The golf grip is one of the most fundamental aspects of the swing, according to the legendary Ben Hogan. The grip provides the only connection between the golfer's body and the ball and acts as the cornerstone to the swing. Subtle changes in grip pressure and location can produce marked differences in the flight of the golf ball.
Vardon Grip
The classic Vardon grip is named for Harry Vardon, a renowned British professional and teacher. Vardon's grip style is still the most widely taught grip today. It's characterized by placing the handle of the club in the left palm, and letting the left thumb rest on top. The right palm overlaps the left thumb, and the right thumb points slightly to the left of the center of the handle. The right pinkie rests on top of the left index finger.
Interlocking Grip
A close variation of the Vardon grip, the interlocking grip, involves hooking the right pinkie under the left index finger. Some golfers believe this provides more unity between the left and right hands during the swing. While the Vardon grip still remains the most popular, the interlocking grip is preferred by two of the greatest golfers of all time, Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus.
Baseball Grip
The baseball grip is not as popular as the Vardon or interlock grips but is effective for golfers who have a hard time getting the club to parallel at the top of the swing, or just prefer a more baseball-style feel. The only connection between the right and left hands in the baseball grip is the overlap of the right palm over the left thumb. The hands do not connect on the bottom of the handle but rest side-by-side.
Putting Grips
Putting grips are almost as variable as the number of golfers who use them. The classic putting grip is similar to the Vardon grip, but the left index finger is placed on top of the right pinkie. This is believed to minimize wrist movement and promote a more pendulum-like putting stroke. Less common putting grips include the cross-hand grip, the "claw" and the separated grip.
Grip Pressure
Grip pressure is just as important as the style of grip used. Too tight of a grip will result in tense arms and shoulders, producing a jerky motion. The grip should be relaxed and even, allowing the wrists, arms and shoulders to move freely. Renowned teaching professional Mitchell Spearman recommends imagining squeezing a tube of toothpaste very gently to promote proper grip pressure.
Training the Grip
The grip should be practiced daily, according to Hogan. Golfers can promote feel by assuming and re-assuming the grip several times throughout the day. Spend 10 minutes taking your grip, checking the position and getting a general feel of proper grip placement. Check your grip both by looking down and with a mirror to get a sense of proper positioning, Spearman recommends.
Training Aids
Training grips are available for both regular clubs and putters to promote correct placement. These grips are molded in such a way that your fingers have no choice but to rest in the appropriate location on the club. These grips can be effective training devices for beginners, but experienced players may find them awkward or unnecessary. Over the years, highly skilled golfers may develop different grip characteristics based on individual subtleties in their swings and find training grips obtrusive.
References
- "Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf"; Ben Hogan; 1957
- "AIM of Golf"; Mitchell Spearman; 2004
- Golf Trainer: Can a Training Grip for Golf Help
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