What Is the Overlap Grip in Golf?

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.

What Exactly Is the Overlap Grip?

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.

Is the Overlap Grip Right for You?

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:

• Average to large hands: Golfers with bigger hands have enough surface area and finger length for the overlap to feel secure and stable. The pinky has a natural resting spot without making the rest of the grip feel precarious.
• A desire for more feel: Because there’s more of your hand surface directly on the club, many players feel the overlap gives them a better sense of the clubhead's position throughout the swing.
• An overly active trail hand: If you find yourself frequently hitting snap hooks (for a righty, a ball that curves sharply left) or making last-second manipulations with your right hand, the overlap can help calm that tendency. It encourages the right hand to be a passenger rather than the driver.

However, you might want to consider a different style, like the interlocking grip, if you have:

• Smaller hands or shorter fingers: Golfers with smaller hands often find that placing the pinky on top makes the grip feel weak or disconnected. The interlocking grip, which feels more locked in, can provide a greater sense of security.
• Weaker grip strength: If you struggle with grip strength in your hands and forearms, you might find the interlocking method gives you a stronger physical connection to the club.

A Step-by-Step Guide to the Perfect Overlap Grip

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).

Step 1: Get Your Lead Hand (Left Hand) Right

Your left hand is your control hand. It dictates the clubface angle and establishes the foundation for your entire grip.

1. Place the club on the ground with the clubface aimed squarely at your target.
2. Bring your left hand to the side of the grip. The club should run diagonally across your fingers, starting at the base of your index finger and running down to just below your pinky finger. This is a finger grip, not a palm grip. Holding it too much in your palm severely limits your ability to hinge your wrists correctly.
3. Once the club is resting in your fingers, fold your hand over the top. Your left thumb should rest just slightly to the right of the center of the shaft.
4. The Checkpoint: Look down at your grip. You should be able to see two to two-and-a-half knuckles of your left hand. The "V" formed by your thumb and index finger should be pointing roughly toward your right shoulder. If you see only one knuckle, your grip is too "weak." If you see four knuckles, it's too "strong."

Step 2: Add Your Trail Hand (Right Hand)

The right hand provides support and power but should not overpower the left.

1. Bring your right hand to the club so your palm is facing your target line, as if you were going to shake hands with the grip.
2. Place the lifeline of your right palm directly over your left thumb. This is what truly connects and unifies the two hands. Your left thumb should fit comfortably in that slot.
3. Wrap your right-hand fingers around the underside of the grip. The pressure should be mainly in your middle two fingers.

Step 3: The "Overlap" Connection

This is the final, defining move.

1. Allow your right pinky finger to come up and rest gently on the club.
2. Slide it over so it nestles into the channel or crease created between your left index and middle finger. This is a common point of error. The pinky does not sit directly on top of the index finger, it settles *in-between* the two fingers, creating a bonded, compact feel.
3. The index finger of your right hand should settle into a comfortable "trigger" position, slightly separated from the other fingers.

Step 4: Check Your Grip Pressure

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.

Overlap vs. Interlock vs. Ten-Finger Grip

To really understand if the overlap is for you, it helps to know the other options.

The Overlap Grip

• How it works: Trail hand pinky rests in the gap of the lead hand's index and middle fingers.
• Best For: Golfers with average to large hands looking for great feel and control.
• Famous Users: Arnold Palmer, Ben Hogan, Ernie Els, Justin Thomas.

The Interlock Grip

• How it works: Trail hand pinky and lead hand index finger physically link together.
• Best For: Golfers with smaller hands or who want a maximum feeling of security and connection.
• Famous Users: Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy.

The Ten-Finger (or Baseball) Grip

• How it works: All ten fingers are on the grip with the hands touching but not connected.
• Best For: Absolute beginners, juniors, and players with arthritis or very weak hands who need maximum leverage.
• Famous Users: Scott Piercy, Art Wall Jr.

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.

Common Overlap Grip Mistakes

If the overlap feels awkward or you're not getting good results, you might be making one of these common mistakes:

• Pinky riding too high: Remember, the pinky settles into the crease between the fingers, not just resting on top. This is the most critical checkpoint for a true overlap.
• Placing the club in your palms: A palm-heavy grip in either hand is a swing killer. You have to be able to hinge your wrists, and that starts by setting the club in your fingers.
• Hands are separated: If your right palm isn't covering your left thumb, your hands will be free to work against each other. Make sure they are truly married together as a single unit.

Final Thoughts

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.

Mastering a new grip is the first step, but applying it on the course presents new questions about club selection, strategy, and handling tough lies. When you need expert guidance in those moments, Caddie AI is there to help. Our app acts as your personal on-demand coach, allowing you to ask questions about your game anytime, anywhere, and even get real-time advice on the course by simply snapping a photo of your ball's lie, so you can play with more confidence and clarity.