As long has golf has been played, there have been countless
discussions on how to grip the club. Through the years, players and
instructors have narrowed down the swing grip to two different
versions that work and improve your game
As long has golf has been played, there have been countless discussions on how to grip the club. Through the years, players and instructors have narrowed down the swing grip to two different versions that work and improve your game. Those two are the interlock grip and the overlapping grip. If you’re not using one of these two, you’re doing your swing and golf game a disservice.
Well, DeLo, which one is better?
Answering that is like answering which is better between Coke and Pepsi. Both have their users and one will always argue that their choice is better.
The two grips are so similar there is really only one variation between them. The pinky of the right hand fits over the left hand and rests between the fore finger and second finger in the overlap grip. When interlocking, that pinky and fore finger tie together, connecting the two hands.
The overlap grip is more widely used than the interlocking grip by players on all professional tours. However, I need to mention two players by name who use the interlocking grip – Mr. Tiger Woods and Mr. Jack Nicklaus. I, too, personally use the interlocking grip, but I can’t quite add myself to that distinguished list.
I tell my students that the determining factor on which grip to choose should depend on the size of your hands and length of your fingers. In the overlap grip, the pinky of your right hand must fit over your left, which is already around the club. For someone with short fingers, this is difficult and leads to losing control. If you have average to larger hands and longer fingers, this isn’t a problem.
Either way, if you aren’t using one of these two grips, I urge you to make a change. It will improve your distance and control.
Don DeLorenzo is a PGA-certified instructor at Gilroy Golf Course. To schedule a lesson with Don, call Gilroy GC at (408) 848-0490.
