A perfect golf grip is one of the most fundamental components of a consistent and effective swing, and even amateur players can master this important concept with the right tips. The proper golf grip lets you control the clubface, avoiding the dreaded slices and hook shots that destroy your scorecard and confidence. There’s, however, no one-size-fits-all golf grip, and every golfer should choose what works for them from the common standard golf grips. If you want to transform your game and succeed on the course, read on to learn how to hold your club the best way possible and achieve the ideal grip.
Proper Golf Grip Guide: What You Need to Know
Select Your Preferred Grip Type
There are three types of standard golf grips, and the best idea is to try them all and discover which is ideal. The first type is the Interlocking Grip, which involves interlocking the pinky of your trailing hand (right hand for right-handed golfers) with the index finger of your leading hand (left hand for right-handed golfers). The second type is the Ten-Finger Grip, also known as the Baseball Grip, which involves all ten fingers holding the club like a baseball bat. The third option is the Overlapping or Vardon Grip, where the pinky of the trailing hand sits on top of the index and middle fingers of the leading hand.
Position Your Leading Hand
Once you have settled on an ideal grip type, the next step is to position the leading hand accordingly. When placing the club on your fingers, ensure it rests diagonally across your leading hand’s fingers. The club’s handle should extend from the base of your pinky to just above your index finger’s first joint. You should then carefully wrap your fingers around the club and close your hand with the thumb pointing down the shaft and slightly to the right. A “V” shape should be formed by your thumb and index finger pointing towards your right shoulder.
Position Your Trailing Hand
When positioning your trailing hand, let the club handle rest across the fingers, not in the palm. Next up, close the hand, with the lifeline of the trailing hand covering the leading hand’s thumb. Ensure that the thumb is slightly to the left of the center of the shaft. The last step is to align the Vs to match that of the leading hand, with the “V” formed by the trailing hand’s thumb and index finger also pointing towards your right shoulder.
Check the Pressure of Your Grip
If you don’t want to struggle to square the clubface at impact, you should avoid gripping the club too tightly or too loosely. Aim for a moderate grip pressure of around five on a scale of 1-10, with one being extremely loose and ten for as tight as possible. You should also ensure an even distribution of pressure across both hands because excessive pressure from the palm or thumb can lead to poor control and tension.
Grip Position on the Club
When gripping the club, ensure that your leading hand is close to the top of the grip, with a small gap between your hand and the end of the club. Consistency is also a crucial element of a perfect grip, so you should strive to place your hands consistently in the same position on the grip every time. The result will be a consistent and effective swing.
Cross-Check Your Alignment
It’s important to confirm that you have the proper alignment. When holding the club out in front of you, the clubface should be square (perpendicular to the target line), and your hands should be in the correct position. The next thing is to avoid any twisting of the clubface when you place your hands on the grip.
Practice Regularly and Monitor Over Time
Regular practice and consistency are key. A smart trick is to practice holding the grip correctly without any club to get used to it and build muscle memory. It would help if you adopted a swing practice that focuses on your grip to help it remain consistent and comfortable throughout the motion. Make a habit of checking your grip during practice sessions periodically to ensure it remains correct, and if you notice issues with your swing or ball flight, reassess your grip and adjust accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Developing a perfect golf grip is a journey that requires your commitment and dedication. Nonetheless, it’s a fundamental aspect of improving your overall game, and you can master it with time and practice. Even the most successful golfers on pro tours spend ample time on the fundamentals, including the grip, setup, and body alignment. As mentioned, you can learn the three grip types and decide which is most comfortable.