How to Hold a Golf Club? – Best holding a golf grip guide

Golf is a sport with many nuances and intricacies that can take years of practice to master. One key skill that must be refined in order to become an excellent golfer is the ability to properly hold a golf club. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced player, understanding how to hold a golf club. In this blog post we will explore important factors such as grip size and hand placement for ensuring you get the most out of every swing.

Different types of golf grips

There are three primary types of golf grips: the overlapping grip, the interlocking grip, and the 10-finger grip.

The 10-Finger Grip

This grip is named the “10-finger grip” because all of your fingers are on the club. Although not commonly used by professionals, some beginners find it comfortable. It can provide a powerful grip and is suitable for golfers with small hands.

The Overlapping Grip

Also known as the “Vardon” grip, the overlapping grip is one of the most prevalent in golf. With this grip, you position the pinkie finger of one hand and place it in the ridge between the index and middle finger of the other hand. This grip is advantageous for golfers with larger hands.

The Interlocking Grip

The interlocking grip begins with the 10-finger grip, and you interlock one hand’s pinkie finger with the other hand’s index finger to bring your hands closer together. This grip locks your fingers together, allowing both hands to work in unison and potentially adding power to your golf swing.

Are putting golf grips different?

Putting golf grips are not different. The same grip technique should be used for all shots, except for the putter. For more information on the proper putting grip, refer to this guide.

The golf grip cheat sheet: TLDR

TLDR: To hold a golf club properly, start with your left hand (or right hand if left-handed), make sure the handle runs diagonally across your left fingers, check for knuckles, don’t cover the butt of the handle with your palm, form a ‘V’ shape with your right thumb and forefinger, experiment with grips, stay loose, and remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day.

Differences in holding a golf driver vs a golf putter

When it comes to holding a golf club, there are notable differences between holding a driver and a putter.

Holding a Golf Driver

For a driver, start by holding the club at the base of the handle with your left hand. Rotate your hand so that the knuckles of your index and middle finger are visible. Place your right hand on the club, overlapping the ring and middle fingers of your left hand. Align your right thumb and index finger to form a “V” that aligns with the middle of your torso.

Holding a Golf Putter

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On the other hand, when it comes to holding a putter, begin by holding it up to your outstretched left hand. The handle should run through the center of your hand. Use the same placement for your right hand, ensuring it sets below your left hand. There are various ways to hold a putter, such as overlap, claw, and cross-handed grips. Experiment with different variations and choose the grip that feels most comfortable for you.

Understanding left-handed vs right-handed golf clubs

Left-handed golf clubs are available for individuals who are more comfortable swinging with their left hand. It’s worth noting that some left-handed golfers, like Phil Mickelson, may prefer swinging right-handed to leverage their stronger arm when striking the ball. Ultimately, there is no right or wrong approach – choose what feels natural and comfortable to you.

When it comes to the golf grip, the technique remains the same for left-handed golfers, with the only difference being the hand-placement. For lefties, the right hand should be positioned at the edge of the handle, while the left hand should be closer to the head.

How do you want to hold your golf club?

When it comes to gripping your golf club, it is important to find the right balance. While some may suggest that your grip pressure should mimic holding a bird, I prefer a different approach. I aim for a firm grip that allows me to maintain control and generate maximum club head speed, especially when swinging my driver at speeds over 100 mph. Holding the club too loosely may result in losing control, while gripping it too tightly can hinder swing speed and distance. So, the key is to keep your shoulder blades and forearms relaxed while maintaining a firm grip to achieve a powerful and accurate swing.

How to hold a golf club?

More watching video: how to hold a golf club here:

How to hold a golf club right handed?

There are three ways to hold a golf club right-handed: the 10-finger grip, overlap grip, and interlocking grip.

• The 10-finger grip: Also known as the baseball grip, this involves placing all ten fingers on the handle of the club. While it has traditionally been frowned upon, it can be effective, especially for ladies and beginners.
• The overlap grip: Start with the 10-finger grip and lift your right-hand pinky finger. Slide your right hand closer to your left hand and position the pinky finger between the index finger and middle finger of your left hand.
• The interlocking grip: Begin with the overlap grip. Lift your pinky finger and place the index finger of your left hand between the pinky finger and ring finger of your right hand. Allow the fingers to securely hold the club handle.

Determining the best grip for your swing is highly individualized. Take the time to practice each grip and choose the one that feels most comfortable and natural to you.

How to hold a golf club left handed?

To hold a golf club left-handed, follow these steps:

• Weak/ open faced grip for the left: Achieve a weak or open-faced grip by looking down and seeing less than two knuckles on your left hand. The V of your left hand should point towards your chin. Turn your hands counterclockwise or to the left, allowing your left thumb to rest more on the target side of the shaft.
• Strong/ closed face grip for the left: Achieve a strong or closed face grip by looking down and seeing three knuckles or more on your left hand. The V of your left hand should point towards your right shoulder. Turn your hands clockwise or to the right, allowing your left thumb to rest clearly on the right side of the grip.
• Neutral golf grip for the left: Achieve a neutral golf grip by looking down and seeing two knuckles on your left hand. Holding the club this way allows for a blend of arm and body motion. The V of your left hand should point towards your right ear, and your left thumb should be just on the right side of the grip.

