Pros & Cons of Overlapping Grip Versus Interlocking Grip? Three types of grips are in common use: • Overlapping Grip (also known as Vardon grip): The little finger (pinky finger) of the low hand is placed over the index finger of the high hand. • Interlocking Grip : The little finger of the low hand interlocks with the index finger of the high hand. • Ten Finger Grip (also known as Baseball grip): All ten fingers are in contact with the grip. 1) Common Characteristics : Before we discuss the different grips , let us talk what all these grips have in common: a) The club rests diagonally across the palm of the right hand. If the club is placed too far toward the fingertips, the club will be rotated by the fingers. Result: The clubhead will end up closed. b) The club shall rest diagonally across the fingers of the low hand. c) The thumb and index finger of each hand are forming a "V"; this "V" must point to the center of the body. "V" of high hand centered and "V" of low hand points to the right shoulder: The clubhead will be closed at time of impact. "V" of low hand centered and "V" of high hand points to the right shoulder: The clubhead will be closed. "V" of high hand points to left shoulder and "V" of low hand centered: The clubhead will be open. "V" of low hand points to left shoulder and "V" of high hand centered: The clubhead will be open. 2) Overlapping Grip The little finger of your trail hand is resting on top of the gap betwee n the index and middle fingers of your lead hand. The overlapping grip is popular for its ability to reduce tension in the hands and wrists. Reduced tension leads to a more fluid release and a constant clubface control How to Form the Overlapping Grip • Place your lead hand (left for a right - handed player) on the club first • Position your trail hand (right for a right - handed player) below your left hand • Place your right pinky finger on top of the space between your left index and middle fingers. • The little f inger of the low hand should be the last finger to be placed, not the first. Place the hands correctly on the club without the little finger, and then let the little finger fold naturally over the index finger of the right hand. Pros and Cons • Pros o Works well for golfers with larger hands o Place your right pinky finger on top of the space between your left index and middle fingers o Leads to a greater sense of connection between the hands and wrists. • Cons o May feel less secure for beginners compared to an int erlocking grip o Some golfers find it more difficult to learn or maintain consistency with 3) Interlocking Grip Place the high hand on the club in the same manner as in the overlapping grip, but when the low hand is placed on the club, the little finger is interlocked with the index finger of the high hand. This grip is popular among many professionals, including Ja ck Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. How to Form the Interlocking Grip • Place your left hand on the club first: Position your left hand on the club wi th the grip resting across the base of your fingers • Place your right hand on the club: Bring your right hand up, with the fingers of the right hand gripping the club below the left hand • Interlock your fingers: Weave the pinky finger of your right hand between the index and middle fingers of your left hand Pros and Cons • Pros o For consistency: It helps both hands work together, leading to improved consistency in your swing o For smaller hands: This grip can be beneficial for individuals with smaller hands or fingers, as it provides a secure and stable hold o To fight a slice: If you struggle with slicing the ball, this grip can help with control and accuracy. • Cons o The interlocking grips has the disadvantage of separating the thumb and index finger of the high hand (which are important for control and feel in both hands) Avoid these Mistakes • Gripping too tightly: A void choking the club. A light grip pressure allows for a more fluid swing • Interlocking too deeply: A deep interlock can cause your hands to wor k against each other, hindering wrist hinge and potentially leading to injury. Don't push the right pinky finger too deep into the base of the left index finger. • Misaligning the hands: Make sure both hands are placed on the club in the fingers 4) Ten Finger Grip All ten fingers are in contact with the club. The hands should be placed as close as possible without crowding them. How to Form the Ten Finger Grip Place the lead hand (your non - dominant hand) on the club Wrap the trailing hand (your dominant h and) around the grip so that all ten fingers are engaged The little finger of the trailing hand should be positioned next to the index finger of the lead hand The hands should be held together, with the club held more in the fingers than the palm Pros and Cons • Pros o Easier for beginners, especially those with smaller hands, to hold the club o Offers a stable and balanced feel, as all 10 fingers are engaged o Can be comfortable for those with arthritis in their fingers or wrists o May help cure a slice by making i t easier to close the clubface • Cons o Can lead to a lack of control and cause slices or hooks if the hands don't work together properly o May cause a power imbalance between the hands, leading to inconsistency 5) Grip Pressure Golfers are concerned what is the right grip pressure and which fingers apply the greatest pressure. • Constant Grip Pressure : Maintain a constant pressure in your grip. Have you experienced a loosening of the pressure in your fingers when the club reaches the end of the backswing so that the palms become visible. This is a lack of constant grip pressure. In this case, do not try to grip "harder" because even if you increase the grip pressure, the hands can still open up. • The correct pressure should be directly proportional to the length of the club and the speed with which it is going to be used. This varies with each individual. it further varies with the shots you wish to play. The grip is of delicate chip shot will auto matically be much lighter than a shot played out of a heavy rough. T hese adjustments are instinctive based on the job at hand. • if your grip pressure is too light, it will be difficult to start the club swinging and will require a sudden tightening of your hands and fingers to make the club move. • if your grip pressure is too tight, it will create rigidity in your hands, wrists, forearms. it will destroy clubhead feel and swing speed. • To swing properly, you must have clubhead feel. If you cannot feel the clubhead, you cannot swing it because you are not aware of it. 6) Summa ry • Place your hands on the golf club in balance with relation to each other and to the target line; each "V" pointing to the center of the body • Grip with equal pressure in all fingers. • Maintain a constant pressure throughout the swing. • Allow your instinct to determine your grip pressure.