If taking up golf or looking to make a change in your swing, sometimes it is well served to get back to the basics. Which grip might work better than another for your golf game? Can a change in grip increase accuracy or distance in the golf swing? What are the three types of grips in golf? Let’s get stuck in.
Three Different Golf Grips
So what are the three types of grips in golf? The different ways to grip a golf club are the 10 finger grip or what some might call the baseball grip, interlocking grip, and overlapping grip. No one grip works for all golfers. Some golfers prefer a certain grip because it feels comfortable and sometimes you have to forgo comfort for results. On a personal level I have used all of the above grips at one point or another.
In the different ways you can grip the golf club which are mentioned below, we are assuming a right handed golfer.
10 Finger Grip
The 10 finger grip which is also called the baseball grip is where you put the left hand on the club first followed by the right hand. Although the hands will most likely touch where the right little finger will press against the left index finger, there will be no overlapping or interlocking of fingers. Called the 10 finger grip because all fingers.. umm err and thumbs are touching the grip. The thought process is that you should have an equal distribution of grip pressure amongst all the fingers.
It isn’t always the case but more often than not, beginner golfers and children may start off with this type of grip. Sometimes senior golfers move to the 10 finger grip either due to arthritis, flexibility issues, or wrist problems. Women golfers, kids, and those with small hands (me included) might do better with a 10 finger grip because it is said to offer more leverage. So the comfort is there and with what may be termed a natural holding of the golf club, some say this baseball grip allows for maximum distance.
Moe Norman 10 Finger Grip
Having said that, later in his career Moe Norman used a baseball grip. If you know anything about Moe Norman, with his approx. 90% of fairways hit in regulation, he was probably the most accurate hitter in the history of golf. Moe, also known as the Rain Man of Golf had 3 rounds of 59 and four 4 rounds of 61, including 17 holes in one.
For male golfers I believe Scott Piercy and Jhonattan Vegas currently use the 10 finger grip. In so far as women golfers are concerned, Beth Daniel and correct me if I am wrong but Madelene Sagstrom use the baseball grip.
What are the three types of grips in golf and why should what we might call the baseball grip matter? I recommend you read a few words from former Masters Champion, Jimmy Demaret in regards to the 10 Finger Grip.
Interlocking Grip
As an 11 year old, the first time I took golf lessons from a professional I was introduced to an interlocking grip. I still remember how awkward it felt the first time hitting with the interlocking rip. You put the left hand on the grip first and follow by the right hand. Move the right pinky finger and lock it between the index finger and middle finger of the left hand. Make sure all fingers are wrapped around the grip. Some will say the space between the right thumb and right index finger should be pointed at the right shoulder.
The interlocking grip helps to make uniformity between the hands in the swing. Whereas using a 10 finger grip can result in one hand slipping and losing control, that should not happen with an interlocking grip. Also, the interlocking grip should allow for less overall grip pressure which can increase clubhead speed. Those with small hands tend to do well with the interlocking grip versus the overlap grip. In fact, if you have large hands or fingers you may not do well with the interlocking grip.
A word of caution. As I mentioned before, a change in grip can feel awkward. Give yourself a minimum of several rounds or several buckets of balls before determining if this grip will or won’t work for you. If you are lucky enough to have a launch monitor, practice while at home. By the way, Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy both use an interlocking grip. For us old-timers, Jack Nicklaus also uses an interlocking grip. I am currently using the Links Golf Grip Trainer to ingrain a proper interlock grip. Here is a post I made where you can learn more about the Links Golf Grip Trainer.
Overlap Grip
The popularity of the overlap grip came to be because of a golfer named Harry Vardon. So if this grip is seen on the course, some refer to the overlap grip as the Vardon Grip or Vardon Overlap Grip. Put the left hand on the grip, followed by the right hand. Now take the pinky of your right hand and put it between the groove of the index finger and middle finger of your left hand. The thumb on your left hand should fit approximately in the lifeline crease of your right hand.
Although this grip was popularized (not invented) by Vardon in the late 1800’s to early 1900’s, it is still overwhelmingly the grip used today by the majority of PGA professionals. And oh yeah, Vardon won the British Open 6 times and the U.S. Open once. Some say as many as 90% of PGA professionals use the Vardon grip. Whereas I was taught how to go from a 10 finger grip to an interlocking grip, beginning golfers who take lessons will most likely learn the overlap grip today. Thanks Harry!
Who is the overlap grip for? Those with larger hands do well with this grip. Those with overly quick hands tend to do well with the Vardon Overlap Grip. The overlap grip seems to be a hybrid between the 10 finger and interlocking grip in so far as form is concerned. It allows control between the wrists yet the hands can still work as one. In fact it is said that if there is a disadvantage to this grip, it would be that because there is a feeling of one between both hands, those with smaller hands have a tougher time actually wrapping their hands around the grip. In general, that would not happen with the 10 finger grip.
Name Three Types of Grips in Golf and Which One is for Me?
Name three types of grips in golf. To summarize, we have the 10 finger grip (baseball grip), interlocking grip, and overlap grip. The ultimate decision of what might work best for you may be on a personal level. I would also take the size of your hands and fingers into consideration when making that decision. If you have small hands, my recommendation would be to go with the 10 finger grip or interlocking grip. If you have large hands, I would steer you towards the Vardon Overlap Grip and away from the interlocking grip, with the second choice being the baseball grip. By the way, I wonder if you’ve noticed my approximately 25 year old Arnie’s Army sweatshirt in these pictures? The King, Arnold Palmer used an overlap grip.
As for me, I have moved from the interlocking grip back to the baseball grip this year and on certain approach shots, am starting to feel more accuracy. The thing of it is though, my hands don’t seem to mesh together very well on the grip. So some off-season work may need to be done. Let me know what grip you use and the reason for doing so.