Ever wonder how Justin Thomas hits those towering iron shots and generates so much power from his frame? While his incredible athleticism and swing mechanics are certainly at the center of it, one often-overlooked component is the one connection he has to the club: his grip. JT uses the Golf Pride Tour Velvet Cord with a classic Vardon-style hold. This article will break down not just the specific equipment he uses, but the technical aspects of how he holds the club and, most importantly, provide guidance on how you can analyze your own grip to see if some of JT's preferences might suit your own game.
When we talk about a player's "grips," we're really talking about two different things: the physical grip installed on the shaft and the way the player places their hands on it. First, let's look at the equipment itself, which for Justin Thomas has been remarkably consistent throughout his career.
Justin Thomas chooses the Golf Pride Tour Velvet Cord. This is a staple on professional tours and a favorite among players who demand exceptional feel and performance in all weather conditions. Here's what makes this grip so popular with elite players:
Just grabbing a Tour Velvet Cord off the shelf won't perfectly replicate JT's setup. Like all pros, he has his grips tailored to his exact specifications.
He uses a 58 Round model. Let's decode that:
Furthermore, it’s common for Thomas to have his grips installed with extra layers of tape underneath. This is another method used to build up the grip to a precise diameter that feels most comfortable and secure in his hands. It’s a perfect example of the personalization that goes into a top player’s equipment.
Now that we have the hardware covered, let's move on to the more important part for your own game: how JT actually holds the club. This is where you can learn a lot and apply it to your own technique.
Justin Thomas uses one of the most traditional and popular holds in golf: the Vardon grip, also known as the overlap grip. It’s named after the legendary six-time Open Champion, Harry Vardon.
Here’s how it works for a right-handed golfer:
The main purpose of the Vardon grip is to unify the hands, encouraging them to work together as a single unit rather than as two independent parts. This promotes a more coordinated and repeatable swing. It's particularly well-suited for players with average to large-sized hands, as it allows for a comfortable and secure fit without the fingers feeling crowded.
Perhaps the most critical element for amateur golfers to study is JT's neutral hand position. Many weekend players struggle with a grip that is either too "strong" (hands rotated too far to the right) or too "weak" (hands rotated too far to the left), leading to consistent hooks or slices, respectively.
JT sets up for control and repeatability:
This neutral position gives him a great starting point to be able to work the ball either way. It doesn't predispose him to a hook or a slice, it puts the clubface in a square position, allowing his swing path and body rotation to dictate the shot shape. It’s the ultimate foundation for consistency.
In terms of grip pressure, think "firmly relaxed." He's not strangling the club, which would create tension in his forearms and limit his speed. Instead, he holds it just tight enough to maintain full control throughout the violent motion of the swing. A good thought is to hold it like you would a hammer - secure enough to control it, but not so tight that you can't swing it freely.
JT's choice of grip equipment and technique is no accident. It’s a perfectly integrated system that complements his swing and playing style.
A firm corded grip provides sharp, unfiltered feedback, which is exactly what a high-feel player who loves to shape shots needs. He can feel the nuances of impact and make micro-adjustments on the fly. And on a tour that follows the sun, playing in heat and humidity is a given. The cord ensures he never has to worry about his hands slipping at a critical moment. From a technical standpoint, his neutral Vardon grip is the ideal platform for his preferred stock shot: a power fade. A neutral hold helps prevent the hands from getting too 'active' and shutting the clubface, which is a common cause of hooks. By pairing this neutral position with his powerful body rotation, he can create a swing that consistently produces a strong, left-to-right ball flight with his irons and woods.
Simply copying Justin Thomas isn't the solution. The absolute takeaway is to understand why he makes these choices and then apply that same logic to your own game. Here's a simple process to find what works best for you.
Don't just guess. The number one mistake amateurs make is playing grips that are the wrong size. If your hands are too big for a standard grip, you'll feel like you need to hold it in your palms, which reduces control. If your hands are too small for a midsize grip, you'll struggle to get your fingers wrapped around it, limiting your ability to release the club.
Visit any club fitter or golf shop. They can quickly measure your hand size and finger length and recommend a starting point - whether that's standard, midsize, or jumbo.
While JT uses the Vardon (Overlap), it might not be for you. Head to the driving range with an open mind and test the three main styles:
Hit balls with each. Pay attention not just to ball flight, but to what feels comfortable and relieves tension.
Once you've settled on a style, use your phone camera or a mirror to check your positioning. Set up to a ball and look down. Can you see about two knuckles on your lead hand? Do the "V's" on both hands point somewhere between your chin and your trail shoulder? Make these small adjustments. Finally, take a waggle and feel for tension in your forearms. If you feel any, lighten your pressure until you feel firm but relaxed.
Justin Thomas's grip setup - marrying Golf Pride's Tour Velvet Cord with a technically sound neutral Vardon hold - is a masterclass in building a repeatable foundation. It's tailored for feel, all-weather control, and supports the power fade that has made him one of the best ball-strikers of his generation. Your goal shouldn't be to clone his grip, but to adopt his process of choosing components that fit your body and your swing.
Deciding if an overlap grip is right for you or getting an unbiased second opinion on your equipment means asking knowledgeable questions. That's where a tool like Caddie AI can become your go-to resource. You're able to ask anything about grip styles, grip pressure, or even why players choose a round grip over a ribbed one and get a clear, expert explanation in seconds. You can even snap a photo of a challenging lie on the course and receive immediate, pro-level advice on how to play it, helping you make smarter, more confident decisions with every shot.
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