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Holding a golf club may seem to be the most basic component of the game, but it is not. Not only that, but it may also be the most significant. Many professionals and coaches will tell you that if your grip is bad, your posture and swing will suffer as well. Discover how to grip a golf club, step-by-step guidelines, and troubleshooting techniques that can help you build a firm foundation for your game.successful golf swing.
Holding a Golf Club for Beginners
You want to resist the urge to grab a golf club like a baseball bat and have at your golf ball. Though that seems like a lot of fun, you won’t have much of an influence on the range.
Your golf grip is arguably the most important element of your entire swing. It produces afoundation for your golf swing, and it’s your sole link to your club – so use it carefully! When it comes to learning how to hold a golf club, trial and error can often be the best way to find a grip that works for you.
Step-by-Step Guide to Holding a Golf Club
In the next part, we’ll go through the three kinds of golf grips in further detail. However, before you begin experimenting with how to handle a golf club, you need get acquainted with your club. Whatever grip you choose, these step-by-step instructions will assist you.create a solid base for your grip.
(Please keep in mind that these instructions are for right-handed players; see below for left-handed versus right-handed golf clubs.)
- Hold your club in front of you, waist-high, horizontal to the ground, and square to the club face.
- Always use your left hand to grasp the club. Stretch out the fingers of your left hand; align the club handle with your left palm so it makes a straight line diagonally across your fingers.
- Wrap your fingers around the club. As you grip the club with your left hand, the heel of your palm should rest along the top edge of the handle (but you should still be able to see the tip of the handle).
- Rotate your hand to the right until you see two knuckles on your left hand when you look down. This will result in a neutral grip, which is a good starting point for many golfers.
- Place the heel of your right hand on top of your left thumb, covering it. The left hand. Close your hand so your thumb and forefinger create a ‘V’ that points to the middle of your sternum.
Types of Golf Grips
Golf grips are classified into three types: overlapping, interlocking, and 10-finger grips. Of course, there’s no one-size-fits-all grip when learning how to hold a golf club, but it helps to know the differences.
10-Finger Grip
The “ten-finger grip” is so named because every one of your fingers is on the club. Not many professionals use this grip, but some newcomers to the game find it comfortable.
It may be a forceful grip since each of your fingers are contacting the surface off the grip, and can be a well-suited grip for a golfer with tiny hands.
Overlapping Grip
One of the most prevalent grips in golf is the overlapping or “vardon” grip. This is when you positioning the pinkie finger of one hand and placing it in the ridge between your other hand’s index and middle finger.
The main benefit of this grip is that it is useful for anybody who has exceptionally large hands.
Interlocking Grip
The interlocking grip begins with the 10-finger grip; merely connect one hand’s pinkie finger with the index finger of the other hand to bring your hands closer together.
The major benefit is that this ‘locks’ your fingers together so both of your hands work together, which may give your golf swing some extra force.
Differences in Holding a Driver Vs a Putter
There are six basic types of golf clubs:putters,drivers,fairway woods,irons,hybridsandwedges. Of course, you don’t want to hold your driver (which is best used off the tee) the same way you’d hold your putter (which you use on the green).
Holding a Driver
Start by gripping the club at the base of the handle with your left hand and twisting your hand so you can see the knuckles of your index and middle finger, as stated above.
Place your left hand on the club, then your right hand, such that your right hand overlaps your left hand’s ring and middle fingers. After you place your right hand on the club, make sure your right thumb and index finger creates a “V” so it lines up with the middle of your torso.
(If you’re left-handed, the hand placement will be reversed; see ‘Left-Handed Vs Right-Handed Golf Clubs.’)
Holding a Putter
Begin by holding the putter up to your outstretched left hand. The handle should go along the middle of your hand. Use the same positioning with your right hand, so that it sits below your left.
There are many ways to hold a putter — far more than the regular golf swing. You’ll see many variations on the course. There will be overlap, claw, and cross-handed grips. Experiment with a couple different approaches andchoose the most comfortable grip for you.
(Again, if you’re left-handed, the hand placement will be the inverse; see ‘Left-Handed Vs Right-Handed Golf Clubs.’)
Left-Handed Vs Right-Handed Golf Clubs
You’re probably accustomed to living in a world designed for right-handed individuals if you’re left-handed. Fortunately, this is not the case with golf. Golf club makers design left-handed clubs specifically for folks like you. You may want to test out a couple clubs to see whether you prefer swinging left-handed or right-handed. Some lefties, like Phil Mickelson, find they prefer to swing right-handed, because it allows their stronger arm to pull the club down towards the ball.
