Tiger Woods uses a classic Interlocking grip, a style he's maintained throughout his legendary career. This article doesn't just name the grip, we're going to break down the exact details of how he applies it, explain why this choice has been so effective for him, and give you a step-by-step guide to see if it's the right choice for your game, too.
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What is the Interlocking Grip?
Before we get into Tiger’s specific application, let’s define the Interlocking grip. It’s one of the three most popular ways to hold a golf club, alongside the Vardon Overlap and the Ten-Finger (or baseball) grip. The defining feature of the Interlocking grip is how the hands are physically connected to one another.
For a right-handed golfer, the mechanics are straightforward:
The pinky finger of the right hand (the trail hand) hooks or intertwines with the index finger of the left hand (the lead hand).
For a left-handed golfer, this is simply reversed:
The pinky finger of the left hand hooks with the index finger of the right hand.
This "lock" creates a strong sense of unity, encouraging the hands to work as a single, coordinated unit rather than two separate entities. This connection is the primary reason players choose this style, and it's a cornerstone of Tiger's unbelievably consistent ball-striking.
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Tiger's Grip in Detail: A Masterclass in Neutrality
Simply interlocking your fingers won’t give you Tiger’s control. The real secret is in the details - how his hands are positioned on the club. Tiger employs what is unanimously considered a "neutral" grip. This is not arbitrary, a neutral grip is designed to promote a square clubface at impact with minimal manipulation during the swing. It's the foundation for his power, accuracy, and consistency.
Let's act like a coach and break down the checkpoints of his grip, just as if you were on the range getting a lesson.
The Lead Hand (Left Hand for a Right-Handed Golfer)
Tiger’s lead hand is a textbook example of a neutral position. When he sets up, his left hand is placed on the club in a way that is neither "strong" (turned too far to the right) nor "weak" (turned too far to the left).
The "Two Knuckle" Rule: When you look down at your own grip from your address posture, you should be able to see the knuckles of your index and middle fingers on your lead hand. If you see three or four knuckles, your grip is too strong. If you see only one or none, it's too weak. Tiger is consistently in that "two knuckle" window.
The 'V' Points the Way: The V-shape formed between the thumb and index finger of his left hand points directly up toward his right shoulder (or slightly inside of it). This is a classic indicator of a neutral position. If the V points too far to the right of your shoulder, the grip is strong, if it points toward your chin or left shoulder, it’s weak.
This neutral lead hand position makes it much easier to return the clubface to square at impact naturally, without needing last-second adjustments with his wrists or body.
The Trail Hand (Right Hand for a Right-Handed Golfer)
Tiger’s trail hand complements his lead hand perfectly, maintaining the overall neutrality of his grip. It’s positioned more "on the side" of the club handle, rather than on top or underneath it.
Palm to Palm Ideal: He positions his right hand so that the palm faces the target line. Imagine for a moment that he were to clap his hands, they would meet squarely. This is the feeling you want to replicate. The palm of the right hand essentially “covers” the thumb of the left hand that is already on the grip.
The Right Hand 'V': Just like the left hand, the V formed by his right thumb and index finger also points upward, generally between his chin and his right shoulder. This mirroring of the left-hand V ensures that the hands will work together, not against each other. A trail hand that’s too far "on top" (strong) can cause the club to shut, leading to hooks. A hand that’s too far "underneath" (weak) can leave the face open, leading to slices.
This combined neutral position is the very definition of a "classic" grip. It’s built for function and repeatability, not gimmicks.
Why Does Tiger Woods Use the Interlocking Grip?
Tiger could use any grip in the world he wanted to, so his lifelong commitment to the Interlock speaks volumes. The choice links back to several key advantages that suit his physique and swing philosophy.
Unmatched Hand Unity: The primary benefit is the one we've mentioned: it binds the hands together. During the immense pressure and speed of a golf swing, especially on a shot that requires full power, the last thing a player wants is for their hands to shift or separate. The Interlock offers the most secure connection, promoting a feeling that the club is controlled by one solid "block" rather than two separate hands.
