How to Hold a Golf Club: The Proper Golf Grip
Neutral Golf Grip
The proper grip for golf is essential for achieving control, accuracy, and power in your golf swing. Here are the steps to achieve a proper golf grip:
- Start with your lead hand (left hand for right-handed golfers, right hand for left-handed golfers). Place the grip of the club diagonally across the base of your fingers, so it runs from the first knuckle of your left index finger to the base of your little finger.
- Close your lead hand’s fingers around the grip, wrapping them comfortably but not too tightly. The pad of your lead hand’s thumb should rest on the grip, slightly to the right of centre (for right-handed golfers).
- With your trail hand (right hand for right-handed golfers, left hand for left-handed golfers), place it below your lead hand on the grip. Your trail hand’s palm should face your target, and the grip should run diagonally from the base of your little finger to the first knuckle of your index finger.
- Close your trail hand’s fingers around the grip, interlocking or overlapping them with your lead hand’s fingers. The pad of your trail hand’s thumb should rest on the grip, slightly to the left of centre (for right-handed golfers).
- Both of your thumbs should be pointing down the grip and slightly to the right (for right-handed golfers).
- Check the positioning of your grip. You should have a neutral grip, which means the Vs formed by your thumbs and index fingers should point toward your trail shoulder (for right-handed golfers). This helps promote a square clubface at impact.
- Ensure that your grip pressure is firm but not overly tight. You want a relaxed grip that allows for proper wrist action and club control during the swing.
- Finally, double-check your grip by looking down at your hands. You should see two to three knuckles of your lead hand (for right-handed golfers) when looking down at the address position.
Remember to practice your grip and get comfortable with it before hitting the golf course or range, as a new grip always takes time to feel normal. Consistency and repetition are key to developing a proper and comfortable grip that works for you. If you are a beginner or struggling with your grip, it may be helpful to seek guidance from a golf professional or instructor who can provide personalized instruction and feedback.
Weak Golf Grip
A golf grip that is a weak grip set up refers to a particular way of holding the golf club that favours a weaker rotation of the hands during the swing. It is typically associated with a less pronounced clockwise rotation of the hands for a right-handed golfer (counterclockwise for a left-handed golfer), which can help promote a fade or minimize a hook.
Here’s how you can achieve a weak grip:
Placement of the lead hand (left hand for right-handed golfers):
Start by placing the grip across the base of your fingers, running diagonally from the first knuckle of your index finger to the base of your pinky finger. Between your thumb and index finger the V formed should point more towards your chin than your trail opposite shoulder (left shoulder for left-handed golfers).
Placement of the trail hand (right hand for right-handed golfers):
Place the pad of your right hand on top of your left thumb, and then wrap your fingers around the grip. Between your thumb and index finger the V formed should also point more towards your chin matching the lead hand (left shoulder for left-handed golfers).
Overlap or interlock grip:
Choose between an overlap grip (where the little finger of the trail hand overlaps the index finger of the lead hand) or an interlock grip (where the little finger of the trail hand interlocks with the index finger of the lead hand). Both grips can work well with a weak grip, so choose the one that feels most comfortable for you.
Check your grip pressure:
Maintain a firm grip on the club but avoid gripping it too tightly. A relaxed and balanced grip pressure is important for a fluid swing.
Practice and adjust:
Experiment with the grip to find the right balance that suits your swing and shot shape preferences. It is a good idea to work with a golf instructor or coach who can provide guidance and feedback based on your individual needs.
Remember, the grip is just one component of the golf swing, and it should be complemented by proper body mechanics, alignment, and swing fundamentals. The right grip for you ultimately depends on your swing style, shot shape preferences, and comfort level.
Strong Golf Grip
A golf grip that is strong refers to a particular way of holding the golf club that favours a stronger rotation of the hands during the swing. It is typically associated with a more pronounced clockwise rotation of the hands for a right-handed golfer (counterclockwise for a left-handed golfer), which can help promote a draw or minimize a slice.
Here’s how you can achieve a strong golf grip:
Placement of the lead hand (left hand for right-handed golfers): Start by placing the grip across the base of your fingers, running diagonally from the first knuckle of your index finger to the base of your pinky finger. Between your thumb and index finger the V formed should point toward your right opposite shoulder (left shoulder for left-handed golfers).
Placement of the trail hand (right hand for right-handed golfers):
Place the pad of your right hand on top of your left thumb, and then wrap your fingers around the grip. Between your thumb and index finger the V formed should point to your right shoulder (left shoulder for left-handed golfers).
Overlap or interlock grip:
Choose between an overlap grip (where the little finger of the trail hand overlaps the index finger of the lead hand) or an interlock grip (where the little finger of the trail hand interlocks with the index finger of the lead hand). Both grips can work well with a strong grip, so choose the one that feels most comfortable for you.
