Golf can be a challenging game to learn and even more difficult to master, especially when you consider many golfers never took the time to really understand the basics of the game when beginning, such as the proper way to hold a golf club. Over time this can compound an issue and be a part of struggling to see improvement.
But don’t worry. We’ve put together this post on the basics of grip so that you can start improving your golf swing today. By following these simple tips, you’ll be well on your way to shaving strokes off your score.
Why is your grip so important?
A proper golf grip is essential for any golfer who wants to improve their game. The grip is the foundation for a good swing, and it sets the tone for everything that comes afterward.
Using the correct golf grip allows you to swing your club with control and speed and determines how much club face rotation you get. In addition, a proper grip helps to ensure that the clubface makes contact with the ball squarely through the impact zone.
- A proper golf grip will help you control the club and hit the ball more accurately.
- It can give you more power and distance on your shots.
- A solid technique will help you achieve a straight ball flight and avoid slicing or hooking the ball.
- A perfect golf grip will help keep the clubface square to the target line.
There are many different ways to grip a golf club, but the most important thing is to find a grip that feels comfortable and gives you the most control. Once you have established a good grip, you will be well on your way to improving your game.
Feeling the pressure?
The amount of pressure you apply to the golf club grip is very important. If you grip the club too tightly, your muscles will be tense, and you will not be able to make a smooth swing. This can also make your hands sweat. This will cause the club to twist at impact, resulting in a loss of power and accuracy.
On the other hand, with a weak golf grip, you will not be able to control the club properly and again lose power and accuracy. The key is to find a balance between the two extremes.
An excellent way to gauge the pressure you should be applying, popularised by swing legend Sam Snead, is to think about holding a bird in your hands. You want to hold tight enough that the bird can’t fly away, but not so tight as to hurt the bird.
This analogy can help you find the perfect grip pressure for your next round of golf.
Note: For the sake of this article, and especially if you are new to golf, we will discuss gripping the club with a neutral grip (meaning no draw or fade).
Where the V points
Many beginner golfers grip the club in their palms, which can lead to losing power and control. The V shape grip is a more effective way to hold the club, and it’s not as difficult as it may look.
- To start, position your left hand on the club, so the left thumb extends down the shaft. Then, curl your fingers around the grip and place your right hand, so the pinky finger rests next to your left index finger.
- Next, shift the right hand up a bit to overlap your left hand, interlocking* the pinky and index fingers. The V should be formed by the space between your hands, and you should be able to see two or three knuckles on your left hand.
- Finally, adjust your grip until you feel comfortable and can easily control the club.
*Interlocking is optional. It can simply rest there to be an overlapping golf grip, more on that later in the post.
In this position, the V’s created with the thumb and forefinger as you address the golf ball will point just to the right of your chin (right-handed golfer). In fact, with this grip, someone standing directly across from you would see only the first two knuckles of your left hand.
This is how most golf instructors teach their students to grip the club.
It’s also important to consider that when gripping the golf club, hold it more toward your fingers than back in the palm of your hand. This will allow you to get a good natural wrist cock.
When your wrist is cocked correctly, it gives your shots more power and accuracy. In addition, holding the club this way will help prevent “slicing” the ball.
As you continue to learn and improve your golf game, you will likely become curious about how to hit shots that draw or fade the ball. This type of shot requires a specific grip, and while there is more to hitting this type of shot than just the grip, it is a good place to start.
For a draw, you will need to grip the club in a way that positions your hands slightly ahead of the ball at impact. This will cause the clubface to rotate closed through impact, resulting in a shot that curves right to left in the air.
To hit a fade, you must do the opposite, gripping the club so that your hands are behind the ball at impact. This will cause the clubface to rotate open through impact, resulting in a shot that curves from left to right. Although drawing or fading the ball requires some practice and skill, understanding the basics of how it is done can help you take your game to the next level.
I mention this not to imply that you will want immediately want to begin working your golf shots from right to left and left to right; instead, I want to give you a basic understanding of how the golf grip works first from the neutral hand position.
Should you interlock fingers in your golf grip?
You don’t have to. Where your forefinger and little finger meet underneath the club grip, you can either overlap these two fingers or interlock them. This is a case of whichever is most comfortable and gives you the most confidence.
Personally, I don’t. I feel more comfortable without it, but many professional golfers like Tiger Woods use the interlocking grip. Maybe when I compare our trophy hauls, I can admit he was a touch better.
Do you use the same grip for driver and irons?
Most golfers will use the same grip for drivers and irons to help with their consistency. However, many golfers also find that they can use a more relaxed grip for their driver, as they don’t need to generate as much power with this club. Conversely, they may find that they need to use a firmer grip for their irons to ensure that they hit the ball with enough accuracy and control. Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question.
What is the easiest golf grip?
There is no one “easy golf grip” that works for everyone. Different golfers find different grips easiest to use. However, as an adult, the Vardon grip or “V” grip is probably the easiest golf grip for you to use. It is one of the most common grips used in golf, and it is straightforward to do. I suggest using the baseball grip for kids or those with small or weaker hands. It is much easier to get your hands around the club, and it also makes it easier to create a square clubface at impact.
What happens if you grip a golf club too tightly?
If you grip a golf club too tightly, it can cause thin, weak shots that slice. This is because gripping too tightly creates tension in your hands, wrists, and arms, which results in less power and accuracy. To avoid this, try to relax your grip and use a light touch so that you can swing the club smoothly.
How many knuckles should I see in my golf grip?
Ideally, you should see two knuckles in your golf grip – one at the base of your thumb and one at the base of your index finger. This provides a strong, stable grip that will help you hit the ball farther and more accurately. However, if you see only one knuckle, your grip is probably too weak, and if you see three or four, you’ve over gripping.
Do pro golfers interlock their fingers?
Some do, some don’t – it really depends on the individual golfer and what they feel works best for them. For example, some people find that using an interlocking grip helps them have more control over the club, while others prefer an overlapping grip
because they find more freedom to move. Ultimately, it’s up to the golfer to decide what grip works best for them.
Why do golfers tape their fingers?
Golfers tape their fingers to prevent or cover up any discomfort they may feel while playing. This could be anything from blisters to cuts to calluses. By taping their fingers, golfers can remain focused on their game and not be distracted by any pain or discomfort they may be feeling.
How far down should you grip a golf club?
The grip on a golf club should be around an inch from the top of the grip to the end of the club. This allows for a good amount of control over the club while still giving you the ability to swing it properly. If you grip the club too high, you may lose control, leading to poor swings and missed shots. Too low, and you risk a worm burner.
Do larger golf grips make a difference?
Grip size can make a difference in how well you play golf. Oversized golf grips can help you feel a secure connection and swing the club more freely, but they can also restrict your hands and cause you to lose swing speed and the ability to square the clubface.
Final thoughts
One of the most important things to remember when first starting to play golf is that it takes time to get used to the grip and feel of the club. Therefore, it is essential to spend time swinging the club back and forth, getting a feel for how the club moves before worrying about hitting a ball. This will help you get used to the weight and balance of the club, as well as how your grip should feel.
Once you understand how the club feels in your hands, you can start to focus on the address and setup. Then, with practice, you will soon be hitting the ball with ease.