How to Hold a Golf Club: Fundamentals of Grip

← Golf Instruction & Improvement | Swing Mechanics & Fundamentals

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Quick Answer

• Get your hands aligned correctly on the club. That’s the main thing.
• Pressure should be light, like holding a tube of toothpaste. Don’t squeeze the life out of it.
• Choose a grip style that feels natural. Interlocking, overlapping, or ten-finger – pick one that works for you.

Who This Is For

• Anyone new to golf who wants to build a solid swing from the ground up.
• Golfers who are fighting inconsistency and want better control over their shots.

What to Check First

• Grip Pressure: Is your grip too tight or too loose? You should feel in control, not like you’re trying to break the club.
• Hand Alignment: How do your hands stack up? Make sure they’re working together, not against each other.
• Lead Wrist Position: At address, is your lead wrist flat or slightly bowed? This sets the stage for a good swing.
• Club Angle: Check that the clubface is square to your target. A wonky clubface starts the ball off line.

Step-by-Step Plan for Your Golf Club Grip

1. Select the Right Grip Type: Decide between interlocking, overlapping, or ten-finger. What to look for: A grip that feels secure and lets your wrists move freely. Mistake to avoid: Trying to force a grip style that just doesn’t feel right.

2. Place Your Lead Hand: Position your lead hand so the club runs diagonally across the base of your fingers. What to look for: The grip should be held by your fingers, not crammed into your palm. Mistake to avoid: Gripping too much with the palm, which creates a weak grip and kills power.

3. Close Your Lead Hand: When you look from down the line, you should see two to three knuckles on your lead hand. What to look for: A slight “V” shape formed by your thumb and forefinger pointing generally towards your trail shoulder. Mistake to avoid: Rotating your hand too much, creating a “closed” grip that can lead to hooks.

4. Add Your Trail Hand: Place your trail hand so it fits snugly against your lead hand. The lifeline of your trail hand should cover the thumb of your lead hand. What to look for: Your hands should feel connected and work as a unit. Mistake to avoid: Leaving a big gap between your hands, which disconnects your arms and body.

5. Check Grip Pressure: Light as a feather, right? Aim for about a 3-4 out of 10 on the pressure scale. What to look for: You should feel like you can easily turn the club in your hands without it slipping. Mistake to avoid: Squeezing the club like it owes you money. This kills speed and makes your wrists stiff.

6. Confirm V’s Alignment: Both the “V” from your lead hand and the “V” from your trail hand should point roughly between your trail shoulder and chin. What to look for: This neutral alignment promotes a balanced swing. Mistake to avoid: Having both “V’s” point too far left (closed) or too far right (open).

7. Square the Clubface: Before you swing, ensure the clubface is aimed at your target. What to look for: The grooves on the face should be pointing straight up or slightly down. Mistake to avoid: Having the clubface open or closed at address, which will send your ball way off course.

Common Mistakes in How to Hold a Club

• Gripping Too Tightly — Reduces clubhead speed and flexibility. You lose power and control. — Relax your grip pressure to a 3-4 out of 10. Think light and easy.
• Weak Lead Hand Grip — Leads to slices and loss of power. Your shots will curve right. — Ensure 2-3 knuckles are visible on your lead hand and the “V” points towards your trail shoulder.
• Strong Lead Hand Grip — Can cause hooks and excessive rightward spin. Your shots might curve hard left. — Adjust your lead hand so the “V” points more towards your trail shoulder.
• Hands Disconnected — Creates inconsistency and a lack of power. Your arms and body won’t sync up. — Ensure your trail hand fits snugly against your lead hand with no gap.
• Club Too Far in Palm — Weakens your grip and reduces control. You’ll struggle to hinge your wrists properly. — Position the club more in the base of your fingers on your lead hand.
• Ignoring Grip Type — Using a grip that doesn’t suit you can cause discomfort and limit your swing. — Experiment with interlocking, overlapping, or ten-finger to find what feels best.

FAQ

• What is the most common golf grip? The overlapping grip (often called the Vardon grip) is very popular, but interlocking and ten-finger grips are also widely used and effective.
• How much pressure should I apply when holding a golf club? Aim for a light pressure, around 3-4 out of 10. It should feel like you’re holding a delicate bird or a tube of toothpaste – firm enough not to drop, but not squeezing hard.
• What’s the difference between an interlocking and overlapping grip? In an interlocking grip, the pinky finger of your trail hand locks into the space between the index and middle finger of your lead hand. In an overlapping grip, the pinky finger of your trail hand rests on top of the groove between the index and middle finger of your lead hand.
• Can my grip affect my slice? Absolutely. A weak lead hand grip is a common cause of slicing. Ensuring your lead hand is neutral or slightly strong can help square the clubface.
• Should I change my grip if I have arthritis or hand pain? Yes, definitely. If you experience pain, consider a thicker grip or a grip style that puts less strain on your hands. A golf professional can help you find suitable options.
• How often should I check my grip? It’s a good idea to check your grip pressure and alignment periodically, especially if you notice your shots going awry. Make it a habit during practice sessions.