Check your grip pressure:
Maintain a firm grip on the club, but avoid gripping it too tightly, as it can restrict your wrist and hand movements during the swing. A relaxed and balanced grip pressure is essential for a fluid swing.
Practice and adjust:
Experiment with the grip to find the right balance that suits your swing and shot shape preferences. It’s a good idea to work with a golf instructor or coach who can guide you and provide personalized feedback.
Remember, while a strong grip can help promote a draw and minimize a slice, it may also affect your shot shape and trajectory. It is important to understand that the grip is just one component of the golf swing, and it should be complemented by proper body mechanics, alignment, and swing fundamentals.
Left hand golf grip
The left-hand golf grip is specifically for right-handed golfers. Here are the steps to achieve a proper left hand golf grip:
Start by positioning the club in your left hand (lead hand). The grip of the club should rest diagonally across the base of your fingers, running from the first knuckle of your index finger to the base of your little finger.
Close your left hand’s fingers around the grip, wrapping them comfortably but not too tightly. The pad of your left thumb should rest on the grip, slightly to the right of centre.
Ensure that the grip lies primarily in the fingers of your left hand rather than in the palm. This promotes greater control and feel during the swing.
Check the positioning of your grip. You should see two to three knuckles of your left hand when looking down at the address position.
To maintain a neutral grip, means the V formed by your left thumb and index finger should point towards your right shoulder (for right-handed golfers). This helps promote a squarer clubface at impact.
Confirm that your grip pressure is firm but not overly tight. Avoid gripping the club too tightly, as it can restrict your wrist action and limit your swing’s fluidity.
It’s crucial to practice your left-hand golf grip and get comfortable with it through repetition and consistency. Seek guidance from a golf professional or instructor they can provide further guidance and help you refine your grip for optimal performance.
Can grip size affect golf swing?
Yes, grip size can indeed affect the golf swing. The size of the grip refers to its diameter, which can vary from standard (midsize) to larger or smaller sizes. Here’s how grip size can impact the golf swing:
Comfort and control:
The right grip size can provide comfort and enhance your ability to control the club during the swing. If the grip is too large, it may make it challenging to properly release the club and rotate your hands through impact. Conversely, a grip that is too small can result in excessive hand and wrist movement, leading to a lack of control and accuracy.
Hand Pressure:
Grip size can affect the pressure applied by your hands on the club. If the grip is too small, you might naturally squeeze the club tighter to compensate for the lack of surface area to hold onto. This can lead to tension and restrict your swing. On the other hand, a grip that is too large may cause you to grip the club too lightly, resulting in a loss of control and power.
Swing Path and Face Angle:
Grip size can influence the swing path and face angle at impact. A grip that is too large can make it challenging to properly release the club, causing a tendency for the hands to lag behind and promoting a closed clubface. Conversely, a grip that is too small can contribute to an early release and an open clubface.
Comfort and Consistency:
The right grip size promotes comfort and consistency in your swing. When you have a grip that feels comfortable in your hands, it can help you relax and make consistent swings. Consistency in grip size across all your clubs can also enhance muscle memory and promote a more repeatable swing.
It’s important to find the grip size that suits your hand size, shape, and personal preference. If you’re unsure about the appropriate grip size, it can be beneficial to seek guidance from a professional club fitter or a golf instructor. They can analyse your hand size and swing characteristics to determine the optimal grip size for you. Additionally, testing different grip sizes and getting feedback on how they feel and perform during practice sessions can help you find the right fit for your game.
Interlocking vs. Overlapping Golf Grip
The interlocking grip and overlapping grip are the two most common ways to hold a club. Both grips are widely used by golfers of all levels, and the choice between them ultimately depends on personal feel and comfort. Here is a breakdown of each grip:
Interlocking Grip:
The interlocking grip involves interlocking the little finger of the trail hand with the index finger of the lead hand. The remaining fingers of both hands wrap around the grip naturally. This grip is popular among golfers with either small hands or those who prefer a stronger connection between their hands.
Advantages of the interlocking grip:
Offers a tight connection between the hands, providing a feeling of control.
Can help maintain a stable grip during the swing, especially for golfers with weaker hand strength.
Disadvantages of the interlocking grip:
Some golfers may find it uncomfortable if their fingers are not suited for interlocking.
It can restrict hand and wrist movement for golfers who prefer a more fluid release through impact.
Overlapping Grip (Vardon Grip):
The overlapping grip, also known as the Vardon grip, involves overlapping the little finger of the trail hand over the index finger of the lead hand. The grip naturally brings the hands together, with the trail hand resting more on top of the lead hand. This grip is widely used by golfers and is favoured by those with larger hands or those who prefer greater hand and wrist freedom.
