The interlocking grip, a technique to unite the hands on the club, is favored by an estimated 20-30% of amateur golfers. This grip style saw a massive surge in popularity thanks to its use by two of the greatest to ever play the game: Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. This article breaks down everything you need to know about the interlock, including how it compares to other grips, its specific pros and cons, and a step-by-step guide to help you try it for yourself.
Your grip is your only connection to the golf club. It's the steering wheel for your entire swing, influencing everything from clubface control to power generation. While there are subtle variations, almost every golfer uses one of three fundamental grips. Understanding all three provides solid context for why a player might choose the interlocking method.
Considered the most popular grip in golf, especially among male amateurs and professionals, the overlapping grip was popularized by legendary English golfer Harry Vardon. To form it, a right-handed golfer places the pinkie finger of their right hand on top of the crease between the index and middle fingers of the left hand.
Just as the name suggests, the ten-finger grip involves placing all ten digits on the club, much like you would hold a baseball bat. The hands are placed right next to each other on the grip with no overlapping or interlocking fingers.
The interlocking grip is formed when the pinkie finger of the bottom hand (right hand for right-handers) physically links, or hooks, with the index finger of the top hand. This creates a strong, unified connection.
No single grip is universally "best" - the right one for you comes down to comfort, hand size, and what you’re trying to achieve in your swing. The interlocking grip, despite its hall-of-fame-caliber endorsements, has clear advantages and disadvantages.
Thinking of making the switch? Or just want to be sure you’re doing it correctly? The most important thing is to try it at the practice range first. Changing your grip will feel very, very strange at first - that's normal. Give it time and focus on the fundamentals rather than immediate results.
Heads up: These instructions are for a right-handed golfer. Lefties should simply reverse the hand roles.
Start by placing your top hand - the left hand - on the grip first. Don't just slap it on there. Hold the club more in your fingers than your palm. When you close your hand, the thumb should be on the top-right side of the shaft, not straight down the middle. Looking down from your stance, you should comfortably be able to see the knuckles of your index and middle fingers. That "V" shape created by your thumb and index finger should point roughly toward your right shoulder.
Bring your right hand to the club. The goal here is to cover your left thumb with the lifeline in your right palm. This creates that unified feeling. The "V" formed by your right thumb and index finger should mirror the left, also pointing toward your right shoulder.
This is the defining move. Before you fully close your right hand, slide the pinkie finger of your right hand so that it hooks underneath the index finger of your left hand. Let them settle into a comfortable, linked position. It shouldn't feel like you have to force them together. Light pressure is the goal. The link isn't meant to be unbreakable, it's just meant to connect the hands.
Once the fingers are interlocked, simply wrap the remaining three fingers of your right hand around the grip. Check your pressure. On a scale of 1 to 10, where 10 is squeezing as hard as you can, your grip pressure should feel like a 3 or 4. You need to hold on securely, but light enough to allow your wrists to hinge freely.
Switching your grip is a big deal. Don't do it just because Tiger does. Consider switching if:
Change your grip on the driving range, not on the first tee. Hit dozens, even hundreds, of balls until the new feel becomes your new normal.
The credibility of the interlocking grip is stamped by the best players in history. Its use by iconic champions has undoubtedly influenced countless golfers around the world to give it a try.
These players prove that you can achieve both incredible power and fantastic touch with this method. It’s not just a "small hands" grip, it’s a "world-class player" grip.
While the interlocking grip is the least common of the big three, its effectiveness is undeniable, proven at the highest levels of the sport for decades. Choosing a grip is a deeply personal decision based on comfort and control, so finding the one that allows you to swing freely and confidently is the ultimate goal.
We know how personal and sometimes confusing finding the right grip can be. If you’re experimenting with a new hold like the interlock and aren't sure if you're doing it right, we're here to help. With Caddie AI, you can snap a photo of your grip and get instant, personalized feedback on your hand placement. You can also ask for specific drills to help you get more comfortable, giving you a 24/7 golf coach in your pocket to guide you through the change.
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