Playing golf competently requires you to do things in a consistent and repeatable manner. That includes the golf grip. When you pick up a golf club and prepare to swing it, you should do it in the same manner each time. Your grip should become one of the signatures of your game. Most golfers use of two basic grips when they prepare to hit a golf ball. The overlapping and interlocking grips will help you hit the ball with power and accuracy.
Overlapping Grip
Step 1
Take hold of the club with your left hand to start your overlapping grip, which is used by most golfers. Place your left hand--if you are a right-handed golfer--about 1/2 inch from the top of the club. Hold the club out in front of you so the toe is pointing up. The club should be firmly in the middle of your hand, below the fleshy area that connects the thumb to the hand. Your third, fourth and fifth fingers should wrapped tightly while your index finger on the left hand should be just a bit looser. Your thumb should lie along the right side of the grip.
Step 2
Place the small finger of your right hand and in the gap between your forefinger and your middle finger. Wrap your third, fourth and fifth fingers around the shaft of the club. Your right index finger should be separated from the other three fingers and together with the right thumb it should be able to grip the club in a pincer-type movement. Using the index finger and the thumb in this movement increases your feel as you swing the club.
Step 3
Adjust your grip strength so you are gripping the club evenly with both hands. You should be gripping the club at a "6" on a scale of 1 to 10. That's the same as a firm handshake with a friend or business partner.
Interlocking Grip
Step 1
Take hold of the club with your left hand. Place that hand about 1/2 inch below the top of the grip. Wrap your fingers around the shaft of the club and make sure your left thumb is placed in a vertical manner down the shaft of the club. Hold the club out in front of you so the toe is pointing up. The club should be firmly in the middle of your hand, below the fleshy area that connects the thumb to the hand. Your third, fourth and fifth fingers should wrapped firmly around the club while your index finger needs to be a bit more relaxed. Your thumb should lie along the right side of the grip.
Step 2
Place the small finger of your right hand under the forefinger of your left hand. Wrap the other fingers of your right hand around the shaft of the club and place your right thumb down the shaft. Your right index finger should be separated from the other three fingers and together with the right thumb it should be able to grip the club in a pincer-type movement. This creates greater control as you swing your club.
Step 3
Grip the club firmly. You should be holding the club at a "6" on a scale of 1 to 10. This will allow you to get full rotation with your shoulders and it will also help you hold the club solidly so the club head will not slip when you make contact with the ball.
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