. Always grab the club with your right hand first as a left-handed golfer. Stretch out the fingers of your right hand and align the club handle with your right palm so it makes a straight line diagonally across your fingers. Close your right hand around the club. As you grip the club, the heel of your right palm should rest along the top edge of the handle, but you should still be able to see the tip of the handle.
Now, place your left hand below your right hand on the grip. Your left palm should face your target, and the grip should run diagonally from the base of your little finger to the first knuckle of your index finger. The pad of your left thumb should rest on the grip, slightly to the left of centre. Both of your thumbs should be pointing down the grip and slightly to the left. Check the positioning of your grip. You should have a neutral grip, which means the Vs formed by your thumbs and index fingers should point toward your left shoulder. This helps promote a square club face at impact.
Finally, double-check your grip by looking down at your hands. You should see two to three knuckles of your right hand when looking down at the address position. Remember to practice your grip and get comfortable with it before hitting the golf course or range, as a new grip always takes time to feel normal.
There are three basic types of golf grips: the overlapping, interlocking, and 10-finger grips. The overlapping grip, also known as the Vardon grip, is when the little finger of the right hand rests on top of the notch between the left hand's index and middle fingers. The interlocking grip involves interlocking the little finger of the right hand with the index finger of the left hand. The 10-finger grip is when all fingers are on the club, with the hands meeting at the left pointer finger and right pinky finger. While the 10-finger grip is less common among professionals, it can be a powerful grip for small hands and is a great option for beginners.
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The interlocking grip
To perform the interlocking grip, start by placing your left hand on the handle first. Then, add the right. Once your left hand is set, slide your right hand onto the handle, connecting the lifeline of your right palm to the side of your left thumb. Straighten your left index finger, then interlock it with your right pinkie. Finish by wrapping the remaining fingers of your right hand around the grip.
While this grip has been used by some of the best players in golf history, such as Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus, it is not recommended for most recreational players. This is because it can be easy to get the handle too deep in your right palm, limiting wrist hinge and release. It is also better suited to players with smaller hands.
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The overlapping grip
To perform the overlapping grip, place your left hand on the club first, with the club handle running through the centre of your hand. Stretch out your fingers and align the club handle with your left palm so it makes a straight line diagonally across your fingers. Close your hand around the club, with the heel of your palm resting along the top edge of the handle. You should still be able to see the tip of the handle.
Next, place your right hand on the club, positioning it below your left hand. The right-hand pinky finger should rest on top of the notch or gap between the left pointer/index finger and middle finger. The pinky should not be forcibly wedged into this position but should rest softly. Make sure your right thumb and index finger create a "V" that points to the middle of your torso or sternum.
It is important to find the grip that suits your hand size, shape, and personal preference. Practicing your grip and getting comfortable with it is essential before playing on the golf course or range.
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The 10-finger grip
To execute the 10-finger grip, the left hand (for right-handed players) will be towards the top of the club, while the right hand is below. There should be no gap between the hands, and the first knuckles of the left hand should line up with the second knuckles of the right and vice versa. The thumbs should point down towards the bottom of the club, with the top thumb covered by the bottom hand. The index finger of the top hand should touch the bottom pinky.
Some golfers find that the 10-finger grip improves their game, while others find it uncomfortable and difficult to master. Ultimately, the choice of grip comes down to personal preference and comfort.
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Frequently asked questions
There are three basic types of golf grips: the overlapping or Vardon grip, interlocking grip, and 10-finger grip.
Position the club with your left hand first, then place your right hand on the club so your right hand is overlapping the ring and middle fingers of your left hand.
The interlocking grip starts with the 10-finger grip. Interlock one hand's pinkie finger with the other hand's index finger.
Experiment with different grips and choose the most comfortable one for you. You can also seek guidance from a golf instructor or coach who can provide personalized advice based on your individual needs.
