The single most popular grip in golf, used by a majority of pros from Ben Hogan to Arnold Palmer to Justin Thomas, involves connecting your hands by simply resting your right pinky finger on top of your left hand. Known as the Vardon Grip or, more commonly, the Overlap Grip, this technique is praised for its ability to unify the hands into a single, cohesive unit, promoting better clubface control and a smoother release through impact. This guide will walk you through exactly what the Overlap Grip is, how to use it correctly, and whether it’s the right fit for your game.
At its core, the Overlap Grip is a method for holding the golf club where the hands are connected by having the pinky finger of the trail hand (the right hand for a right-handed golfer) rest in the gap between the index and middle fingers of the lead hand (the left hand). It’s not an "interlocking" of fingers but a simple "overlapping."
Its formal name, the "Vardon Grip," comes from the legendary English golfer Harry Vardon, who popularized it in the late 1800s and early 1900s on his way to winning six Open Championships. Vardon discovered that this connection allowed his hands to function as one, preventing the more dominant trail hand from taking over the swing and causing hooks or manipulation at impact. By quieting the trail hand, golfers can achieve a more passive release and a more reliable swing powered by the bigger muscles of the body's rotation. The result is better consistency, accuracy, and feel.
While the overlap is the most common grip on professional tours, it’s not for everyone. The best grip for you ultimately comes down to comfort, hand size, and what allows you to present a square clubface at impact most consistently.
Generally, the Overlap Grip is an outstanding choice for golfers with:
However, you might want to consider a different style, like the interlocking grip, if you have:
Getting this grip right is about specific checkpoints, not just a vague feeling. Let's walk through it for a right-handed golfer. (Lefties, simply reverse the hand instructions).
Your left hand is your control hand. It dictates the clubface angle and establishes the foundation for your entire grip.
The right hand provides support and power but should not overpower the left.
This is the final, defining move.
Even with a perfect grip structure, an incorrect grip pressure will ruin it. Too tight, and you introduce tension into your arms and kill your clubhead speed. Too loose, and you'll lose control at the top of your swing.
Imagine you're holding a tube of toothpaste. You want to hold it firm enough so the cap doesn't fall off, but not so tight that toothpaste comes squeezing out. On a scale of 1 to 10, where 10 is a death grip, your grip pressure should feel like a 4 or 5. Firm but relaxed.
To really understand if the overlap is for you, it helps to know the other options.
There's no single "best" grip among the three main styles. The goal is to find the one that feels most comfortable and allows you to deliver the clubhead to a square position at impact consistently. Don't be afraid to experiment, but once you commit to a change, give it time. Changing a grip feels bizarre at first, but with practice, it will become second nature.
If the overlap feels awkward or you're not getting good results, you might be making one of these common mistakes:
The Overlap Grip has remained the most popular grip for over a century for good reason: it promotes a unified, body-driven swing that holds up under pressure. By enabling superior clubface control and a lighter grip pressure, it helps golfers maximize both power and accuracy.
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