Types of Golf Grips

When you first start learning golf, the grip might feel like the least exciting thing to think about. But it is actually one of the most important fundamentals in the game. How you hold the club affects everything from your swing path to your ball flight to how much tension you carry in your arms. Here is a look at the three main types of golf grips and what makes each one work.

The Overlapping Grip

The overlapping grip, sometimes called the Vardon grip after golfer Harry Vardon who popularized it, is the most common grip used by adult golfers. For a right-handed player, this means placing the pinky finger of the right hand on top of the gap between the index and middle fingers of the left hand. It rests on top rather than wrapping around. This grip works well for players with larger hands or longer fingers because it helps the hands work together as a single unit without feeling cramped. Many golfers also find that the overlapping grip makes it easier to control grip pressure, which is important for a smooth, relaxed swing. If your hands tend to get too active through the hitting zone, this grip can help quiet them down.

The Interlocking Grip

With the interlocking grip, the pinky finger of the right hand actually weaves between the index and middle fingers of the left hand, locking the two hands together. This grip is popular with golfers who have smaller hands or shorter fingers because it creates a very connected feeling between both hands. Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus both used an interlocking grip throughout their careers, which tells you it works at the highest level. The trade-off is that some golfers find the interlocking position puts pressure on the fingers over the course of a long round, especially if the grip is too tight. If you try this grip and notice soreness between your fingers, focus on relaxing your grip pressure rather than abandoning the style altogether.

The 10-Finger Grip

The 10-finger grip, also called the baseball grip, is exactly what it sounds like. All ten fingers sit on the club with no overlapping or interlocking at all. This grip is most often recommended for junior golfers, beginners, or players with arthritis or hand injuries that make the other grips uncomfortable. It can also work for players with very small hands who struggle to get a secure feel with either of the other styles. The downside is that the hands can work independently of each other during the swing, which sometimes leads to inconsistent contact. For most adult golfers looking to develop a long-term game, the overlapping or interlocking grip will serve better over time.

Strong, Neutral, and Weak: What Do These Mean?

You will also hear golfers talk about whether their grip is strong, neutral, or weak. These terms do not describe how hard you are holding the club. They describe the rotation of your hands on the grip. A strong grip means both hands are rotated more to the right on the club, which tends to close the face through impact and produce a draw or hook. A weak grip means both hands are rotated more to the left, which tends to open the face and produce a fade or slice. A neutral grip sits right in the middle and gives the most predictable ball flight for most players. Most instructors recommend starting with a neutral grip and adjusting based on what your ball is doing consistently.

Not Sure Which Grip Is Right for You?

The best way to find your grip is to try each one and pay attention to how the club feels and what your ball does. If you want personalized guidance, our instructors at Redlands Mesa Golf Course in Grand Junction are happy to help. A single lesson can clear up a lot of grip confusion and put you on the right path. Call us at (970) 255-7400 or stop by at 2325 W Ridges Blvd, Grand Junction, CO 81507.

Once you find a grip that works for you, the right equipment makes all the difference. Visit our golf club and equipment sales page to find clubs fitted for your grip style at Redlands Mesa Golf Course in Grand Junction.