Whilst the fundamentals remain the same, there is more than one way to hold the golf club as explained by PGA Jack Backhouse…
Much like everything else in life there is more than one way of doing things. This is no different when it comes to holding a golf club. There are a range of different methods you can use to grip the golf club, most of which are used by tour pros.
Despite these being different methods of holding the club, some things remain the same. In this article, we discuss the fundamentals of a good golf grip as well as the different ways that you can hold the golf club. As well as which pros have been successful using that method, to prove there is more than one way.
The overlapping grip, or known by some the Vardon grip is a method of holding the club which was populised by Harry Vardon.
The grip is formed by placing first hand on, in a standard thumb down the grip position. The second hand is placed on with the pinky finger resting between the pinky and index finger of the first hand.
This grip style tends to be favoured by players with larger hands or longer fingers, for comfort.
Phil Mickelson is one of the most notable players to use an overlapping grip. Alongside other players like and
The interlock grip is very popular amongst tour players. As per the name, the hands are connected. This allows the hands to work together.
It is formed by the first hand setting down into the grip, in a neutral position. The second hand is then added with the pinky finger connecting, locking, with the index finger of the first hand.
This style of grip is known to work best for players with smaller hands. It also reduces the amount of wrist movement, as the hands are locked in together. There is also a less grip pressure as it not all of the fingers make contact with the grip. Alternatively, this grip isn’t the most natural to pick up. The reduced wrist movement also makes the body work harder.
The ten finger grip, or referred to be some as a baseball grip isn’t the most popular grip around by it still works for a lot of golfers.
Unlike the other grip types, this one separates the hands completely. Every finger will be touching the grip. The first hand goes on in a regular position. Fingers around the grip with the thumb on the top, pointing down the shaft. The second hand repeats this. Whilst the hands aren’t connected, they index finger of the first hand will be pressed against the pinky of the second hand.`
This grip is great for beginner golfers as it more natural in comparison to the other grips. However, as the hands aren’t working together it can make it difficult to create a crisp ball strike. The wrists have a lot of free movement which can help with swing speed but reduce accuracy.
PGA Tour player, Scott Piercy is one a few successful golfer to use this technique. LPGA Star Ally Ewing also used this style.
Cack Handed Grip
Perhaps the most out the grip style there is, cack handed, refers to having a cross handed grip. So for a right handed golfer this would be a left below right hand placement.
It’s not a grip type used by many as a full swing, as it can cause difficultly with swing mechanics due to a reduced range of mobility.
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However, it is popular amongst golfers, as a way of improving their short game. It reduces the amount of wrist action involves. This tends to help improve the strike quality and consistency.
Matt Fitzpatrick of one of the PGA Tour Professionals who uses this grip style when around the green.
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Fundamentals of a Good Golf Grip
Whilst there are different style of golf grip, some things remain the same. Getting the basics right is important, so the grip doesn’t affect the swing in a detrimental way.
A bad grip can make it impossible to stop hitting the ball too far offline and also reduce the range of motion in the wrists, which leads to less control and club head speed. A good grip doesn’t guarantee a well-executed shot, but a bad grip makes it extremely difficult to pull one off!
So what are the fundamentals of a good golf grip…
Lead Hand Placement
Lead hand placement is arguably more important than trail hand, as this hand is the primary club face angle controller. Open this hand out, palm facing towards you. The grip should be placed down the middle knuckle of the fingers. When you clench your hand, the majority of the grip should be sitting in the fingers. This leaves the hand pad on top.
Gripping in the fingers gives the wrist joint a greater range of motion. Allowing for more club head speed and control. Think about writing your name; holding the pen in your fingers gives you more control than if you wrote it while holding the pen in your palm.
Whether you have your hand turned away from the target (stronger) or towards the target (weaker) is up to you as a player. This should complement your technique and preferred shot shape. A stronger grip will help send the ball more left, and a weaker grip more right for a right-handed golfer.
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Trail Hand Placement
When you add the trail hand, you should place the middle of the hand onto the thumb of the lead hand. This acts as a vital pressure point. This allows your hands to be oriented in the same direction, which helps your ball flight. Again, the grip should be in the fingers. It gives you all the control; waggling the club should feel easy and light.
It is important to create a good pinch between the thumb and forefinger of the trail hand. This gives golfers more awareness of where the club face is. And, allows the club to be released at impact harder.
Grip Pressure
There is a common misconception amongst golfers that you can’t swing the club fast when you’re not gripping it tight. This is absolutely not the case. Your body won’t allow you to throw the club mid swing. It’s important to not suffocate the golf club but find a reasonable grip pressure.
Conclusion
It is the golfer’s personal preference whether they interlock their fingers, overlap or take a 10-finger grip of the club. There have been golfers who win major championships with all types of grips, so it isn’t really important. The key thing to figure out is to get the basics right and find a style that works for you.
A golfer’s grip can however affect what happens at the ball. This is down to grip strength. Having a strong, weak or neutral grip can be the cause of a lot of players troubles, as explained in How to Grip a Golf Club: Strong, Weak, or Neutral?
