Deciding between an overlap and interlock grip is one of a golfer's foundational choices, and it has a bigger impact on your swing than you might think. Getting this one connection point to the club right can lead to more consistency, better feel, and even a little more power. This article will break down exactly how each grip works, the pros and cons of both, and give you a simple process to figure out which one is the perfect fit for your game.
Your hands are your only link to the golf club. Think of the grip as the steering wheel for your entire swing. How you place your hands on the handle directly influences the clubface's position at impact, which is the single biggest factor in determining where your ball goes. A good grip promotes a square clubface, while a poor one forces your body to make all sorts of last-second compensations just to hit the ball straight. To learn more about proper hand placement, check out this guide on how to grip a golf club.
It’s not just about direction, either. A proper grip helps you transfer energy efficiently from your body into the clubhead, creating more speed and power. It also provides vital feedback, allowing you to feel what the clubhead is doing throughout the swing.
While there is a third option - the ten-finger or baseball grip - the vast majority of serious golfers and professionals use either the overlap or the interlock. Let's look at each one in detail to see which might be best for you.
The Overlap grip, often called the Vardon grip after the legendary English golfer Harry Vardon who popularized it, is the most common grip among professional golfers. It’s considered a classic for a reason: it promotes wonderful feel and control when executed correctly.
Let's walk through building an overlap grip for a right-handed golfer. If you're a lefty, just reverse the hand instructions.
The Overlap grip is an excellent choice for a wide range of players, but it particularly suits a few types of golfers.
The primary potential downside is that for players lacking strength or with smaller hands, the grip can occasionally feel a little disconnected. The right hand might feel like it's "slipping" off, leading to a loss of control at the top of the swing.
The Interlock grip has some serious star power behind it. It was the grip of choice for two of the greatest players in history: Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. If you’re looking for a grip that promotes a powerful, unified connection, this is it.
The process starts the same way as the overlap, but the connection point is quite different.
The Interlock has some very clear advantages for certain golfers.
The main caution with the interlock is a tendency to create too much tension. Because the fingers are locked, some players subconsciously squeeze harder, which restricts the wrists and kills swing speed. It can also be uncomfortable for those with a bit of arthritis or larger fingers.
So how do they stack up side-by-side? Here’s a quick-glance guide.
You can read articles all day, but the only way to truly know which grip is for you is to test it out. There is no universally "correct" answer - only what's correct for you. Here’s a simple process to find your fit.
A word of advice: if you're trying a new grip, it's going to feel weird. Any change feels weird at first. Give it a fair chance over a few practice sessions before making a final decision. Commit to one for a little while to let your hands and brain adapt.
The choice between an overlap and interlock grip isn't about finding a secret, but about discovering what works for your anatomy and your swing. Both are tour-proven methods used by the best to ever play the game. The right grip is simply the one that gives you a comfortable, secure, and repeatable connection that lets you swing the club with confidence, not worry about your hands.
Making a fundamental change like your grip can feel like you’re sailing in uncharted waters, but you don't have to guess if you're doing it right. If you’re trying a new hold and wondering how it’s impacting your ball flight, or have any other questions about your game, we built Caddie AI to be your own personal golf expert. Think of it as a 24/7 coach in your pocket, ready to provide a second opinion on your swing and clear up the confusion so you can make changes that will actually help you improve.
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