Trevor Ng
The interlocking grip in golf is a technique used by some of the sport's greats. It involves connecting your two arms by interlocking your fingers or resting your pinkies together, creating a stable foundation for a faster and more consistent swing. While it can feel awkward at first, there are ways to make it feel more natural, such as practising with the grip at home or starting with small swings. However, some golfers prefer the baseball grip or the overlapping grip, which can feel more comfortable and secure. Ultimately, the choice of grip depends on personal preference, hand shape, and size.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To get your hands closer together for faster club swings |
| Benefits | More consistent swings, stable foundation for arms |
| Downsides | Uncomfortable, awkward, difficult to adjust to |
| Tips to get used to it | Grip the club while watching TV, start with small swings, walk around the house with a club |
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What You'll Learn
Interlocking grip vs. baseball grip
There are three main grip variants in golf: the overlap (Vardon) grip, the interlocking grip, and the baseball 10-finger grip. The overlap grip is the most popular, being used by 90% of Tour players and an overwhelming majority of amateur golfers worldwide. With this grip, the right pinky finger lies on top of the depression between the left hand's index and middle fingers, keeping the right hand in close contact with the left. The interlocking grip is the second most popular, being used by more than 60% of American golfers. This grip is formed by connecting and interlocking the pinky of the right hand with the left hand's forefinger. Finally, the baseball grip is the least popular, being used by only one player in the 2024 PGA Championship. With this grip, both hands are pressed against each other on the grip, but no anchor links them. Instead, the right little finger simply lies next to the left index finger, pressed against it.
The choice between the interlocking grip and the baseball grip depends on various factors, such as hand size, comfort, and desired control and speed. The interlocking grip is well-suited for golfers with smaller hands, as it provides a more comfortable grip and better control of the club. It also improves overall speed by reducing tension on the club, allowing for a more fluid swing. On the other hand, the baseball grip is suitable for beginners as it is easy to get started with and feels more secure in the hand. It is also preferred by golfers with larger hands, as it provides a stronger grip and can result in the ball being hit higher and further.
Some golfers have reported success with the baseball grip, experiencing longer and straighter drives. However, they also noted the occurrence of snap hooks, which is a common issue among those using the baseball grip. Additionally, the interlocking grip may cause discomfort for golfers with larger hands, as the fingers may feel cramped when interlocked.
Ultimately, the choice between the interlocking grip and the baseball grip comes down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable for the golfer. It is recommended to try the grips from the most popular to the least, starting with the overlap grip, then the interlocking grip, and finally the baseball grip if the others are not working out.
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Benefits of interlocking grip
The interlocking grip is one of the three ways golfers place their hands on the grip, along with the overlapping grip and the ten-finger baseball grip. With the interlocking grip, golfers link their hands together by intertwining the index finger of their left hand with the pinky of their right hand (or vice versa for left-handed golfers).
The interlocking grip offers several benefits over the other grips. Firstly, it provides more control over the club and improves overall speed. This is because the interlocking grip allows the hands to act together as a single unit, reducing the need to focus on wrist action. Additionally, the interlocking grip reduces tension in the golf swing by requiring less grip pressure. This is especially beneficial for golfers who struggle with applying too much grip pressure.
Another advantage of the interlocking grip is that it is ideal for players with smaller hands. The interlocking grip can keep the club in place more securely for those with shorter fingers, whereas the overlap grip is better suited for larger hands. Junior golfers, women, and other golfers with smaller hands often find the interlocking grip to be an effective way to grip the club.
The interlocking grip is also beneficial in preventing the hands from slipping, which can be advantageous in hot and humid conditions or when under pressure. Furthermore, the interlocking grip provides a better locking mechanism, giving increased control over the clubface. This can lead to improved consistency and scoring in the game.
While the interlocking grip offers these benefits, it is important to note that it also has some disadvantages. One of the main challenges is that it can be awkward for golfers with larger hands, making it difficult to grip the club comfortably. Additionally, the interlocking grip may eliminate proper wrist movement, which can negatively impact distance and ball striking. It is also important to master the correct technique when using the interlocking grip, as placing the hands on the handle simultaneously can limit wrist hinge and release.
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Cons of interlocking grip
While the interlocking grip in golf can offer more control, it has some disadvantages that players should be aware of. Firstly, it can be challenging for those with large hands, as it may reduce wrist movement and power, making it harder to achieve big drives without a perfect swing. This grip can also amplify existing issues with swing and posture, as it relies more on the entire body for power and accuracy.
