Different Golf Grips: Find the Best Grip for Your Game

A solid golf swing starts with the basics, and your grip is one of the most important fundamentals. The way you hold the club can make or break your game. It influences everything from shot direction to distance, control, and even your consistency over time.

If you’ve ever wondered why your shots veer off target or feel inconsistent, chances are your grip needs attention. In this guide, we’ll break down how to grip a golf club, explore different golf grips, and help you find the correct grip that fits your game.

Understanding Different Golf Grips: Why It Matters

Your grip is the only physical connection you have with the golf club and that connection controls everything. Whether you're teeing off with a driver or lining up a putt, the way your hands are positioned impacts control, comfort, and swing path.

Read more: How to Stop Slicing Driver: Master Your Driver and Reduce Slices

There are several different types of golf grips, each with its pros and cons. But one thing remains consistent: the right grip helps you maintain clubface stability throughout the swing. That translates to better accuracy, more distance, and fewer mishits.

Your grip also influences how your wrists move, which affects both power and precision. A grip that’s too strong or too weak can lead to a slice, hook, or loss of distance, all signs that your grip is working against you, not with you. By understanding how grip affects your swing path, wrist action, and ball flight, you can make small adjustments that lead to big performance gains.

In short, mastering your grip is one of the fastest ways to improve both your consistency and overall game, whether you're a beginner or refining a seasoned swing.

The Most Common Golf Grip Types

Let’s break down the three most widely used grip styles in golf: the Ten-Finger, Overlapping, and Interlocking grips. Each has unique benefits, and the best one for you depends on your hand size, strength, flexibility, and swing preferences.

1. Ten-Finger Grip (Baseball Grip)

How to Do It:

Place all ten fingers on the club, with your hands pressed tightly together. Your lead hand (left hand for right-handed golfers) goes on top, and your trail hand follows just below it. No fingers interlock or overlap, just a straight, unified hold.

Advantages:

• Super intuitive and easy for beginners
• Encourages a powerful release through the ball
• Ideal for juniors, seniors, or golfers with small hands
• Feels natural for those coming from baseball or softball

Disadvantages:

• Offers less control through impact
• Promotes more wrist movement, which can lead to too much wrist freedom and inconsistent shots
• May not work well for advanced players seeking precision

This grip is often considered a neutral golf grip, a great starting point if you're new and just learning how to build your swing.

2. Overlapping Grip (Vardon Grip)

How to Do It:

Wrap your trail pinky finger over the gap between your lead hand’s index and middle finger. This creates a connection between your hands while keeping your fingers relaxed.

Advantages:

• Encourages unity between the hands without sacrificing feel
• Provides excellent wrist action control
• Favored by players with larger hands or stronger grip pressure
• Popular among pros, a go-to among many tour players

Disadvantages:

• Can feel awkward or disconnected if your hands are small
• May take time to get comfortable for new players

If you're looking for stability and feel, the overlapping grip is a reliable option used in countless tour player golf grips setups.

3. Interlocking Grip

How to Do It:

Interlace your trail pinky with the lead index finger, so they lock together. This physically connects both hands, creating a unified hold on the club.

Advantages:

• Promotes hand and wrist connection

• Ideal for players with small hands, including women and junior golfers

• Encourages consistent grip pressure and reduced slippage

• Used by legends like Tiger Woods, yes, the Tiger Woods golf grip is interlocking

Disadvantages:

• Requires more coordination

• Can feel tight or uncomfortable at first

The interlocking grip is perfect if you want better control and hand unity throughout the swing, especially if you’ve struggled with grip slippage in the past.

How to Choose the Right Golf Grip

Choosing the right golf grip is key to controlling your swing, improving accuracy, and generating power. The right grip depends on your hand size, strength, and flexibility.

• Small hands or limited grip strength? Try the interlocking grip, great for stability and control.
• Larger hands? The overlapping grip offers more comfort and smoother wrist action.
• Need more power? The ten-finger grip allows more hand movement, ideal for beginners or those seeking extra distance.
  

Ask yourself: Are you aiming for control or power? A stronger grip can help reduce slices and boost distance. A weaker or neutral grip offers better control and is easier to manage for consistent, accurate shots.

For beginners, the ten-finger grip is often the easiest starting point. It’s comfortable and helps you focus on learning solid swing mechanics.

No matter your level, your grip should feel natural and match your swing style. A proper golf grip makes a huge difference in performance, helping you swing with confidence and consistency.

Common Golf Grip Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Even seasoned golfers can fall into bad grip habits. Recognizing and correcting these mistakes is crucial for improving your game.

Common Mistakes

1. Gripping Too Tightly: Holding the club with excessive tension can restrict wrist movement and reduce swing fluidity. Aim for a firm yet relaxed grip, similar to holding a tube of toothpaste without squeezing any out.

2. Incorrect Hand Placement: Placing the club too much in the palms rather than the fingers can limit wrist hinge and control. Ensure the club runs diagonally across the fingers of your lead hand for optimal control.

3. Inconsistent Grip Pressure: Varying grip pressure during the swing can lead to inconsistent shots. Maintain consistent pressure throughout the swing to ensure better control and accuracy.

How to Fix Them

• Practice with Purpose: Spend time on the range focusing solely on your grip. Use alignment aids or grip trainers to develop muscle memory.
• Seek Professional Guidance: A golf instructor can provide personalized feedback and drills to correct grip issues.
• Regularly Check Your Grip: Make it a habit to assess your grip during practice sessions. Small adjustments can lead to significant improvements.

By addressing these common mistakes, you'll build a more reliable and effective grip, leading to better performance on the course.

Mastering Your Golf Grip for Better Results

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to golf grips. Whether you’re chasing distance, dialing in your accuracy, or just getting started, understanding the different golf grips, and how they affect your swing, can change your game for the better.

The key is to experiment and find the grip that fits your hand size, swing style, and comfort level. And don’t forget about grip size, it can make a major difference in both control and feel.

Want to level up your game even further? Check out SNYDER Golf Balls and more expert tips and insights. We break down everything from swing mechanics to gear guides, all designed to help you play smarter, not harder.

FAQs About Different Golf Grips

1. What is the best golf grip for beginners?

The ten-finger grip (baseball grip) is ideal for beginners. It offers more comfort and control, helping you learn swing basics with better consistency.

2. How does grip size affect my performance?

Grip size impacts comfort and control. A grip that’s too large or small can cause discomfort and loss of control. Choose the right size for your hand and swing style for optimal performance.

3. Can a golf grip help fix a slice or hook?

Yes, adjusting your grip can help fix a slice or hook. A stronger grip can reduce a slice, while a weaker grip can help correct a hook.

4. What is the difference between an overlapping and interlocking grip?

An overlapping grip offers more control, ideal for larger hands. The interlocking grip provides greater stability and is great for smaller hands, offering more wrist action.

5. How often should I change my golf grips?

Golf grips should be replaced every 40-50 rounds or annually. Worn grips can affect your swing and performance, so regular replacement ensures optimal play.