How to hold a golf club for beginners?

When holding a golf club, beginners should place their “lead” hand on the top of the club, with the trail hand positioned just underneath it. The grip should extend down the fingers and palm of the lead hand, while the palm of the trail hand should rest on top of it.

Is there perfect golf grip?

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There is no such thing as a “perfect” golf grip when it comes to the fine margins. A great golf grip is typically neutral, with the hands positioned close together. Many tour players may have a slightly stronger or weaker grip. Once you have your golf grip roughly in the right place, use the ball flight to determine your optimal grip.

Should you golf grip an iron the same as a driver?

It is advisable to maintain a consistent golf grip for both iron and driver shots, including full iron shots, driver shots, fairway wood shots, and hybrid shots.

Should you chip and pitch with the same golf grip?

When chipping and pitching in golf, it is recommended to maintain a consistent grip, just like with all other shots, except for putting. It is crucial to have a firm grip that ensures the clubface returns to a square position, whether you are hitting bunker shots, making full swings with your woods or irons, or executing chip and pitch shots.

Why does golf grip make such difference to the club face?

The grip in golf significantly influences the clubface position at impact. With a weak grip, some golfers might struggle to square the clubface, while the right arm excessively crossing over the top of the club can hinder achieving a proper swing plane.

Why does golf grip make me slice/hook?

The golf grip can lead to slicing or hooking due to its direct impact on the club face position. When the club face remains open, it causes the ball to make contact at an angle and results in a slice that feels like a “side swipe.”

How to fix holding golf club?

To fix your grip when holding a golf club, follow these steps:

1. Hands in the correct order: If you’re right-handed, place your left hand (lead hand) on top and your right hand below. For left-handers, it’s vice versa. Avoid the common mistake of assuming your strongest hand should be on top.
2. Fingers, not palms: Hold the club with the base of your fingers for greater speed and proper hinging in the backswing. Avoid forcing the club into your palm, as it slows down your swing and affects the clubface angle, impacting the distance and direction of your shots.
3. Choose your hold: There are three grip styles to choose from – interlocking, overlapping, and baseball. Each has its strengths and weaknesses. The interlocking grip keeps the hands connected for stability and consistency. The overlapping grip is more natural and popular among beginners. The baseball grip doesn’t connect the hands, but can lead to instability and hooked shots.
4. Strong, weak, or neutral positioning: This refers to the positioning of your hands on the club. A strong hold suits right-handers who slice the ball right, as it helps square the clubface impact. Be cautious, as a strong hold can lead to a hooked shot to the left.
5. Don’t hold on too tight: Avoid gripping the club too tightly, as it reduces swing speed and hinders wrist movement, resulting in reduced power. Holding the club too softly gives you no control. Aim for a grip that is midway between these extremes, ensuring a balance of control and flexibility.

How to change your golf grip?

To change your golf grip, follow these steps:

1. Secure the shaft: Use a vise to hold the shaft near the grip’s tip, using a protective rubber clamp. Position the club face perpendicular to the floor.
2. Remove the old grip: Using a straight blade or stripper, cut away from yourself and peel or scrape off the old grip and grip tape. Clean off any residue with a cloth and Mineral Spirits Grip Solvent.
3. Measure for tape: Hold the new grip parallel to the shaft to determine the area that needs to be covered by tape.
4. Apply the tape: Use either 3/4″ or 2″ double-sided grip tape. If using 3/4″ tape, spiral-wrap it from the top of the shaft to where the bottom of the grip will be. Remove the tape backing and cover the end of the shaft with extra tape.
5. Clean with Mineral Spirits: Cover the vent hole in the butt end, pour a generous amount of Mineral Spirits Grip Solvent inside the new grip, and close the open end. Shake the grip to ensure the entire inside is covered.
6. Pour Mineral Spirits over: Pour the excess Mineral Spirits Grip Solvent (through the vent hole) over the entire length of the two-sided tape. Use a tray to catch any excess solvent for use on other clubs.
7. Apply the grip: Place the grip over the shaft butt (with the alignment pattern up) by squeezing the open end. Push the grip onto the club, ensuring the grip butt is against the shaft butt.
8. Final placement: Properly align the grip with the pattern square to the club face within a minute of applying the grip. Allow the grip to dry for several hours before playing.

FAQs: Hold a golf club

How does Tiger Woods hold a golf club?

Tiger Woods employs a neutral interlocking grip, which entails placing the pinky of his trailing hand between the index and middle fingers of the leading hand. This technique helps him to maintain better centering over the ball and enhance shaft lean at impact.

Is there a correct way to hold a golf club?

When gripping a golf club, it is important to ensure a proper and secure hold, especially if you frequently wear gloves. Whether you play a few rounds or practice with a bucket of balls, implementing the correct technique is essential.

How do pro golfers hold golf club?

The grip of a professional golfer involves placing the right hand on top of the left thumb. Additionally, notice the “V” shape formed by the right thumb and index finger, which points towards the trailing shoulder.