What Is the Interlocking Grip in Golf?

Your hands are your only connection to the golf club. How you place them on the handle influences everything from clubface angle at impact to overall power and consistency. The interlocking grip, used by legends like Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus, is one of the most popular and effective methods out there. This article will show you exactly how to form the interlock grip, detail its pros and cons, and help you decide if it’s the right choice for your game.

What Exactly Is the Interlocking Grip?

The interlocking grip, at its core, is a method of holding the golf club where the pinky finger of the trail hand (the right hand for a right-handed golfer) physically links together with the index finger of the lead hand (the left hand). Think of it like hooking two puzzle pieces to form a single, solid unit. The entire purpose is to prevent your hands from acting as two separate entities and instead encourage them to work together in harmony throughout the golf swing.

This feeling of unity is what attracts so many players to the interlock. When your hands connect, it’s much easier to maintain control of the clubface - the steering wheel of your golf shots. A stable clubface through impact is a hallmark of consistent ball-striking. When you see players with fluid, powerful swings like Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, or the great Jack Nicklaus, you're seeing the interlocking grip in action, providing a foundation of stability and connection that frees them up to rotate fully and create tremendous speed.

How to Properly Form the Interlocking Grip: A Step-by-Step Guide

Forming a new grip can feel tremendously awkward at first - as the provided context points out, holding a golf club is unlike holding almost anything else. Don't worry if it feels weird. Stick with it, follow these steps in front of a mirror, and you'll build the muscle memory needed to make it feel natural.

Step 1: The Lead Hand (Top Hand)

Before you do anything, ensure your clubface is square. Use the logo on your grip or the leading edge of the clubhead, pointing it straight at your target. This is your starting point.

• Place your lead hand (left hand for a righty) on the club. Let your arm hang naturally beside you, notice how your palm faces slightly inwards. We want to maintain that natural orientation.
• Place the grip in the fingers of your lead hand, not deep in the palm. The handle should run diagonally from the base of your pinky finger across to the middle-to-end joint of your index finger.
• Once the fingers are wrapped around, close the rest of your hand over the top. When you look down, you should be able to see the knuckles on your left hand - the knuckle of your index and middle finger. This is a common checkpoint for a neutral grip.
• Finally, check the "V" formed by your thumb and index finger. This ‘V’ should point up towards your right shoulder for a neutral position. If it points too far right, your grip is too strong, too far left, and it's too weak.

Step 2: The Trail Hand (Bottom Hand)

With your lead hand set, it's time to bring your trail hand to the party. Again, let your right hand approach the grip from the side, with the palm facing your target. We’re replicating its natural hanging position.

• The primary point of contact is the lifeline pad on your right hand. This pad should comfortably cover your left thumb, which is resting on top of the grip. This connection is the main source of stability.
• Let your middle and ring fingers of your right hand wrap around the handle just below the fingers of your left hand.
• You’ll notice your right pinky and left index finger are now touching. This is where we create the physical lock.

Step 3: The "Interlock" Itself

This is the moment of truth. Many people get this slightly wrong, which can cause discomfort or a loss of feel.

• Gently slide the pinky finger of your trail hand between the index finger and middle finger of your lead hand.

DO NOT just place the pinky on top. It needs to settle into the groove between those two fingers.

• Now, allow the index finger of your lead hand to curl comfortably and rest in the crease or knuckle of your now-interlocked right pinky. This creates a secure, yet relaxed, connection point.

Step 4: Putting It All Together

With the grip fully formed, take a moment to assess the feel. Your hands should feel like a single unit, melded together. The "V" formed by your lead hand's thumb and index finger should run parallel to the ‘V’ on your right hand, both pointing towards your right shoulder area.

Let's talk about grip pressure. You shouldn’t be squeezing the life out of the club. On a scale of 1 to 10, where 10 is a death grip, you should be at about a 4 or 5. A common analogy is to hold the club with the same pressure you’d use to hold a full tube of toothpaste without squeezing any out.

The Pros of Using the Interlocking Grip

So, why would two of the greatest players of all time choose this method? The interlock offers several distinct advantages that can help golfers of all skill levels.

Enhanced Hand Unity

This is the number one benefit. By physically connecting the hands, the interlock effectively makes them work as a single lever. This unity stops the trail hand from becoming too dominant and "flipping" at the ball, a common fault that leads to hooks and inconsistent contact. With both hands working together, it's much easier to control the clubface path through the hitting zone and deliver a square face at impact.

Increased Security and Connection

For many players, the interlock just plain feels more secure. The hook of the pinky finger gives a powerful sensation of connection to the club that can be very confidence-inspiring. There's less fear of the club wiggling or slipping at the top, especially when generating high speeds with longer clubs like the driver. This security can free a player to swing with abandon and without apprehension.

Great for Smaller Hands

Players with smaller hands or shorter fingers often find the interlocking grip to be a perfect fit. Other grips, like the overlap, might feel tenuous because they have less finger surface area to securely hold the club. The interlock allows smaller hands to securely grip the club without straining.

The Potential Cons of the Interlocking Grip

Of course, no single grip is a one-size-fits-all solution. What works for Rory McIlroy might not work for everyone. Here are some potential downsides to consider.

Can Cause Tension

For some golfers, the very act of "locking" their fingers together can subconsciously introduce tension. They over-squeeze the grip, making it far too tight. Tight muscles in the hands and arms can restrict the wrist hinge during the swing, robbing you of clubhead speed. If you try the interlock and your forearms feel like cement, it might be a sign it’s causing you to tense up.

May Feel Uncomfortable or Awkward

Just as some find the grip secure, others find it painful. Golfers with arthritis or similar ailments may find that locking the fingers feels unnatural. This can be a huge distraction when standing over a shot. Any new grip might feel bizarre initially - but if the discomfort persists after several sessions, reconsider.

Can Strain the Pinky Finger

The pinky finger in the interlock takes on significant stress. Over the course of a full round, constantly squeezing and swinging can wear on this finger. It can become sore over time.

Is the Interlocking Grip Right for You?

The only way to know is to try it out. Grab a club, follow the steps, and test it on the golf course. However, there are guidelines to help steer your decision.

You might love the Interlocking grip if:

• You have small to medium-sized hands.
• Your hands tend to separate or become loose during your swing.
• You have struggled to feel "connected" with other grips.
• You appreciate the feeling of security it imparts during the swing.

You might prefer other grips if:

• You have large or thick fingers.
• The action of locking fingers feels painful or introduces too much tension.
• You prefer a lighter, more relaxed hold on the club.

Comparing the Interlock to Other Common Grips

To truly understand the interlock, it's good to know how it compares to other grips out there.

Interlocking vs. Overlap Grip

The overlap grip and the interlock are both used by some of the best professional golfers. In the overlap, the pinky finger of the trail hand rests on top of the gap between your lead hand’s index and middle fingers, providing a different feel compared to the interlock. Many players assert that the overlap can help in preserving a lighter grip pressure.

Interlocking vs. Baseball (Ten-Finger) Grip

The baseball grip is the most instinctively natural method of holding a club, as all ten fingers are in contact with the grip. It's often recommended for beginners or players with physical constraints like arthritis, providing a sense of control with minimal hand strain.

Final Thoughts

The interlocking grip has proven effective in holding hands together, creating a secure hold that helps many golfers achieve better control and consistency. Evaluating its pros and cons in the context of your own hands and how they feel will help guide your grip choice.

If you've tried the interlocking grip and still have questions on how it's affecting your ball flight or if you're uncertain whether a grip change truly addresses the core flaw in your swing, seek advice. Instead of guessing if your grip is too strong or too weak, building your skills systematically will bring better results.