The Ultimate Guide to Proper Hand Position for Golf Grip

Proper Hand Position for Golf Grip

The Ultimate Guide to Proper Hand Position for Golf Grip

Your grip is your only connection to the golf club, making its correct hand placement the foundation of a successful swing. The right hand position for golf grip translates to better control, power, accuracy, and consistency in your shots.  

Today, The Carnoustie Golf Club will dive into the nuances of hand position for golf grip, explore different grip styles, and offer tips to elevate your grip game.

Types of Golf Grips

There are three main types of golf grips, each with its own advantages and characteristics. Understanding these grips and selecting the one that suits you best can significantly impact your golf game. Let’s explore each type in detail:

Interlocking Grip

Interlocking Grip

The interlocking grip is a popular choice, especially among golfers with smaller hands or less hand strength. In this grip:

  • The pinkie finger of the trailing hand (right hand for right-handed golfers) interlocks with the index finger of the lead hand (left hand for right-handed golfers).
  • This interlocking creates a unified grip, promoting a sense of the hands working together as one unit.
  • The interlocking grip can provide more control and may help prevent the club from twisting during the swing.
  • It’s favored by many professional golfers, including Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus.

Pros: Offers good control, is suitable for smaller hands, and helps unify hand action. 

Cons: May feel uncomfortable for some golfers, especially those with larger hands or arthritis.

Overlapping Grip (Vardon Grip)

Overlapping Grip (Vardon Grip)

Named after the legendary golfer Harry Vardon, the overlapping grip is perhaps the most commonly used grip among professional golfers. In this grip:

  • The pinkie finger of the trailing hand rests in the space between the index and middle fingers of the lead hand.
  • This creates a slight overlap, hence the name.
  • It’s particularly well-suited for golfers with larger hands or longer fingers.

Pros: Promote a smoother wrist hinge during the swing, allows for good wrist action, comfortable for many golfers, widely used by professionals. 

Cons: May not provide as much control for those with smaller hands.

Ten-Finger Grip (Baseball Grip)

Ten-Finger Grip (Baseball Grip)

The ten-finger grip, also known as the baseball grip, is the least common among advanced golfers but can be beneficial for beginners or those with hand issues. In this grip:

  • All ten fingers are placed on the club, similar to how one would hold a baseball bat.
  • There’s no interlocking or overlapping of fingers between the hands.
  • It’s also favored by some golfers with arthritis or hand injuries.

Pros: Provides more power, comfortable for beginners, good for those with hand issues. Cons: May offer less control, can lead to hands working independently rather than as a unit.

Choosing Your Proper Hand Position for Golf Grip

When selecting your grip, consider factors such as:

  1. Hand size and strength
  2. Comfort and natural feel
  3. Any physical limitations or injuries
  4. Your skill level and golfing goals

It’s worth experimenting with each grip type to see which feels most natural and provides the best results for your swing. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution in golf. What works for a professional golfer might not be the best choice for you.

Proper hand placement sets the foundation for a more effective swing, allowing you to execute the techniques for swing improvement with greater precision. Integrating this knowledge into your practice routine will ensure that you perform better in the course.

Proper Hand Positioning for Each Grip Type

Proper Hand Positioning for Each Grip Type

Regardless of which grip you choose, proper hand positioning is crucial for maximizing control, power, and consistency in your golf swing. Let’s break down the correct hand placement for each grip type:

Interlocking Grip Hand Position

For the interlocking grip, follow these steps:

  • Lead Hand (left hand for right-handed golfers): 
      •  Place the club diagonally across the base of your fingers. 
      • The club should run from the base of your pinky to just below the index finger. 
      • Close your hand, ensuring the thumb pad rests on top of the grip. 
      • Your thumb should point slightly right of center on the grip.
  • Trailing Hand (right hand for right-handed golfers): 
    • Place your right palm over your left thumb. 
    • Interlock your right pinky with the index finger of your left hand. 
    • The lifeline of your right palm should fit snugly over your left thumb. 
    • Your right thumb and index finger should form a “V” pointing towards your right shoulder.

Overlapping (Vardon) Grip Hand Position

Overlapping (Vardon) Grip Hand Position

For the overlapping grip, follow these steps:

  • Lead Hand
    • Position the club as described in the interlocking grip. 
    • Ensure the club runs diagonally across your fingers. 
    • Close your hand with the thumb pad on top of the grip.
  • Trailing Hand: 
    • Place your right palm over your left thumb. 
    • Instead of interlocking, rest your right pinky in the space between the index and middle fingers of your left hand. 
    • The right hand should overlap the left, creating a unified grip. 
    • Again, form a “V” with your right thumb and index finger, pointing towards your right shoulder.

Ten-Finger (Baseball) Grip Hand Position

Ten-Finger (Baseball) Grip Hand Position

For the ten-finger grip, follow these steps:

  • Lead Hand: 
    • Place the club across the base of your fingers as in the other grips. 
    • Close your hand around the grip, ensuring your thumb is slightly right of center.
  • Trailing Hand: 
    • Place your right hand directly below your left on the grip. 
    • There should be little to no gap between your hands. 
    • Your right pinky should be in contact with your left index finger, but not interlocking or overlapping. 
    • Form the “V” with your right thumb and index finger, pointing towards your right shoulder.

Conclusion

correct hand position for golf grip

Mastering the hand position for a golf grip is essential for improving your golf game. Throughout this guide, we’ve explored the intricacies of the three main grip types – interlocking, overlapping, and ten-finger – and detailed the correct hand positioning for each. Remember, your hands are your only connection to the club – treat them with the care and attention they deserve to elevate your swing and achieve your golfing goals.

When you apply the right grip, you set a solid foundation for powerful and accurate drives. Combining a well-placed grip with proven driving strategies will help you maximize distance and accuracy off the tee, ultimately leading to a better overall performance on the course.

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