How to Execute a Proper Golf Grip

Do you want to learn golf? Well there are some tips every beginner should master first. Beginner lessons are important so you know what to expect on the golf course. Golf has got so many rules, terms, clubs and lingo like bogeys, birdies, etc that can be too much for a beginner golfer.

After getting the basics and getting to the golf course, you need to learn how to execute a golf grip. The way you grip the club is the difference between a low and high score.

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A golf grip impacts your tempo, swing and overall performance, so you want to get it right. We have put together tips to help you execute a proper golf grip below. Read on.

How to Execute a Proper Golf Grip
Image Source: Wikihow

Get your Grip Size

One of the first things to consider before spending hundreds of dollars on clubs is getting your right grip size. You will measure from the crease of your wrist to your middle finger’s tip. These are the measurements to help you buy the right grip size. 

However, other people use their glove size to measure the size of their grip. It is advisable to use both methods in finding the perfect grip size for you. 

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Oversize/Jumbo - Longer than 9 ¼ inches

Midsize - 8 ¼ to 9 ¼ inches

Standard - 7 to 8 ¾ inches

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Undersize/Junior - less than 7 inches 

Right Material Grips

You also want to get grips made of materials that are comfortable to your hands and make you confident. There is no reason why you should pay handsomely for clubs with grips that don’t feel good to touch. 

If you have the time, go to the local golf store (You could have your hands measured here) and touch the available grips to see what they feel like.

If you are not happy with what you see or find in your local store, consider buying your grips online. Now that you have got the right grip, lets delve into the mechanics of a executing a good golf grip.

Top Hand

The top hand is to support the golf club. As an amateur player, it is important that you understand that without the top hand’s support, it is almost impossible to execute a proper golf grip

A solid club grip should be held firmly within the top hand’s pinky and ring fingers. Note that fingers farthest from the thumb are the weakest. You need enough strength in the pressure point fingers. If you lack enough strength (which many golfers do), there are some exercises you can do.

Bottom Hand

While the top hand is the anchor support, the bottom hand is the proverbial driver on the steering wheel. In other words, the bottom hand guides the golf club. 

It’s important that you understand the bottom hand’s pressure points and where they are - the index finger is the main pressure point of the bottom hand and it should always be strong.  

If you struggle holding and keeping the club secure, then you need exercises to strengthen your index finger. 

How to Execute a Proper Golf Grip
Image Source: Golf insider Uk

Combining the Two

Now that you know how each hand sits on the club, a proper golf grip requires you to bring the two hands together. First determine how your top and bottom hands will work with each other. Have you heard of the terms ‘interlocking’, overlap’ and ‘baseball’ grip variations?

Overlapping

An overlapping grip is where your bottom hand’s pinky rests in the creases between the middle finger and index of your top hand. Overlapping is the most popular among men or anyone that has abnormally larger hands.

Interlocking Grip

An interlocking grip is where the bottom hand’s pinky fits in-between creases which offers a more solid connection between the club and your hands. One disadvantage of an interlocking grip is when fingers interlock, it creates tension at the intertwined area of your fingers and knuckles. Tension in your hands when playing golf is bad.

Baseball Grip

This is also called ‘the ten finger grip’. It is the easiest of all golf grips. If you are right handed, all you need is grabbing the club with your right hand on top of your left hand. It is simple, gives you greater leverage due to no interlocking fingers.

Bottom Line

A proper golf grip is paramount in how you ultimately hit that ball. First things first, you need to get the right grip size. You can measure your glove size, take measurements from your wrist crease to your middle finger. 

You can also walk to a local golf store and have the attendant measure your wrist. Then you will want to get a grip material that feels good to your hands and hence is comfortable.

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