Advantages of the overlapping grip:
Provides a balance between hand connection and freedom of movement.
Allows for a more natural release of the club through impact.
May feel more comfortable for golfers with larger hands.
Disadvantages of the overlapping grip:
The connection between the hands may be slightly looser compared to the interlocking grip.
Some golfers may find it challenging to maintain a secure grip with this method.
Ultimately, the choice between the interlocking grip and overlapping grip is subjective and depends on your individual preference, hand size, and comfort level. It is recommended to experiment with both grips and choose the one that feels most natural and provides the desired control and freedom throughout your golf swing.
Interlocking Golf Grip
The interlocking golf grip is one of the three common grip styles used in golf, along with the overlapping (Vardon) golf grip and the ten-finger (baseball) golf grip. The interlocking grip is often preferred by golfers with smaller hands or those looking for added connection and control between the hands. Here are the steps to achieve the interlocking golf grip:
Start by placing the club in your lead hand (left hand for right-handed golfers, right hand for left-handed golfers). The grip of the club should rest diagonally across the base of your fingers, running from the first knuckle of your index finger to the base of your little finger.
Close your lead hand’s fingers around the grip, wrapping them comfortably but not too tightly. The pad of your lead thumb should rest on the grip, slightly to the right of centre (for right-handed golfers).
With your trail hand (right hand for right-handed golfers, left hand for left-handed golfers), place it below your lead hand on the grip. Your trail hand’s palm should face your target, and the grip should run diagonally from the base of your little finger to the first knuckle of your index finger.
Close your trail hand’s fingers around the grip, interlocking the little finger of your trail hand with the index finger of your lead hand. The pad of your trail thumb should rest on the grip, slightly to the left of centre (for right-handed golfers).
Both of your thumbs should be pointing down the grip and slightly to the right (for right-handed golfers).
Check the positioning of your golf grip. You should have a neutral golf grip, with the Vs formed by your thumbs and index fingers pointing toward your trail shoulder (for right-handed golfers). This promotes a square clubface at impact.
Ensure that your grip pressure is firm but not overly tight. You want a relaxed grip that allows for proper wrist action and club control during the swing.
Finally, double-check your grip by looking down at your hands. You should see two to three knuckles of your lead hand (for right-handed golfers) when looking down at the address position.
Remember to practice your interlocking grip and get comfortable with it through repetition and consistency. It may feel different at first if you are transitioning from a different golf grip style, so give yourself time to adapt. If you are a beginner or struggling with your grip, it may be helpful to seek guidance from a golf professional or instructor who can provide personalized instruction and feedback.
How much pressure should a golf grip have?
When it comes to grip pressure in golf, it is important to find the right balance. Gripping the club too tightly or too loosely can both have negative effects on your swing and overall performance. Here are some guidelines to consider:
Firm, not tight:
Your grip pressure should be firm enough to maintain control of the club throughout the swing. However, it should not be excessively tight. Squeezing the club too tightly can restrict your hand and wrist movement, leading to a tense swing and reduced clubhead speed.
Consistent pressure:
Maintain a consistent grip pressure throughout the swing. Avoid gripping the club too lightly at the beginning and then tightening your grip during impact. Consistency in golf grip pressure helps promote a smooth and fluid swing.
Lighter in the fingers:
Instead of gripping the club tightly with the entire hand, focus on holding it more lightly in the fingers. This allows for better clubhead control and improved feel during the swing.
Pressure points:
Pay attention to the pressure points in your hands. The pressure should be primarily in the last three fingers of your lead hand (left hand for right-handed golfers) and the middle two fingers of your trail hand (right hand for right-handed golfers). The thumbs should have a lighter touch on the golf grip.
Comfort and relaxation:
Strive for a grip pressure that feels comfortable and allows for relaxation throughout the swing. Tension in your grip can transfer to other parts of your body, affecting your swing mechanics and overall performance.
Remember, finding the right golf grip pressure may require some experimentation and personal preference. It is essential to practice and develop a grip pressure that works best for you, as individual differences and playing conditions can influence the ideal pressure.
In Summary
A proper golf grip is the most important fundamental in starting to learn to play golf. The correct golf grip creates the only connection between the player and the golf club. Playing golf is easier with the correct grip and beginner golfers should always start learning how to hold a golf club. Correct set up with a neutral grip will improve consistency and repeatability in your golf swing. For a straight shot a neutral grip is best, to fade the ball a weak grip and for a draw a strong grip is better. The perfect golf grip allows the golf club to rest in your fingers making it easier for correct wrist hinge, which improves ball striking and means you can hit proper golf shots.
Get a GRIP on your golf game!