How you place your hands on the golf club directly influences the clubface and how the clubhead moves throughout your entire swing.
Many golfers hesitate to make grip adjustments because they can feel uncomfortable at first. However, experienced instructors understand how grip changes affect the clubface and ball flight. With the right adjustment, improvements can be dramatic and happen quickly.
Here are a few ways to help you find your best grip.
1. Lead arm hanging position
Your lead arm has a natural hanging position, and it varies from person to person. During the swing, your arm will naturally return to this position. Because of this, when you place your lead hand on the club, it should look similar to how it does when your arm hangs naturally, assuming you want to hit a relatively straight ball.
2. Proper grip size
The club should be held primarily in the fingers so your hands feel secure without needing to squeeze tightly. This allows your wrists to hinge and release properly during the swing. If the club sits too much in the palm, it can restrict movement and often creates a wear mark in the heel of the glove. Having the proper-sized grips helps make sure you can do this correctly.
3. How the hands connect
There are three common ways the hands connect on the club: interlock, overlap and the 10-finger (baseball) grip. Each can work well depending on hand size and comfort. Many golfers find that the overlap or the 10-finger grip works better for smaller hands, while interlock can suit larger hands. Often the best option is simply the one that allows you to control the club and hit the ball the straightest.
4. Trail hand release
The position of the trail hand influences how the club releases during the forward swing. When the hand sits more on top of the club, the ball is more likely to fade. When it rests more naturally on the side and covers the lead thumb, the ball tends to fly straighter. When the hand moves more underneath the club, the clubface may close more easily and produce a hook. Matching this hand position to your natural release can improve consistency. My mentor, Mike Adams, has a battery of tests he uses to best identify trail hand position.
5. Secure but not tight
A proper grip allows you to keep the clubface square while still generating speed. Your hands should feel secure and your fingers should stay closed around the club, but the grip should not be overly tight. Good players often hold the club firmly when managing clubhead speed, yet still allow the club to swing freely without excess tension.
