Dustin Johnson, one of golf's most prodigious talents, uses Golf Pride Tour Velvet grips on his full-swing clubs and has most recently favored a Lamkin Deep-Etched pistol-style grip on his putter. This article will not only detail the specific models he uses but, more importantly, will explore the how and why behind his grip style - a crucial component that enables his signature power fade. We'll break down the mechanics of his grip, its relationship to his famous bowed wrist, and what you, the everyday golfer, can learn from his highly personalized setup.
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The Grips in DJ's Bag: A Breakdown
Unlike some pros who use highly specialized or prototype equipment, Dustin Johnson's choice for his irons and woods is one of the most popular and timeless grips ever made. It's a workhorse, not a show horse, which says a lot about his approach to the game: find something that works and stick with it.
For the Irons and Woods: Golf Pride Tour Velvet
Proven Design: The Tour Velvet has been around for decades. It features a simple, effective, non-slip pattern that performs consistently in all weather conditions. It provides just enough surface texture to give you a secure hold without being abrasive on your hands or glove.
Feel and Feedback: It's made from a proprietary rubber blend that bridges the gap between feeling soft and feeling firm. This composition gives players excellent feedback, allowing them to feel the clubhead's position throughout the swing without unpleasant vibrations on off-center hits.
DJ’s Specific Setup: While he uses the standard-size Tour Velvet grip, it's widely reported that his club builder adds several extra wraps of tape underneath. This builds up the grip's diameter to be slightly larger than standard, but not quite a midsize. This customization suits his large hands and helps quiet any excessive hand action, promoting the body-driven rotation he is famous for.
For the Putter: Usually a Lamkin Pistol
While his full-swing grips are a constant, DJ's putter grip has seen more experimentation over the years - a common trait among tour pros who are always chasing the perfect feel on the greens. He has spent considerable time using SuperStroke models, but he often returns to a more traditional pistol-style grip.
Currently, he has a Lamkin Deep-Etched Pistol grip installed on his flatstick. This grip is known for:
Pronounced Pistol Shape: The classic pistol shape at the top of the grip encourages the golfer to place their hands in a repeatable position, helping to lock the wrists and promote a more stable, shoulder-driven stroke.
High-Traction Texture: The "Deep-Etched" pattern is very much what it sounds like. It's a series of prominent horizontal lines etched into the grip's surface, providing an exceptionally secure feel, which is important for maintaining light grip pressure and avoiding tension.
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More Than a Grip: Decoding Dustin Johnson's Grip Style
Simply putting the same rubber on your clubs as DJ won't give you his swing. The real lesson comes from understanding how he holds the club. This is where his setup becomes a masterclass in matching your grip to your desired ball flight and swing mechanics.
DJ employs what is known as a strong left-hand grip. If you look at his setup from his perspective, he can probably see three, maybe even four, knuckles on his left hand. The "V" formed by his left thumb and index finger points well to the right of his right shoulder. For a right-handed golfer, this is a textbook "strong" position.
A strong grip naturally encourages the clubface to close or rotate through impact. In an isolated sense, a strong grip would typically cause a golfer to hit a draw or a hook. So, why does DJ, famous for his towering fade, use it?
The answer lies in how his grip interacts with the rest of his swing.
The Power Source: The Grip and Bowed Wrist Connection
What is a Bowed Wrist?
At the apex of his backswing, DJ's left wrist is flexed, or "bowed," towards the target. Think about trying to point the back of your left wrist at the sky. For almost any amateur, this move would feel incredibly unnatural and shut the clubface dramatically. A shut clubface at the top of the swing usually leads to a nasty, low, left shot (a hook) for most golfers.
How the Grip and Wrist Work Together
This is the genius of DJ's move. He has two powerful components that, in theory, should produce a massive hook:
A very strong left-hand grip.
A very bowed (shut-faced) left wrist at the top.
However, instead of fighting these elements, he leans into them. Because the clubface is already so "closed" relative to his swing path, he doesn't need to try and release the club with his hands through a traditional impact. Instead, he can simply hold that angle and rotate his body as hard and as fast as he wants through the ball. The strong grip provides the stability he needs to maintain that bowed wrist position without the club wobbling or shifting.
The result? He starts the ball left of his target and it peels back to the right in a powerful, high, and incredibly predictable fade. The two "wrongs" have made a big right. His grip isn't just holding the club, it's the anchor that allows his unique power move to work.
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Should You Copy Dustin Johnson’s Grip? A Coach's Advice
It's tempting for a golfer struggling with a slice to see DJ's strong grip and think, "That's the answer!" But copying one piece of a tour pro's swing without its complementary parts can cause more problems than it solves.
A better takeaway from studying DJ is not to copy his grip blindly, but to embrace the philosophy of finding a grip that matches your swing.
How to Find Your Matched-Up Grip
Establish Your Neutral: Start with the fundamentals. Place your left hand on the club so you can see two knuckles. The "V" between your thumb and index finger should point roughly at your right collarbone. Your right hand should cover your left thumb, with its own "V" also pointing in a similar direction. This is a classic neutral grip. Hit 10 balls and observe your typical shot shape.
Experiment with "Strong": Now, mimic DJ. Rotate your left hand more on top of the grip so you can see three knuckles. Hit another 10 balls. Did your slice straighten out? Did your straight ball turn into a draw? This position should help you close the face more easily.
Test "Weak": For science's sake, do the opposite. Rotate your left hand underneath the grip so you can only see one knuckle. Hit 10 more balls. If you started with a slice, this will likely make it worse. If you were hitting a hook, this might straighten it out.
The goal isn't necessarily to land on "neutral," "strong," or "weak." The goal is to understand how rotating your hands on the handle influences ball flight. You might find that a "slightly strong" grip is the perfect blend for your downswing, allowing you to hit a straight ball or a gentle draw without extra effort.
Remember, the grip is your only connection to the golf club. Getting it right - for you - lays the foundation for a more consistent swing.
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Dustin Johnson relies on the dependable Golf Pride Tour Velvet for his full swing and a tactile Lamkin Deep-Etched grip for his putting. More significantly, his very strong grip style is not a standalone feature but a vital piece of his biomechanical puzzle, working in harmony with his bowed wrist to produce his signature power fade. The primary lesson for all golfers is the importance of finding a grip that works in concert with your individual swing mechanics.
Figuring out these matchups in your own swing can feel a bit like guesswork. When experimenting with your grip on the range, a shot might go wrong, and it can be tough to know if the cause was your hold, your alignment, or your swing path. This is exactly where we've designed Caddie AI to help. If you change to a stronger grip but still find shots leaking to the right, you can ask for potential reasons. Having an expert guide in your pocket can help clarify the relationship between your grip and your ball flight, guiding you toward the right adjustments and building your confidence on the course.
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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