While practicing and developing your grip may be one of the least exciting areas of golf, it is the foundation of a great swing. Without proper control, we never make the right connection with the golf club, which results in poor shots, lack of consistency, and even lost distance. This golf grip guide gives you everything you need to get your hands on the club every time you go out to play.
Key terms related to the golf grip
Golf grip terminology isn’t complicated, but there are a few things you need to understand before trying to make a connection with the club.
- Neutral grip: The hands are positioned to encourage a flight to the ball. It is considered to be the ideal position for most golf shots.
- Strong syllable: Hands roll to the right (for right-handed players), usually producing a draw.
- Poor grip: Hands rotate to the left (for right-handed players), often resulting in fades.
- Grip pressure: Quantity of force applied to the clubideally to maintain a relaxed yet confident hold. Unlike “strong” or “weak” grips which refers to the position of the hands on the club.
- Superimposed grip: When the red finger of the following hand overlaps the index finger of the first hand.
- Intersyllabic: When the pinky finger of the back hand connects with the index finger of the first hand.
- 10-finger grip (baseball).: All fingers touch the stick without overlapping or interlacing.
Types of golf gloves
There are three main types of golf gloves: overlapping, interlocking and 10-fingered. Overlap and cross grips are used by most golfers.
Overlap grip (Vardon control)
The overlapping grip is also known as the Vardon grip, a common option for experienced players. Here the red finger of the trail hand overlaps the index finger of the lead hand. The overlay grip is often considered to be for players with large hands and those who want to try to reduce grip pressure.
Intersyllabic
The interlocking grip is where the pinky finger of the trail hand connects with the index finger of the lead hand. It is usually used by players with small hands who need to create a better connection with the golf club. In addition, the cross handle can be used by those looking for a little extra speed in their movement.
10-toe swing (baseball).
The 10-finger grip, also known as the baseball grip, is by far the simplest grip style. In this grip, the left and right hands are not bound or connected. Instead, all 10 fingers are on the club, creating more contact between the hands and the club itself. However, it can make the hands too active in the swing and prevent players from using the right muscles.
Comparison of capture types
| Type of capture | Description | Pros | ANTI |
| Superimposed grip | Pinky overlaps the index finger of the lead hand. | Comfortable, reduces hand tension. | It can feel less secure for beginners. |
| Intersyllabic | Pink braids with index finger. | Safe for little hands, durable. | It can feel limiting or too helpful for some. |
| Ten-finger grip | All fingers touch the handle, without overlapping. | Simple, strong hand contact, easy to learn | Less control and finesse, can lead to excessive hand action |
Standard golf grip vs. putting grip
In addition to the three main types of full swing golf grips, there are various putting grips. When you hit the green, the goal is to keep your putter consistent and steady, and to do that, you may want to change the position of your hands.
Using the regular grip on the green is acceptable, but remember that the grips are built to create leverage and power, not stability in a small movement.
A few different types of deployment gloves include:
- Conventional syllables: Conventional placement capture is called reverse overlay. The index finger of the lead hand rests on top of the fingers of the trailing hand. Reverse overlay is more durable than traditional overlay grip.
- Syllable by hand: The cross-handed grip can also be called “left-handed low” for the right-handed player. Crossing the hands on the club helps reduce wrist action.
- Claw Grip: This catch has gained considerable popularity in recent years. The trail hand assumes a claw-like position, gripping the shooter’s side with the fingers, while the lead hand maintains control of the stick.
The goal with all putting grips is to position the hands to help reduce wrist movement and increase the consistency of delivering a square face.
Step-by-step guide to gripping a golf club
Some professional golfers carry a grip trainer on a practice club or to move the weight just to make sure they always put their hands in the right position. Just like professionals, amateur players must be constantly aware of having proper control of their club. Here is a very basic step-by-step guide on how to grip a golf club (for right-handed golfers).
Build the left hand grip
Place the stick diagonally across the base of your fingers on the lead hand. The grip will go from the base of your pinky finger to the pad under your index finger. The stick should be in your fingers so that when you close your hand around the stick, the pad of your lead hand rests on top of the stick.
- Checkpoint: When you look down, you should see two knuckles on the back of your lead hand, and the V formed by your thumb and index finger will point to the shoulder of the trace.
Build the right hand grip
Place the stick on the fingers of the trailing hand. You will want the club to rest along the base of your pinky finger and first index finger. When you wrap your hand around the handle, the palm of your trailing hand rests on top of the lead thumb.
- Checkpoint: Check that the V formed by your thumb and index finger is pointing towards your back shoulder.
Link your hands
Once your right and left hands are in position, you need to decide whether to link, overlap, or stay with the 10-finger grip.
If you overlap, you will place the pinky finger of your right hand over the gap between the index and middle fingers of your lead hand.
If you link, the pinky finger of your trailing hand will link to the index finger of your lead hand.
Pressure adjustments and control
When both hands are placed on the stick, make sure the V shapes formed by the thumb and index finger on both hands point to your trailing shoulder. Your hands should also feel like they are in a neutral and square position along with the club face.
Aim for light pressure. On a scale of one to 10, anywhere between 4, 5 and 6 is acceptable. You should have a secure grip on the club, but not overtighten it to twist and drop it.
Common Capture Mistakes to Avoid
If you feel like your grip position still isn’t quite right, take a look at some of these common grip mistakes and see if one of them could be the problem.
| error | Description | iMPACT |
| Palm grip | Holding the stick in the palm instead of the fingers. | It weakens the power and makes it more difficult to move the wrist. |
| Deep blocking | Closing the fingers too tightly on the locking handle. | Makes it more difficult to control the club face. |
| Right hand weak | The trailing hand rests too far on top of the handle. | Inflicts slices or high, weak hits. |
| Short spike | The lead thumb is too short in the handle, tight in the hand. | Reduces leverage and limits wrist action. |
| Unwrapped footprint thumb | The index finger rests on the side of the hand rather than curling slightly. | Less grip stability and control. |
| Too much pressure | Squeezing the club too hard. | It creates tension and kills your swing speed. |
How the right grip affects the golf swing
If you don’t invest time in getting proper control, you will notice problems with ball flight, power, distance, consistency and control. The position of your hands on the club can determine the position of the clubface at impact.
In addition, if your hands are not positioned correctly, you may have problems with the lever and wrist hinge. A neutral grip with proper pressure gives you control and helps improve your ability to fully deliver the club face.
Final thoughts
Experiment with grip styles and positions until you find one that works. Once you find a grip you like, practice it and make sure it’s in exactly the right position every time you swing the club. Work with a golf professional if you are having trouble checking correctly.
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