It’s all in the hands

A correct grip is crucial to your game

By Cathy MacPherson

Does this sound familiar to you? He or she has a “death grip,” “white knuckle grip” or “motorcycle grip.” The V’s should point to the shoulder, the fingers should interlock, they should overlap, not too tight on the pressure, not too loose, hold it like you’re holding a bird.

Why, just the word “grip,” gives the impression of holding on for dear life and squeezing the heck out of a golf club. In fact, using the words “hand placement” instead of “grip” will definitely reduce the potential for “white knuckle” grip pressure, and remove tension in the hands and forearms.

The truth is, the way you put your hands on the club is one the most important things in golf. It connects you to your club. There are three different types of hand placements. The 10-finger hand placement is great for beginners or people with very small hands. The overlap is great for the more advanced player or someone with larger hands. The interlock is good for the advanced player or someone with very large hands or long fingers. Everyone is different and hand sizes vary from very small to very large, short fingers to long. Therefore, there is no one correct way to hold the club. What works for some will not work for others. Use the hand placement that is most comfortable for you.

There are three important elements for great hand position regardless of which “hand placement” you use. First, the club should be positioned in the fingers, not the palm of the hand; second, the heel of the target hand (left hand for right handed golfers, right hand for left handed golfers) is on top of the grip; and third, the palms of the hands face one another.

If these three things are in place, then you have a pretty good chance of being well connected to the club without adding stress and tension to the hands and forearms.

In addition, proper grip size is critical to successful hand placement. Check with your teaching professional or a qualified club-fitting center to ensure that your grips are right for you.