Though there are some staple maneuvers in golf, the game has been around for centuries and is still constantly evolving. Different swings, clubs, and movements become popular and then die out as new techniques are brought in by new players.
As long as you get the basics right, there’s no one right way to play golf. The game has been changing for the last 600 years, so it’s only to be expected that new ideas would come along all the time. So don’t be afraid to try something new on the course – who knows, you might just start a new trend yourself!
Golf grips are one of the most important aspects of the game. They can help you hit the ball straighter and harder, and a different grip can have a dramatic effect on your swing. However, there is no consensus on which grip is best overall. Most instructors teach the overlapping grip, but some of the best players in the sport use a different grip entirely.
Most Popular Golf Grips
So, what are the differences between grips? Which one’s right for you? We look into three of the most common grips in golf – the baseball grip, the overlapping grip, and the interlocking grip – and discuss their advantages and disadvantages.
The Baseball Golf Grip
Although not preferred by instructors, the Baseball or Ten Finger technique is the most natural one to use when taking up golfing. It doesn’t involve interlocked fingers and is a simple hand over hand method. If you are right handed, this hand will normally be placed at the bottom. The little finger of the right hand is placed close against the index finger of the left hand. Reverse the process if you are left handed. Over the years a number of PGA Tour members have used this style with great success. Players with smallish hands or joint ailments will find this golf grip to be effective.
Advantages
- Beginner Friendly – When you’re first starting out playing golf, it can be easy to get overwhelmed. There’s so much to think about, from your swing to your posture to your club selection! One way to simplify things is to choose a grip that’s easy for beginners. A neutral, natural grip means one less thing to worry about as you’re getting the hang of the game. Plus, it can help you develop a better grip down the road as you become more advanced. So if you’re just starting out, don’t hesitate to go with a grip that’s easy on the hands!
- Most Natural Feeling – Until players get used to it, some of the movements and grips in golf can feel a little awkward. Adopting the ten-finger grip feels comfortable and can lead to a more relaxed stroke in general. The grip is also sometimes called the “baseball grip” because it is the grip that most people use when throwing a baseball. To adopt the ten-finger grip, simply place your hands on the golf club so that all ten fingers are touching the club. This grip may feel a bit strange at first, but it will become more comfortable with practice. In addition, using this grip can help you to develop a more relaxed and natural swing. So if you’re feeling a bit tense on the golf course, try using the ten-finger grip – it just might help you to relax and hit that perfect shot!
- Greater Impact Power – The club is held by all ten fingers, which means that power can be transferred from the arms to the club at the point of impact. By combining more wrist flexibility with a longer snap-through in the swing, it can provide a lot of shot power when handled correctly.
Disadvantages
- Hands Can Operate Independently – In a neutral grip, both hands are separated from one another and are somewhat independent of one another. This can result in power imbalances or messed up swing sequences, causing poor shots without the right strength and discipline.
- Wrist Have Too Much Freedom – While wrist freedom can enhance shot power, it can also impair control. An overreliance on the wrists can lead to bad habits and mishits, as power should come from the entire swing.
The Vardon or Overlapping Golf Grip
This one, also called the Overlapping golf grip, carries the name of the inimitable Harry Vardon. This six time winner of the British Open Championships used it to great effect. Assuming that you are right handed, this hand will be at the bottom. This trailing hand’s little finger lays snugly over and between the index finger and middle finger of the top or left hand, also referred to as the lead hand. The thumb of the top hand finds a place along the lifeline of the bottom or trailing hand. This is perhaps the style that is most commonly used. It is ideal for players with large hands.
Advantages
- Combines Freedom & Control – The Vardon golf grip involves overlapping the little finger on your right hand over the space between the ring and the middle finger on your left hand. Some golfers find that this grip gives them more control over their shots, as it allows the wrists to move as one unit. This can be especially helpful when hitting a fade or draw shot. However, it’s important to note that the Vardon grip does not entirely restrict the movement of the wrists. Instead, it simply provides a little more Unity, allowing for greater precision and accuracy. If you’re looking to improve your game, give the Vardon grip a try.
- Better For Bigger Hands – Those with larger hands and longer fingers will usually find the overlapping grip more comfortable. In this grip, the pinky finger of the trailing hand overlaps the index finger of the leading hand, partially wrapping around it. This can provide a more secure grip on the club, especially for those with larger hands. On the other hand, those with smaller hands may find that the interlocking grip works better for them. In this grip, the index finger of the trailing hand interlocks with the pinky finger of the leading hand. This can help to provide a more precise grip on the club, allowing for more control over the shot.
Disadvantages
- Slightly Awkward For Small Hands – Not a deal breaker, but if your hands do run a little small, this might not be the grip for you. Find a grip that feels natural and comfortable to you.
The Interlocking Golf Grip
This is similar to the Vardon, but here the little finger of the trailing hand interlocks with the index finger of the top hand. The thumbs form a ‘V’ shape which should point in the direction of your right shoulder. Interlocking is usually suitable if the golfer has medium-sized hands or weak forearms and wrists. Make sure that you can see the first two knuckles of the left hand.
Advantages
- Looks Your Wrist & Hands Together – By holding the ball with both hands and interlocking your fingers, you effectively turn your two hands into one unit. This gives you much better control over the ball and allows you to make quick adjustments without having to think too much about your wrist movement.
- Reduces Tension On The Club – By holding the club with the pinky and index finger of each hand interlocked, you create a natural way to hold the club without needing to grip it as tightly. This can help you avoid choking the club and allow for a better, more fluid swing.
- Better For Smaller Hands – Golfers such as children and females that have smaller hands will find the interlocking grip more comfortable than the Vardon grip.
Disadvantages
- Awkward For Bigger Hands – If your hands are on the larger side, you won’t get a comfortable swing with this grip.
- Must Have A Perfect Swing – It can reduce wrist movement too much, minimizing the power you get from the snap-through and making big drives harder without a perfect swing.
- Makes Your Imperfect Swing Worse – It can exacerbate existing swing and posture problems since it makes you rely more on your whole body for power and accuracy.
- Unnatural Feel At First – As a new player, it can seem very unnatural, making it frustrating until you get used to it.
Time To Choose Your Perfect Golf Grip
There you have the three basic techniques. You have to experiment on the driving range until you find the golf club grip that works best for you. Generally speaking, your control will be better if you use one of the interlocking styles. The Baseball is less effective in this regard and will in a sense disturb the balance. One hand will always be more powerful in this case – a scenario that is likely to be detrimental to your game.
Remember to be relaxed when it comes to this aspect of your game. Too much tension will be counter productive. Tension problems are usually more advanced on the right side. Make sure that you keep this at a medium level. Aim for around 5 to 6 on a scale of 10. Too tight a hold will result in a loss of distance.
Check your hands often to make sure that you haven’t changed their position inadvertently. The wrists should always function as a unit.
While talking about your grip: Don’t forget to pay attention to the grips you use on your clubs. Many players pay more attention to golf cart accessories than to these small necessities. While you can get by with a used golf cart, you can’t afford to skimp on this little item. Your set has to be perfect for you and must be kept in sound condition.
These small golf grip details can spell the difference between a nightmarish experience on the course, or a confidence-building success-story.
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