Getting a grip: Three basic ones to choose

Hello, golfers. This week’s question comes from Tom in Everett and he is inquiring about the grip. He has heard about the different types of grips and was wondering which one is right for him.

The grip is probably one of the most important base fundamentals in the golf swing. There are three basic versions of the grip. The first is the 10-finger grip. The second is the interlocking grip. This is where the right pinky is interlocked with the left forefinger (for right-handed golfers). The third is the overlap grip or vardon grip. This version is very similar to the interlocking grip except that the fingers don’t interlock but the right pinky overlaps the left forefinger.

All three are viable workable grips. The advantage of the 10-finger grip is that the hands can work more independently, which allows for a slight increase in distance and club head speed. This also is the disadvantage. Too much independence can cause control problems. The advantage of the interlocking grip is that the hands work as one unit. This will give more control of the clubface. The overlap grip is a compromise between the 10-finger and the interlocking and is the most popular grip used in golf.

Another factor to consider in choosing a grip is hand size. If you have small hands and/or short fingers, then the 10-finger or interlocking grip will be more comfortable. What we have discussed so far are styles of grip. In my opinion, what makes a grip correct is one thing: The palms have to face each other. As long as the palms face each other, they can be put on the club is a variety of ways and still be allow the player to hit good shots. If you have your hands on the club and the palms don’t face each other, no matter what type of grip you use, it will not be correct and cause poor shots.

I personally use the overlap grip, but some of the best players have used all types of grips. For example, Jack Nicklaus used the interlocking grip and Jim Furyk uses the overlap (he actually uses a double overlap). Whichever grip you choose, make a concerted effort to do two things: Be consistent and precise.

Please e-mail your questions to tyroneh@ballingerlakegolf.com. Tyrone Hardy is the co-owner and director of golf at Ballinger Lake Golf Course in Mountlake Terrace.