To play golf well, mastering the grip is essential. A proper grip, along with a solid stance, forms the foundation of your golf game. Many errors or significant mistakes in golf can be traced back to an improper grip or stance. So, what is the correct way to grip a golf club? There are three main types of grips: the overlapping grip, the interlocking grip, and the baseball grip. Today, I’ll guide you through these techniques so you can properly master your golf club grip.

Golf Iron Swing Posture

First, it’s important to understand that the swing is a key focus in golf and one of the more difficult aspects to master. The golf swing involves gripping the club with your fingers and using your wrists to guide the motion. You may not fully grasp this concept as a beginner, but let me explain.

  • Gripping with your fingers means that your fingers are the primary source of control over the grip, adjusting the strength of your hold on the club.
  • Swinging with your wrists means that your wrists should drive the entire rotation of your body during the swing. You shouldn’t exert excessive force with your hands—if you do, your shots may go off course.

Once you begin practicing, you will start to feel the connection between your grip and swing. The key to an effective swing is developing a harmonious relationship between your grip and your body’s motion. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the swing and grip process:

  1. Stance: Stand naturally with your feet shoulder-width apart.
  2. Grip: Hold the club naturally and extend it in front of you, letting the clubhead lightly touch the ground.
  3. Alignment: Ensure your left arm, right palm, and clubface are all pointing in the same direction.
  4. Swing Practice: Gently swing the club back and forth like a pendulum, checking to make sure your alignment remains intact.
  5. Grip Strength: Lightly grip the club and check if you can feel the weight of the clubhead as you swing.

Repetition and attention to detail will help you avoid overexerting yourself, allowing the ball to fly farther with less effort.

3 Types of Golf Grips

1. The Overlapping Grip

  • Usage: Approximately 85% of golfers use this grip.
  • Benefits: Offers a sensitive feel, making it easier to hit technical shots.

2. The Baseball Grip

  • Best For: Beginners, young players, or older players.
  • Benefits: Easier to grip the club, providing a comfortable feel and a good choice for those new to the game.

3. The Interlocking Grip

  • Best For: Players with a fast clubhead speed, like Tiger Woods.
  • Benefits: Provides more control during faster swings.

Golf Club Grip Techniques

  • Left Hand: Extend the left hand with the palm facing opposite to the target, keeping the bottom of the palm close to the grip. The clubhead should sit on the ground, with the right angle of the clubface facing the target.
  • Grip with Fingers: Place the fingers together, with the club resting on the first joint of the index finger, forming a diagonal line.
  • Hand Position: Join both hands, with the right thumb positioned slightly to the right of the grip. The index finger should press as if pulling a trigger.
  • Right Hand: Place the right hand on the club, palm facing the target.
  • Natural Grip: With both hands together, the right pinky should touch the left index finger, and the hands should be on the right side of the club, just above the left thumb.
  • Overlapping Grip: This is the most common grip among professional golfers. The right pinky overlaps the left index finger for a firmer grip.
  • Interlocking Grip: The right pinky and left index finger interlock. The left index finger should be detached from the club.
  • Grip Direction: Regardless of the grip style you choose, it’s essential that both hands are aligned with the clubface.

By practicing these techniques and adjusting your grip, you can improve your control, accuracy, and distance. Make sure to experiment with the different types of grips to find the one that feels most comfortable for your game. Happy golfing!