Holding a golf club sounds like it should be the simplest part of playing golf, but it’s actually more tricky than you think. As well as this, it is also one of the most important aspects of the game. Your grip is the only connection you have with the club, so it is important to get it right. If you’ve been playing golf for a while but aren’t noticing any improvement, it might be time to look into how you are gripping your golf club.
The different types of golf grips
There are a plethora of different ways of gripping a golf club, but there are three basic golf grips: the overlapping, interlocking and 10-finger grips. While there’s no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to grips, if you want to improve your swing, it is important to understand the differences.
The overlapping golf grip
The overlapping grip, otherwise known as the Vardon grip, is one of the most popular. It is when the player positions the pinky finger of one hand in the ridge between the index and middle finger of the other hand.
The grip is particularly beneficial for players with larger hands, as it partially wraps around the leading hand and not just the club, making it more comfortable.
The 10-finger golf grip
The 10-finger grip is popular amongst golfing beginners as it is relatively natural and comfortable. It is called the 10-finger grip because each finger is on the club. There shouldn’t be any gap between the hands, and the first knuckles of one hand should line up with the second knuckles of the other. Because all 10 fingers are touching the club, it can be powerful and, when done correctly, can transfer the power from the players arms, through the club and into the shot.
It can also be well-suited for golfers with smaller hands, as players can feel like they have more control of the club.
The interlocking golf grip
The interlocking golf grip is similar to that of the 10-finger grip. However, you simply interlock the pinky finger of one hand with the index finger of the other hand to get your hands closer together.
The biggest advantage is that this ‘locks’ your fingers in pace so both of your hands work together, which can give your golf swing some added power.
Left-handed vs right-handed golf grips
If you’re left-handed, you’re probably used to struggling using utensils built for right-handed people. Luckily, golf club manufacturers make both left-handed and right-handed golf clubs that make it easier for all.
However, just because you’re left-handed, you don’t have to use a left-handed club. Similarly, they aren’t exclusively for lefties. To determine whether you are more comfortable swinging left or right-handed, it’s best to try out a few clubs to figure out what is the most natural.
The golf grip is the same technique for left-handed players as it is for right-handed ones, except the hand-placement is opposite. The right hand will be at the edge of the handle, while the left hand will be closer to the head.
How to hold a golf club
Whether right or left handed, place your non-dominant hand at the base of the handle and rotate it so that you can see the knuckles of your index and middle finger. Place your dominant hand underneath it so that you are overlapping the ring and middle fingers. Your thumb and index finger crowded create a v-shape and line up with the middle of your torso.
The difference when holding a putter
As we have spoken about in previous articles, there are different types of golf clubs. Because each club has a different function, they will also have a different grip. You don’t want to hold your driver in the same way as you’d hold your putter, because you want the results of the shot to be different.
How to hold a putter
As we’ve already mentioned, there are many different grips, however there are even more ways to hold a putter; such as an overlap, claw and cross-handed grip. Putting is a game within a game and is played in the mind as, much as the body. The best way to figure out what works for you is by trying different variations and choosing the most comfortable and gives you the most confidence when standing over the ball.
How to troubleshoot your golf grip
If you are uncomfortable whilst taking a swing or noticing that everything is a little off, you probably need to reevaluate your golf grip. Make sure that you avoid these common mistakes.
Avoid ‘gripping up’
Make sure that your hand is positioned accurately on the club. If you can’t see the tip of the handle, your hand is too high. Move your hands down the handle so that you can see the top.
Check Your Trail Hand
Your trail hand is your dominant hand. Make sure that your thumb and forefinger are making a v-shape and pointing to the middle of your sternum.
Check Your Lead Hand
Your lead hand is your non-dominant hand. We know, it makes no sense – but that’s the way it is. Ensure that you can see the knuckles of your ring and middle fingers and that the handle is running diagonally down your fingers.
Don’t Squeeze Too Hard
You might be tempted to squeeze your club really tight to ensure that you have full control of it. However, this is the opposite of what you should do. Of course, you don’t want your hands to shift, but you still want some give when it comes to your grip. A good thought is imagine you are holding a tube of toothpaste with the cap open. You want to hold the toothpaste tube firm enough so that you don’t drop it, but without any of the toothpaste squeezing out of the tube.
How Cash Fore Clubs can help
Want to upgrade your glubs for ones that you’re more comfortable using? At Cash Fore Clubs, we have a range of different new and second-hand clubs for sale that are suited for anyone and everyone! You can even sell or part-exchange your old clubs for your new set!
If you want to test out a few different clubs before you decide on the most comfortable, head over to our store in Chippenham and try before you buy!
