Golf, of course, places a significant emphasis on the grip. This is what you need to learn in the first place.
How your hands connect to the club can make a world of difference in your swing and overall performance, which is not a big secret.
This is why we decided to show you the benefits of the Vardon, Interlock, and Baseball Grip in golf.
You should consider them since they will be highly useful to you. Let's describe each of them one after another so it is easier for you to get acquainted with these types of grips.
The Vardon Grip – Overlap Grip
Picture this: you're on the golf course, club in hand, ready to take your swing. If you're like 90% of Tour players and the majority of amateur golfers worldwide, you're likely using the Vardon grip, also known as the overlap grip.
Named after the illustrious British golfer Harry Vardon, who championed its virtues and secured major tournament victories with it, this grip style offers a multitude of benefits.
In the Vardon grip, your hands are connected through the right pinky finger, which rests on top of the depression between the left hand's index and middle fingers.
This connection acts as an anchor, ensuring that the right hand remains in close contact with the left throughout the swing.
The Vardon grip thrives in the hands of adult male golfers with long fingers and strong hands.
However, it may not be the ideal choice for children or golfers with relatively small fingers who might find other grip styles more accommodating.
The Interlock Grip
Coming in as the second most widely used golf grip is the interlocking grip. In this style, both hands unite through a connection between the right hand's little finger and the left hand's index finger.
Unlike the Vardon grip, where the fingers rest on top of each other, the interlock grip sees these fingers interlock, forming a secure bond.
Legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus is a notable advocate of the interlock grip. Tiger Woods, inspired by his golfing hero Nicklaus, also adopted this grip style.
The interlock grip proves particularly beneficial for golfers with smaller-than-average hands and fingers.
Unlike the Vardon grip, which relies on the right pinky as an anchor, the interlock grip does not demand long fingers for stability.
This makes it an excellent choice for those who might struggle to maintain a secure grip with the overlap technique.
The Baseball Grip – Ten Finger Golf Grip
Now let's explore the baseball grip, often referred to as the 10-finger grip. This style mirrors the way hands are held in the sport that shares its name.
In the baseball grip, both hands rest side by side, pressed against each other on the grip. Unlike the Vardon and interlock grips, there's no anchoring connection between the hands.
In this grip, the right little finger simply lies next to the left index finger, maintaining contact but not forming a solid link.
The baseball grip is commonly favored by young children as they embark on their golfing journey.
Its natural feel allows beginners to focus on other aspects of their swing without worrying about intricate hand connections.
Additionally, senior golfers who face challenges wrapping their hands around the club might find solace in the simplicity of the baseball grip.
It can be a helpful choice for those dealing with flexibility issues or finger pain.
Picking a Right Grip
Okay, so you know some of the grips now, but you might be wondering, "Which one should I use?" The answer is refreshingly simple: use the one that feels most comfortable and instills the greatest confidence in your shots.
You do not have to listen to other people’s opinions on this; just implement a grip that is “made for you”.
We can also advise you to consider trying them in a progressive manner, starting with the overlap grip (Vardon), then moving on to the interlocking grip, and ultimately exploring the baseball grip if the others do not quite align with your needs.
Remember that golf is a highly personalized sport, and the right grip for you might differ from what works best for others.
Summary
In conclusion, the golf grip is not a one-size-fits-all concept. You need to be aware of it. The Vardon, Interlock, and Baseball grips each offer their distinctive benefits and are preferred by the best golfers.
What is most important is that your selection of grip should hinge on comfort, confidence, and the natural feel it brings to your game.
Thus, embrace the grip that suits you best, head out to the fairways with conviction, and watch your golfing prowess soar.
Whether you are overlapping, interlocking, or holding on like it is a baseball bat, may your swings be true and your putts find the mark.
Go and try all these grips to find the best one for you and improve your games more and more!
Enrique Martínez Luque
Enrique Martínez Luque is the Argentina-based golf expert and professional writer. He built his career in the world of golf taking a number of positions. Enrique was the manager of a golf club, director at a federation level, an agent for professional golfers and director institutional relations on the Argentinian Tour. Assissted the professional golfers on major tours for almost 20 years. Worked as the press officer of national and international golf tournaments.
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