Enhanced Feel and Control: Contrary to what some believe, Tiger does not have large hands. His hands are average-sized, much like another notable Interlock user, Jack Nicklaus. For players without big hands, the Vardon Overlap grip can sometimes feel less stable. The Interlock allows smaller-handed players to achieve a very secure hold without applying excessive grip pressure. Light pressure is vital for releasing the club properly and having a delicate touch around the greens.
Consistency Under Pressure: Golf at the highest level is about repetition. Can you produce the same clubface position time and time again? Because the Interlock locks the hands into place, it reduces variables. There's less chance for one hand to become dominant or for the relationship between the hands to change from one swing to the next. For a perfectionist like Tiger, this level of consistency is non-negotiable.
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How To Try The Tiger Woods Interlocking Grip: Step-by-Step
Thinking about giving Tiger's grip a try? Go for it. But a word of warning from a coach: any grip change feels extremely weird at first. The connection between your hands and the club is sensitive. Be patient and start with small swings.
Here's how to build his grip from the ground up:
Step 1: Get the Clubface Square
Start with the foundation. Place the clubhead on the ground behind the ball and ensure the leading edge is perfectly square to your target line.
Step 2: Position Your Lead Hand
Without moving the clubface, place your left hand (for righties) onto the grip. Remember the checkpoints:
Place it so you see the top two knuckles of your hand when looking down.
Ensure the "V" between your thumb and index finger points toward your right shoulder.
Hold it mainly in the fingers, running from the base of your pinky to the middle of your index finger.
Step 3: Add Your Trail Hand
Bring your right hand to the club. The lifeline of your right palm should fit snugly over your left thumb.
Step 4: Create the Interlock
Now for the key move. Instead of just placing your right pinky on the grip, lift it and gently hook it underneath the index finger of your left hand. The two fingers should rest comfortably together. They don't need to be jammed in tightly, a simple, secure link is all you need.
Step 5: Final Check
Settle your grip. Your right hand should now feel like a mirror of your left. The "V" of your right hand should also be pointing up toward your chin or right shoulder. Now, apply light pressure - just enough to securely control the club but not so much that you see white in your knuckles. This is the grip. Take a few half-swings to get used to the feeling of your hands working as one unit.
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The Interlocking grip is preferred by two of the greatest players in history (Tiger and Jack), but that doesn't automatically make it the best choice for every golfer.
You Might Love an Interlocking Grip if:
You have average or smaller-sized hands. It offers fantastic security without requiring large hands.
You are seeking more control and consistency. By reducing hand-related variables, your shots can become more predictable.
You Might Prefer a Different Grip (like Overlap or Ten-Finger) if:
You have very large hands. The Interlock can sometimes feel cramped for golfers with large fingers, making the Overlap a more comfortable fit.
You experience arthritis or pain in your fingers. The connection can put pressure on the joints, and an Overlap or Ten-Finger might be a better option.
You're a complete beginner. While great, some find the Interlock feels more complex initially than a simple Ten-Finger grip.
At the end of the day, the best grip is the one that allows you to present a square clubface to the ball consistently, comfortably, and powerfully.
Final Thoughts
Tiger Woods uses a neutral Interlocking grip, a choice founded on the principles of hand unity, control, and consistency. Understanding the "how" and "why" behind his grip provides incredible insight into building a repeatable swing, regardless of whether you end up using his exact style.
Of course, building a solid grip is one thing, but trusting it on the course, especially on a tough hole or from a difficult lie, is a whole other challenge. This is where modern tools can help bridge the gap. We built Caddie AI to be your personal golf expert, available 24/7. When you're stuck and unsure about club selection or a shot, or even facing a really weird lie, you can snap a photo, and our AI caddie provides instant, tour-level advice on how to play the shot. It takes the guesswork out of the game, helping you trust every swing you make.
Spencer has been playing golf since he was a kid and has spent a lifetime chasing improvement. With over a decade of experience building successful tech products, he combined his love for golf and startups to create Caddie AI - the world's best AI golf app. Giving everyone an expert level coach in your pocket, available 24/7. Caddie's mission is simple: make world-class golf advice accessible to everyone, anytime.
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