What Is a 10-Finger Grip in Golf?

The ten-finger grip, often called the baseball grip, is the simplest way to hold a golf club, yet many players incorrectly dismiss it as only for first-timers. This guide will show you exactly what this grip is, who benefits most from it, and provide a step-by-step tutorial to get it right. By the end, you’ll be able to decide if this comfortable and powerful grip is the right choice for your game.

What Exactly Is a 10-Finger Grip?

The 10-finger grip is exactly what it sounds like: all ten of your fingers are in direct contact with the handle of the golf club. Unlike the more common interlocking and overlap (Vardon) grips, no fingers are covering or linking with one another. Because of its similarity to holding a baseball bat, it's widely known as the "baseball grip."

But don't let the elementary name fool you. While it is the most intuitive grip for new golfers to learn, it’s also a legitimate option used by players at all levels for specific reasons. Its main function is to allow both hands to work together, but with a bit more freedom than the other styles, which can be a huge advantage for certain types of players. It provides a feeling of security and helps unify your hands on the club without any awkward or uncomfortable interwoven fingers.

Who Should Consider the 10-Finger Grip?

The hold you choose on the golf club is a personal preference, but the 10-finger grip is particularly well-suited for a few distinct groups of golfers. If you fall into one of these categories, giving it a try could be a game-changer.

1. Beginner Golfers

If you're new to the game, the golf swing already has plenty of foreign movements to learn. The 10-finger grip removes one of those barriers. It's the most natural way to grab the club, similar to how you’d hold a bat, a hammer, or a tennis racquet. This familiarity helps you feel more comfortable from the start, allowing you to focus on the bigger picture of the swing - turning your body and making solid contact - rather than fighting with a grip that feels strange.

2. Golfers with Small or Weaker Hands

Junior players and many female golfers often have smaller hands, which can make the interlocking or overlap grips feel clumsy or reduce their connection to the club. With the 10-finger grip, every finger is on the handle, maximizing the surface area and giving you a much more secure hold. For those with weaker hands or wrists, this grip can also make it easier to fully hinge and release the club properly, which is where a lot of swing speed comes from.

3. Players with Arthritis or Joint Pain

Golf should be enjoyable, not painful. For players suffering from arthritis, carpal tunnel, or general pain in their fingers and knuckles, the interlocking and overlap grips can cause serious discomfort. The act of weaving fingers together or stretching a pinky over the other hand can put stress on sensitive joints. The 10-finger grip eliminates this by letting the hands rest side-by-side, relieving pressure and making for a much more comfortable experience over 18 holes.

The Real Benefits of Using a 10-Finger Grip

This grip gets an unfair reputation, but it packs some serious advantages that can help your game.

• More Clubhead Speed (for some!): By allowing the hands to feel a bit more "wristy" or "handsy" at the bottom of the swing, players with low swing speeds can often generate more whip and, therefore, more clubhead speed. The trail hand (the right hand for a right-handed golfer) can feel more active, which helps get the club through the ball with some extra power.
• Superior Comfort and Less Tension: For many, it's simply the most comfortable hold. Comfort leads to less tension in the hands, wrists, and forearms. Excess tension is a notorious swing-killer, restricting your backswing and ruining your timing. A relaxed hold promotes a smoother, more fluid motion.
• Incredible Simplicity: There’s nothing to overthink. You place your lead hand on, then your trail hand below it. It’s consistent and repeatable. When a part of your pre-shot routine is this simple, it frees up your mind to focus on what matters: the shot you're about to hit.

How to Master the 10-Finger Grip: A Step-by-Step Guide

Getting the 10-finger grip right isn't just about slapping your hands on the club. Like any grip, there are Fundamentals to follow for proper alignment and control. Here's how to build it perfectly (for a right-handed golfer):

Step 1: Get the Clubface Aimed Correctly

Before your hands touch anything, foundation matters. Stand the club in front of you and look at the clubface. Make sure the bottom edge (the leading edge) is sitting perfectly perpendicular to your target line. Many modern grips have a logo or marking on the top - use that as a guide to ensure the face isn't twisted open or closed. This single checkpoint prevents you from having to make big compensations in your swing.

Step 2: Place Your Lead Hand (Left Hand)

Your left hand is your directional hand. Its position dictates where the clubface points throughout the swing.

• Hold the club out in front of you and bring your left hand to the grip as if you were going to shake hands with it. Your palm should be facing mostly inwards.
• Allow the club to rest primarily in the fingers of your left hand, running diagonally from the base of your pinky to the middle joint of your index finger. Avoid gripping it deep in the palm, as this restricts wrist motion.
• Once the fingers are wrapped, fold your hand over the top. When you look down, you should be able to see the knuckles of your index and middle fingers. This is a "neutral" grip position.
• The ‘V’ shape formed by your thumb and index finger should point roughly toward your right shoulder.

Step 3: Add Your Trail Hand (Right Hand)

This is where the 10-finger grip defines itself. Your right hand is your power hand, and its placement is straightforward.

• Just like with the left hand, bring your right hand to the club with the palm facing inwards toward the target.
• Simply place it on the grip directly below your left hand, so that there is no space between the two hands.
• The critical checkpoint: the pinky finger of your right hand should be pressed up snugly against the index finger of your left hand. This contact point is what unifies the grip and stops the hands from acting independently.
• The thumb of your left hand should fit comfortably under the lifeline of your right palm.
• The ‘V’ formed by your right thumb and index finger should also point generally toward your right shoulder, or just slightly up through the mid-line your chest. All ten fingers are now on the club.

Step 4: Check Your Grip Pressure

One of the most common mistakes is strangling the club. Hold it firmly, but don't apply a death grip. On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being barely holding on and 10 being white-knuckled pressure, aim for a 5 or 6. You want enough pressure to control the club, but not so much that it creates tension in your forearms.

Common 10-Finger Grip Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a simple grip, a few small errors can creep in. Watch out for these common issues.

• The Gap Between the Hands: Many players leave a small space between their left index finger and right pinky. This disconnect allows the hands to work against each other. The Fix: Deliberately slide your right hand up the grip until it makes firm contact with your left. Think of your hands as one single unit.
• Right Hand Creeping "Under": An overly active right hand can sometimes sneak too far underneath the grip (a "strong" position). This will cause the clubface to close too quickly on the downswing, leading to hooks. The Fix: Check your right-hand 'V' at address. Make sure its pointing up around your shirt buttons or right shoulder not outside the shoulder line over to the right.
• All Thumbs: Pressing your thumbs hard and straight down the shaft creates immediate tension. The Fix: Let your thumbs rest naturally on the grip, slightly to the side. They should support, not dominate.

Remember, several accomplished PGA Tour professionals, like Pat Perez and Scott Piercy, have had great success with a 10-finger grip. The best grip for you is the one that allows you to be comfortable, repeatable, and able to swing the golf club with confidence.

Final Thoughts

In short, the 10-finger grip is a completely effective way to hold the club, particularly for new golfers, players with small or weaker hands, or those needing to alleviate joint pain. Its natural feel and simplicity can remove a big obstacle, letting you focus on making a free, powerful swing without discomfort.

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