If you’re just starting on this fascinating game, one of the most important things you will learn is how to hold a golf club correctly.
The more comfortable you are, the better you’ll play golf. The sooner you learn the proper golf grip, the better your connection is between you and your swing.
Golfers need to have a strong grip on the club to have good control of the ball and hit it accurately. A weak or loose grip will cause the club face to open up too much at impact, leading to pulled or pushed-off target shots.
In this blog post, we’ll look at the best ways to hold a golf club for beginners, some types of grips you can use, and the differences between each one.
Holding A Golf Club For Beginners
At first glance, it may not seem like there is a “right” way to do it. However, the way you grip a golf club can have a significant impact on your game. A good grip helps to promote a smooth swing, and it also gives you more control over the direction of the ball.
An incorrect grip can cause the club to twist your hand during the swing, losing power and accuracy. Swinging a golf club may seem simple, but it is a complex movement requiring coordination and precision.
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There are many different ways to grip a golf club, but one of the most important things is to ensure that your grip is comfortable and secure.
Experiment with different grips until you find one that feels natural and allows you to swing with confidence. Your grip is an important part of your golf game, so make sure you take the time to get it right.
The Three Ways To Hold A Golf Club
While there are many ways to hold a golf club, everyone uses three main ones, from beginners just like you, or the professional players. By familiarizing yourself with these three ways and finding out which one works for you best, you’ll be swinging your club like a pro in no time!
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10-Finger Grip
Source: Usgolftv.com
As the name itself says, the "10-finger grip" is when you hold the club with all ten fingers wrapped around it. Since every one of your fingers is touching the surface of the grip, it can be pretty powerful and ideal for use for long shots. Though mostly used by newcomers, it is also suitable for those who have small hands.
Check our collection of the top drive clubs for your long shots!
Overlapping Grip
Source: Liveabout.com
This way of holding a golf club is most common, especially for those with larger hands. This will probably be your favourite technique if you have larger hands. The overlapping grip is when you place the pinkie of one hand between the ridge or gap of your other hand's index and middle finger.
Interlocking Grip
Source: Pinterest.ca
The interlocking grip adds power to your golf swing as both your hands “interlock”. This is done by interlocking one hand's pinkie finger with your other hand's index finger, bringing your hands closer together. This too is used by those with smaller hands.
The Differences In Holding Each Golf Club
Each grip is different and is used in different scenarios. For example, the driver, your longest club with a wider rim and sharper outside edge, typically needs a more powerful grip as this is when you’ll need the distance on the shot.
Putters, on the other hand, require precision and finesse. While the conventional grip, also called the reverse overlap, is the most common one used, the best-putting grip is the one that feels the most comfortable for you. Simply put, it is whatever allows you to sink the most putts.
Check out our collection of the best golf putters in Canada!
Holding A Golf Club For Left-Handed Players
10% of the world’s population are “lefties”! However, being left-handed doesn’t mean you automatically control the club better with your left. Many players that write and use a mouse with their left hand surprisingly feel more comfortable playing right-handed, and vice versa.
To determine which hand is your dominant one, hit the ball one-handed with each hand. The one that feels more secure and accurate to you will be your dominant hand. Another quirky way to figure out whether you are a lefty or righty golf player is to skip pebbles, and of course, the more successful hand is your dominant hand.
The grips of a left-handed player are mirror images of that of a right-handed player, with a switch in the dominant hand. A left-handed player is likely to have their right hand lower on the club, while the opposite is true for a righty.
If you hit your left hand, check out our golf clubs and accessories for left-handed players!
More Questions About How To Hold A Golf Club
How do you grip a golf club for beginners?
Understanding the grip size of the club you are using is crucial. The size of your hands also matters; a smaller hand would more comfortably grip a smaller rubber portion at the top of the golf club.
The club should be positioned waist-high and held as comfortably as possible.
How should you hold your golf club when swinging?
Many golfers believe that there is only one correct way to grip a golf club, but the reality is that there are many different grips that can be used depending on your desired results.
For example, if you want more control over your shots, you may want to try an overlapping grip, where the pinky finger on your trailing hand overlaps the index finger on your leading hand. This grip gives you a more secure hold on the club and helps to reduce wrist movement during your swing.
Read more about how to swing a golf club to improve your hits!
Alternatively, if you are looking for more power, you may want to try an interlocking grip, where the pinky finger on your trailing hand interlocks with the index finger on your leading hand. This grip gives you a more powerful swing but can be less accurate than other grips.
How do you swing a golf club left-handed?
Many believe that swinging a golf club left-handed is more difficult than right-handed. However, with a little practice, anyone can learn to swing a golf club left-handed with ease. The key is to start by holding the club in your left hand and positioning your feet parallel to the target line.
Then, take a backswing and turn your hips and shoulders to the right. Once you have reached the top of your backswing, start your downswing by turning your hips and shoulders to the left. As you make contact with the ball, rotate your wrists so that the clubface points towards the target.