Golf is a game that requires precision and accuracy. Considering that your hands are the only connection between your body and the club, a fundamentally sound grip is critical to this. A good grip can help you achieve more control, power, and consistency in your shots.

In this article, I will explore the grip, including the different types, grip pressure, and how to achieve the perfect grip for your game.

 

How You Hold The Club Means Everything In This Game

The grip is how you hold the golf club and is the only point of contact between you and the club. There are three basic types of grip: 

• Overlapping grip
• Interlocking grip
• Ten-finger or baseball grip

The overlapping grip is golf’s most common way of holding the club. With this grip, the little finger of your trail hand overlaps the index finger of your lead hand. This grip is best for golfers with larger hands and longer fingers, providing a more secure connection between the hands and the club.

The interlocking grip is very similar to the overlapping grip but with one slight adjustment. Instead of the little finger of your trail hand overlapping the index finger of your lead hand, the two fingers interlock. This grip is more suitable for golfers with smaller hands and shorter fingers, providing a more comfortable grip on the club.

The ten-finger or baseball grip is the most straightforward approach to holding the club. Beginners and younger golfers often use this grip style. With this grip, all ten fingers are on the club without overlapping or interlocking. This grip provides a more relaxed feeling of the club in your hands, but it may not be suitable for golfers with larger hands.

 

The Basic Principles of Holding the Golf Club

Regardless of the grip type you choose, you should follow some basic principles to achieve the perfect grip. 

First, your grip should be firm but not tight. A tight grip can restrict your wrist movement and reduce your swing speed, while a loose grip can make it difficult to control the club.

Second, your grip should be neutral, meaning your hands should be in a natural position. Your palms should face each other, with the grip end of the club resting diagonally across the fingers of your lead hand. Your trail hand should be placed on the club with the thumb pointing straight down the shaft.

Third, your grip pressure should be consistent throughout your swing. Avoid squeezing the club too hard at the beginning of your swing and then releasing it at the end. This can cause the clubface to open or close, leading to off-center shots.

Common Grip Problems

Beyond the basic principles of the grip, there are some common grip problems that you should be aware of. 

One of the most common grip problems is the “death grip,” characterized by a tight grip on the club. This can cause tension that runs up the forearms and into the shoulders. That tension can lead to a loss of power and accuracy.

Another common problem is the “weak grip,” which is characterized by a grip that is too loose or too much in the fingers rather than the palm. This can cause the clubface to open at impact, leading to a slice or a push.

A grip “too far in the fingers” can cause a loss of control and power. This problem occurs when the grip is too far toward the fingers of the lead hand rather than toward the palm. This can cause the club to twist in the hands, leading to off-center shots.

Changing Your Grip Up To Hit Different Shots

Your grip can be adjusted to help you hit different types of shots. For example, a firmer grip can help you hit a draw, while a weaker grip can help you hit a fade. By experimenting with different hand positions on the club, you will find what works best for your game overall. Additionally, through that experimentation, you can also find what might work to your advantage when trying to work the ball one way or the other.

Final Thoughts

The grip is one of the most important aspects of golf, and it can significantly impact your game. By following the basic principles of grip, avoiding common grip problems, and experimenting with different grip positions, you can achieve the perfect grip for your game and improve your accuracy, power, and consistency on the golf course.