The only connection between the golfer and the golf club is the grip. Although many beginners pay little attention to this detail at first, the correct golf grip is the absolute key to a consistent golf swing and precise clubface control. How you hold the club determines whether the clubface meets the ball square at impact or whether unwanted errors such as a slice or hook creep in. In this article we share the most important basics, different types of grip and valuable tips for the ideal grip pressure.
Why the right grip decides your shot
If you hold the club incorrectly, you lock your wrists and lose control of the clubface. A correct grip ensures that the leading edge (the front edge of the clubface) is square to the target line at impact. When you take hold of the club, the grip should sit mainly in your fingers rather than in the palm of your hand.
As a first guide: when you grip with your left hand and look down at it, you should be able to see two to three knuckles. That gives you the stability you need. The end of the grip should stick out about one centimetre below the heel of your hand. If the thumb and index finger of each hand form a closed "V", these lines should point towards your right shoulder.
Types of grip
There is no one true grip in golf that every player has to use. Major winners throughout history have shown that different people find different ways to strike the ball perfectly. Nevertheless, three classic variations have become established in golf, and every golf professional teaches them. Which grip is best for you depends on the size of your hands, your strength and your personal feel.
Overlapping grip
The overlapping grip, often called the Vardon grip, is the most widely used method in modern golf. Named after golf legend Harry Vardon, it is used by the majority of professionals and advanced amateurs.
With this grip, the little finger of the right hand rests in the groove between the index finger and middle finger of the left hand. The heel pad of the right hand covers the thumb of the left hand. Holding the club this way connects the hands extremely well and prevents one hand from taking over. It allows excellent clubface control and brings plenty of calm to the swing. For people with very small hands or less strength, however, this grip may feel slightly unstable at first.
Interlocking grip
The interlocking grip is the second most common variation and is favoured by world-class players such as Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus. It creates an extremely firm connection between the hands.
Unlike the Vardon grip, the little finger of the right hand is firmly interlocked with the index finger of the left hand. This makes the hands feel as if they merge into a single unit. The big advantage is that the wrists work together harmoniously, which minimises inconsistencies in the movement. Players with shorter fingers, smaller women and juniors in particular benefit from this stability, as the club does not slip in the hands even at high swing speeds.
Baseball grip
The baseball grip is often called the ten-finger grip, as all ten fingers are in direct contact with the grip of the club.
The fingers of the right hand
With the ten-finger grip, the fingers of the right hand merely touch the left hand without overlapping or interlocking with it. The right hand nestles directly below the left on the grip, exactly as you would hold a baseball bat.
This variation is the ideal starting point for beginners, seniors or children who lack strength in their hands. As no fingers overlap, it is easier to transfer maximum power to the ball at impact. The downside is precision: because the hands are not linked, they often work against each other. This can make the right hand too active at impact, which has a negative effect on the direction of the ball.
The right grip pressure: hold it like a little bird
Besides the type of grip, grip pressure is a decisive factor for a successful shot. A common mistake on the course is clinging on far too tightly. If you hold the club as if it were a knife, your forearms tense up and block the natural dynamics of the golf swing. This robs the clubhead of speed and leads to inaccurate results.
A well-known saying is that you should hold a golf club as firmly as a small bird: firmly enough that it cannot fly away, but gently enough not to hurt it. On a scale from 1 (extremely loose) to 10 (maximum tension), aim for a pressure of about 4 to 5. You will notice that your swing immediately feels smoother.
FAQ: common questions about the golf grip
Which golf grip is best for beginners?
For complete beginners, the baseball grip is often the easiest way in, as it feels the most natural. If you want to work on your technique in the long term, however, you should try the interlocking or overlapping grip early on, as they give more control over the clubface.
How tightly should I hold the golf club?
Grip pressure should be moderate. On a scale from 1 to 10, the ideal is around 4 or 5. Too much pressure locks your wrists and costs you distance; too little lets the club slip in your hands.
Why does my ball always go right (slice)?
This can be caused by a grip that is too "weak". If your hands are turned too far to the left (so that you cannot see any knuckles on your left hand), the clubface often stays open at impact. Try turning your hands a little further to the right.
Do professionals use the baseball grip?
The ten-finger grip is extremely rare on the professional tours. The vast majority of tour players use the Vardon (overlapping) or interlocking grip to get maximum consistency from their shots.
How can I tell that I am holding the club incorrectly?
Blisters or excessive calluses in unusual places on your hand, such as on your palms instead of your fingers, are a good indicator. A club that twists in your hands at impact also points to an incorrect grip.
What is the difference between a weak and a strong grip?
These terms describe the position of the hands on the club. A strong grip means the hands are turned further to the right (you can see more knuckles on your left hand), which encourages a closed clubface and tends to send the ball left. A weak grip is turned to the left and promotes an open clubface, which makes the ball curve to the right.
Can an exercise help to make the grip automatic?
Yes. Simply take a club or a shorter grip at home while watching TV and hold it correctly for a few minutes several times a day. The aim is for the correct finger position to feel completely natural without having to think about it.