The single most important connection you have to the golf club is your grip. It's your B-line to the clubface, and how you hold it influences everything that happens in your swing, from power to accuracy. If you’ve spent any time around golf, you’ve likely heard about the Vardon Grip. This article will break down exactly what the Vardon grip is, show you how to do it step-by-step, and help you decide if it’s the right choice for your game.
The Vardon grip, also known as the Overlap grip, is far and away the most popular grip in golf today. It is used by an estimated 90% of a professional tour players, including legends like Tiger Woods, Arnold Palmer, Rory McIlroy, and Jordan Spieth. It gets its name from Harry Vardon, a dominant English golfer who won The Open Championship a record six times in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He popularized this style, and it has stood the test of time for a very good reason: it works.
The defining feature of the Vardon grip is how the hands are linked together. For a right-handed golfer, the pinky finger of the right hand rests gently in the channel or small gap between the index and middle fingers of the left hand. This "overlap" is what unifies the hands, encouraging them to work as a single, cohesive unit rather than two independent levers. This unity is a cornerstone of a consistent, repeatable golf swing.
While the Vardon grip is a fantastic option for a wide range of golfers, it isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. Generally, it tends to be most comfortable and effective for players with average to large-sized hands. The reason is simple: if you have longer fingers, the pinky can rest comfortably in that channel without feeling like it’s stretching or losing its connection to the club.
For players with large hands, the alternative Interlocking grip (where the right pinky and left index finger hook together) can sometimes feel clunky or restrictive. The Vardon grip gives the hands a more natural feeling of connection without forcing the fingers into an unnatural, intertwined position. This often leads to a lighter, more relaxed grip pressure, which is something every golfer strives for.
On the other hand, golfers with smaller hands or less hand strength might find that the Overlap grip feels a bit insecure, as if the right hand could slip. For those players, the Interlocking grip might provide a more secure feeling. Ultimately, comfort and the ability to consistently square the clubface are what matter most.
Getting this grip right will feel a bit strange at first, especially if you're used to something else. Trust the process, and give your hands time to adapt. Here’s how to build a perfect Vardon grip from the ground up.
Your lead hand sets the foundation for your entire grip. Getting it right is non-negotiable.
Now it’s time to bring in the right hand to complete the grip.
This is the signature move of the Vardon grip. It’s what links everything together.
One of the most common faults in golf is trying to strangle the club. A tense grip freezes your wrists and kills your speed. With your grip fully formed, check your pressure. On a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 is about to drop the club and 10 is a white-knuckle death grip, you want to be at a 4 or 5. It should be solid enough that the club won’t twist in your hands, but relaxed enough that your forearms don’t feel tight.
Like any technique in golf, the Vardon grip has its advantages and potential downsides.
The Vardon grip has been the standard for the best players in the world for over a century for a reason. By unifying the hands and promoting proper wrist action, it provides a solid foundation for a powerful and consistent swing. Getting it right takes practice, but mastering this connection to the club is one of the most productive things you can do for your entire game.
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