The interlocking grip may also feel very unnatural for new players, leading to frustration during the learning process. It is important to note that placing both hands on the handle simultaneously can cause the handle to sit too deep in the right palm, limiting wrist hinge and release. This can be avoided by placing the left hand on the grip first, then sliding the right hand onto the handle.
Another consideration is that the interlocking grip is not as popular as the overlapping grip, which is considered the "gold standard". This means that finding resources, instruction, or guidance on the interlocking grip may be more difficult. Additionally, the interlocking grip may require more time and practice to master, potentially slowing down the learning curve for beginners.
While the interlocking grip has its benefits, it is important to be aware of these potential drawbacks and choose the grip that works best for the individual player.
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Tips for switching to an interlocking grip
While some of the best golfers in history have used an interlocking grip, it is not without its challenges. The interlocking grip can give players more control over the club and improve overall speed, but it can also limit wrist hinge and release. If you're considering switching to an interlocking grip, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Start by placing your left hand on the handle first, then add the right. This will help ensure that you don't get the handle too deep in your right palm, which can restrict movement.
- Connect the lifeline of your right palm to the side of your left thumb, and straighten and interlock your left index finger with your right pinkie.
- Finish by wrapping the remaining fingers of your right hand around the grip, and avoid making unnecessary adjustments.
- If you're switching from a different grip style, such as a baseball grip or an overlapping grip, it may feel awkward at first. Give it time and power through the initial strangeness—it will start to feel more natural with practice.
- To help make the interlocking grip feel more natural, try holding your golf club with the new grip while watching TV at home or walking around the house. This will help your brain get used to the feel of the grip.
- If you're still learning how to square up a clubface, it's recommended to work back towards a neutral golf grip.
- Consider your hand shape and size. Golfers with smaller hands tend to prefer the interlocking grip, as their shorter fingers may not reach the crest of their opposing hand with an overlapping grip.
- Be mindful of your hand strength. The interlocking grip is often chosen by golfers who feel they don't have enough control over the club, as it can provide more stability. However, if you have strong hands and need to tone down your strength, the overlapping grip may be preferable.
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Interlocking grip for beginners
Golf grips are one of the fundamentals of the sport, and a different grip can have a dramatic effect on your swing. While there is no consensus on which grip is the best, most instructors will teach the overlapping grip. However, some of the best players in golf history, like Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, and Rory McIlroy, have used an interlocking grip.
The interlocking grip is when the pinky of the trailing hand (right hand for right-handed golfers) is placed between the index and middle fingers of the leading hand (left hand for right-handed golfers), effectively "interlocking" the hands. This gives you better control without having to think about your wrists. It also reduces tension on the club, making it well-suited for golfers with small hands.
If you are a beginner interested in trying the interlocking grip, here are some tips to get started:
- Place your left hand on the grip first, then 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.
- Wrap the remaining fingers of your right hand around the grip.
- Avoid unnecessary adjustments as you settle into your stance.
- Practice this grip by holding your golf club while watching TV at home or walking around the house. This will help you get used to the feel of the grip.
- When you're ready, start with small swings, then gradually increase to half swings and eventually full swings.
Remember that the interlocking grip may not be comfortable for everyone, especially those with big hands. It can also reduce wrist movement, which may affect the power of your swing. If you find that the interlocking grip is not working for you, you can always switch to the overlapping or ten-finger grip. Ultimately, the choice of grip depends on individual preferences, hand size, and comfort.
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Frequently asked questions
An interlocking grip is a technique where the golfer interlocks their fingers while holding the golf club. This brings the hands closer together, allowing for faster swings.
The interlocking grip creates a stable foundation for your swing by unifying your arms, reducing the need for extra pressure to keep them together. This can lead to improved consistency and performance.
It may take time for the interlocking grip to feel natural. You can start by practising with small swings and gradually increasing to full swings. Holding the club with an interlocking grip while watching TV or walking around the house can also help you get accustomed to the feel.
Yes, some of the best players in golf history have used the interlocking grip. However, it is important to note that grip preference varies among golfers, and some professionals prefer other grips such as the overlapping grip or the baseball grip (also known as the ten-finger grip).
The two most common alternatives are the overlapping grip and the baseball grip (also known as the ten-finger grip). These grips provide similar benefits in terms of stability and consistency but may offer different levels of comfort and swing speed.
