What Is a Strong Golf Grip with Pictures?

A strong golf grip has nothing to do with how hard you squeeze the club. It’s one of the most misunderstood terms in golf, but it could be the very thing that stops your slice and unlocks more consistent shots. In this guide, we'll break down exactly what a strong grip is, show you how to form one with step-by-step pictures, and help you decide if it's the right move for your game.

What Exactly Is a "Strong" Golf Grip?

In golf instruction, the terms "strong," "neutral," and "weak" refer to the rotational position of your hands on the club handle, not the amount of pressure you apply. Think of it like a steering wheel. A strong grip means your hands are rotated slightly away from the target (to the right for a right-handed golfer).

This rotation pre-sets your hands in a position that naturally encourages the clubface to close or "release" through the impact zone. For the millions of golfers who struggle with a slice - a shot that curves hard to the right for righties - this can be a game-changer. A slice is most often caused by an open clubface at impact, and a strong grip is a direct countermeasure to that fault.

• Strong Grip: Hands are rotated clockwise on the grip (for right-handers). This tends to close the clubface at impact, helping to fix a slice and promote a draw.
• Neutral Grip: Hands are set square to the clubface. This is the textbook ideal, but it may not be ideal for every golfer's swing tendencies.
• Weak Grip: Hands are rotated counter-clockwise on the grip. This tends to open the clubface at impact and can lead to slices or fades.

The easiest way to check the "strength" of your own grip is by looking at the "V" shapes created by your thumb and index finger on each hand. In a strong grip, both of these Vs will point towards your trail shoulder (your right shoulder for a righty).

How to Spot a Strong Grip (With Pictures)

Let's look at the key visual checkpoints of a strong grip for a right-handed golfer. If you're a lefty, simply reverse these directions.

The Lead Hand (Left Hand)

This is the dominant hand when it comes to influencing clubface control. In a strong position, the left hand sits more on top of the grip. From your perspective looking down at address, you should be able to clearly see three, or even close to four, knuckles on your left hand.

Checkpoint: The "V" formed by your left thumb and index finger should point somewhere between your right ear and right shoulder.

[Image placeholder: A close-up picture from the golfer's point of view showing the left hand on the club in a strong position. Clearly label and highlight the 3-4 visible knuckles and the direction of the "V".]

The Trail Hand (Right Hand)

The trail hand follows the lead hand's lead. For a strong grip, your right hand will sit more underneath the club shaft than it would in a neutral or weak position. It almost feels like you're supporting the club from below.

Checkpoint: The "V" formed by your right thumb and index finger should also point toward your right shoulder, mirroring the "V" of your left hand. The lifeline of your right palm should fit snugly over your left thumb.

[Image placeholder: A close-up picture from the golfer's point of view showing both an s completed strong grip. Use an arrow to show that the right hand feels more "under" the grip.]

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Form a Strong Grip

Changing your grip feels incredibly foreign at first, so go slow and be patient. It's best to practice this at home for a few minutes each day until it begins to feel more natural.

Step 1: Get the Clubface Square

Start by resting the club on the ground in front of you. Make sure the leading edge of the clubface is perfectly perpendicular to your target line. Your grip must be built around a square face to be effective.

Step 2: Set Your Lead Hand (Left Hand)

Place your left hand on the grip, but instead of putting it on the side, rotate it over to the right so it sits more on top of the handle. Look down. Can you see at least three knuckles? If so, you're on the right track. The top of your left thumb should be positioned slightly to the right of the center of the grip.

[Image placeholder: A clear, step-by-step visual of positioning the left hand. Show the hand rotating clockwise onto the top of the grip.]

Step 3: Add Your Trail Hand (Right Hand)

Now bring your right hand to the club. Let it approach from slightly underneath the grip. The goal is to get the lifeline of your right palm to cover your left thumb. Your right hand should feel like it's providing support from under the shaft.

[Image placeholder: A clear photo showing the right hand coming in "from underneath" to cover the left thumb.]

Step 4: Connect Your Hands

Now you just need to connect your hands together. You have three main options, and none is "better" than the other - it's about comfort and stability. Your grip strength (the rotation) is already set in the previous steps.

• Overlap (Vardon Grip): The pinky finger of your right hand rests in the gap between your left index and middle finger. This is the most popular grip method.
• Interlock: The pinky finger of your right hand hooks together with the index finger of your left hand.
• Ten-Finger (Baseball): All ten fingers touch the grip, with the right pinky pressed up against the left index finger.

Once your hands are set, take your stance. The full-grip package should feel solid, with both "Vs" pointing toward your trail shoulder.

[Image placeholder: A final photo of the completed strong grip from the player's perspective, clearly showing the final V alignment and knuckle visibility.]

Who Should Use a Strong Grip? The Pros and Cons

A strong grip isn't a silver bullet for everyone, but for the right player, it can make a world of difference. Here’s a breakdown of who it helps and who it might hurt.

Pros (Who It's For)

• Slicers: This is the primary candidate. If you fight a chronic slice, strengthening your grip is often the most direct and effective fix. It helps you square the clubface without having to consciously manipulate your hands during the swing.
• Players Needing More Distance: By promoting a more active release and a draw spin, a strong grip can sometimes help golfers generate more clubhead speed and carry distance.
• Golfers Who Want to Hit a Draw: If your goal is to learn how to hit a classic right-to-left draw, a strong grip makes it much easier to achieve the necessary closed clubface angle at impact.

Cons (Who Should Be Cautious)

• Golfers Who Already Hook the Ball: If you already battle a hook (a shot that curves hard left), a strong grip will only make it worse. These players should often look at weakening their grip to a more neutral position.
• Players with Very Active Hands: If you already have a very fast, powerful release of the hands through impact, a strong grip could cause you to "turn it over" too quickly, leading to nasty pull-hooks.
• Pitching and Chipping: Some players find that a very strong grip makes delicate short-game shots more difficult, as it can be harder to keep the face from "shutting" on small swings. Many golfers use a stronger grip for full swings and a more neutral one around the greens.

Final Thoughts

A strong grip simply refers to the clockwise rotation of your hands on the handle, a position that helps skiers square the clubface and fight a slice. While it can feel weird, adopting a stronger grip is one of the single most effective changes a player can make to promote a powerful draw and get rid of that frustrating banana ball for good.

Making a fundamental change like your grip can be confusing, and it's normal to wonder if you're doing it right. This is where we designed Caddie AI to be your personal coach. If you're on the range working on your grip, you can snap a photo of a tricky lie that your new shot shape gets you into and get immediate advice on how to play it. With Caddie AI, you never have to guess again, you get reinforcement right in your pocket, making it simpler to commit to a change and see real improvement in your game.