There are no right or incorrect answers; just do what seems natural and comfortable.
Thegolf gripThe method is the same for lefties as it is for righties, but the hand positioning is reversed. Your right hand will be at the edge of the handle, while your left hand will be closer to the head.
Troubleshooting Your Golf Grip
Is your golf grip bothering you? Are your swing and your stance a little off? You’re not alone yourself. Your ‘mistakes’ aren’t breaking the mold when it comes to learning how to hold a golf club.
Examine your grasp and avoid making typical blunders.
- Avoid Gripping “Up”
It is critical to properly set your golf club on the club. Your hand is too high on the club if you can’t see the tip of the handle. Move your left hand down the handle until you can see it, then adjust your right hand to match.
- Check Your Trail (Right) Hand
Check your right hand placement on the club if you’re right-handed. Are your thumb and forefinger producing a ‘V’ shape? Is it pointing to the center of your sternum?
- Check Your Lead (Left) Hand
Can you see the knuckles of your ring and middle fingers on your left hand? Is the club handle slanting down your fingers?
You should grip the golf club with the same pressure you would use to clutch a little bird: firm enough to keep it from flying away, but gentle enough not to smash it.
Sam Snead
- Don’t Squeeze Too Hard
You don’t want to choke out your club. As Sam Snead once said, you should be holding the golf club with the same pressure you would hold a small bird: tight enough so it doesn’t fly away, but soft enough so you don’t crush it. While you don’t want your hands to move, you do want a little “give” in your hold.
- Get Back to Basics
If all else fails, sometimes it’s best to start over. Place the club down and take a step back. Relax with an Arnold Palmer. Then, return to your club and start from the beginning.
Golf Grip Cheat Sheet: TLDR
Want to learn how to grip a golf club without all the jargon? Get down to the bottom of your grip by following these simple ‘rules.’
- If you’re right-handed, always start with your left hand (and vice versa if you’re left-handed).
- Assemble the handle so that it goes diagonally over your left fingers.
- After closing your hand around the handle, look for knuckles.
- Don’t cover the butt of the handle with your palm
- Your right hand’s thumb and forefinger should make the shape of a ‘V’ on the handle\
- Experiment with the three basic grips until you discover one you like.
- Stay loose and don’t squeeze the club too tight
When everything else fails, return to the fundamentals. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and Tom Watson certainly didn’t learn to play golf in one either.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the proper way to hold a golf club?
Everyone is unique, and many instructors will tell you that there is no right or wrong way to handle a golf club. But a good starter grip for a new, right-handed golfer is to rest the grip so it runs diagonally down the fingers into the palm on your left hand, which should go at the top of the club. When you glance down at the club, you should be able to see the knuckles of your index and middle fingers. The palm of your right hand should then be placed over the thumb of your left hand at the bottom of the grip.
How do you hold a golf club with your right hand?
Many golfers position their right hand such that the palm is on the side of the grip, facing the target. Your right hand’s palm should lay on top of your left hand’s thumb. Your thumb and index finger should make a ‘v’ and point to your right ear.
How do you hold a golf club with your left hand?
The golf club grip should be diagonal across your fingers into the palm of your left hand. When you close your left hand, you should be able to see the knuckles of your left index and middle fingers.
How do you place your hands on a golf club?
Simply said, your ‘lead’ hand should be on top of the golf club and your trail hand should be directly underneath it. The grip should run down your fingers and palm in your lead hand, and the palm of your trail hand should sit just on top of it.
How far down should you grip a golf club?
Golfers should group the club at the top of the club, making sure that no portion of their hand hangs over the edge of the club.
Why do golfers interlock their fingers?
Many golfers interlock their fingers because they believe it helps them function as one, which boosts their power.
How far should you choke down on a golf club?
You don’t need to choke down more than a few inches for a low-flighted knockout shot. For a delicate chip shot, you can stand slightly closer to the ball and grip near the bottom of the grip.
What does choke down mean?
In golf, choking down involves gripping lower down the shaft, towards the bottom of the grip. It effectively makes the club shorter, which makes it easier to control and can reduce the distance it travels.
How do you hold a putter?
There are several methods to grip your putter. The most common way is the “reverse overlap”; your left hand should sit above your right hand, with both thumbs running down the center of the grip. Your left index finger should connect the two hands by lying slightly above your right index and ring finger.
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