Three Grip Types

The three most common grips are the 10-Finger, Overlap, and Interlock. All can be done well, and all can have issues.

If we were to look at all PGA and LPGA Tour players, we would see a wide array of grips.

The reason for that is that the purpose of the grip is what’s important. So, the way it looks from one player to the next changes to accommodate their patterns.

The role of the grip in the full swing:

Connect hands to the club (to hold on to it)
Allows the wrists to hinge and unhinge
CONTROL THE CLUB FACE!

10-Finger Grip also known as the Baseball Grip.

An excellent grip for beginners to get started. Make sure that the handle is in the fingers of the lead hand. It should be known as “2-Thumbs and 8-Fingers,” but that’s not as catchy!

Overlap Grip also known as the Vardon Grip.

I most often teach this and the 10-finger grip. Now, that’s not to say that I’ll change someone to one of these two grips just to change it or look a certain way.

Interlock Grip.

This is a very common grip, and many of the best players use this grip. However, I see the most amount of grip issues with recreational golfers that use this grip. Once again, I don’t move people out of this grip if it is not necessary. But it often needs adjusting!

Instead of calling the grip a “fundamental,” I say that there are grip “traits” and grip-to-swing “match-ups” to look for. The reason for that is that the purpose of the grip is what’s important. So, the way it looks from one player to the next changes to accommodate their patterns.

Key Checkpoints

10-Finger Grip

1. Lead hand in fingers
2. Trail hand in fingers
3. All eight fingers connected
Overlap Grip

1. Lead hand in fingers
2. Trail hand in fingers
3. Trail hand pinky finger overlaps lead hand index finger.
Interlock Grip

1. Lead hand in fingers
2. Trail hand in fingers
3. Trail hand pinky finger interlocks with lead hand index finger.

In my day-to-day teaching, I only change the grip when it is necessary. Grip changes are always uncomfortable at first and can revert quickly to where they were previously comfortable.

When is it necessary, you might ask?

When there’s a hinge issue that is a result of grip location in the lead hand. Or, when there is a club face issue that can’t be solved by wrist angle changes.

All Grip Sections

Three Grip Types

These are the most common three grip types. They can all be done well, and all can have issues.

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Lead Hand Placement

It’s crucial that the lead hand grip is positioned correctly in the fingers!

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Finger VS Plam "Grip Check"

Use this “grip test” to see if you are gripping in the fingers or the palm of your lead hand.

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Lead Hand Strength

You have most likely heard the term “weak,” “neutral,” and strong.” Let’s explore!

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Lead Hand Errors

Let’s look at some of the issues related to lead hand errors.

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Trail Hand Placement

Placing the trail hand correctly is crucial for club face control. This often is the culprit for misdirected shots!

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Trail Hand Strength

Trail hand grip strength is just as influential on the club face as the lead hand. Let’s take a look!

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Trail Hand Errors

Common issues you will see that are a result of trail hand errors.

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Face Issues - Slice

Slice/open club face issues that are a result of grip errors.

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Face Issues - Hook

Hook/closed club face issues that are a result of grip errors.

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Grip Strength Curve

How changing your grip can create curve intentionally when needed.

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Grip Pressure

Let’s look at how tight you should be holding onto the club.

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