The single most popular grip in professional golf is, without a doubt, the overlap grip. You’ve seen it thousands of times on your TV screen, used by legends of the past and the best players in the world today. This article will break down exactly what the overlap grip is, list some of the iconic pros who use it, explain the powerful benefits behind their choice, and give you a clear, step-by-step guide to try it for yourself.
Often called the Vardon grip, named after the six-time Open Champion Harry Vardon who popularized it, the overlap is the classic way to hold a golf club. It's one of the three primary grip styles, alongside the interlock and the ten-finger (or baseball) grip. The defining feature of the overlap is how the hands are connected: the pinky finger of the trail hand (the right hand for a right-handed golfer) rests on top of the lead hand, sitting in the small groove or channel between the index and middle fingers.
This simple connection does something wonderful - it encourages the hands to function as a single, cohesive unit rather than two separate entities fighting for control. Think of it as the steering wheel of your golf swing. With a ten-finger grip, both hands are fully on the handle, which can sometimes lead to one hand overpowering the other. With the interlock grip (used famously by Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus), the pinky and index fingers physically link together. The overlap offers a fantastic middle ground. It unifies the hands more effectively than a ten-finger grip but feels less restrictive to many golfers than the interlock, promoting a sense of freedom and feel.
While the overlap is the most common grip on Tour, the interlock is a close second. The primary difference is simply in that 'connection' point. In the interlock, the right pinky finger hooks underneath the left index finger. Some players with smaller hands find this connection more secure. However, players with larger hands or those who have had finger injuries often find the overlap more comfortable and natural, as it doesn't force the fingers into a locked position that can sometimes create tension or discomfort.
Golf professionals don't choose their equipment or technique by accident, every decision is geared toward maximizing consistency, power, and control. The overlap grip has remained the gold standard for over a century because it offers a powerful combination of benefits perfectly suited to the demands of high-level golf.
The primary reason most coaches recommend the overlap grip is for the unity it creates. By placing the trail hand's pinky on top of the lead hand, it effectively removes one finger from the equation and brings the hands closer together. This helps them move in sync throughout the swing. When the hands work as one unit, the clubface is much easier to control. It reduces the chance of the more dominant trail hand becoming too active at the bottom of the swing, which can lead to nasty hooks or wild inconsistencies. This unified feeling promotes a swing that is powered more by the rotation of the body (the big muscles) rather than a jerky, handsy manipulation of the club (the small muscles).
For the delicate shots around the green and on the putting surface, feel is everything. The overlap grip places more of the lead hand's surface area directly onto the club. For many players, this enhances their ability to sense the clubhead's weight and position, giving them a more refined touch. When you’re trying to hit a deft little chip or a precise lag putt, having that keen sense of the clubface is invaluable. The trail hand sits more passively on the club, acting as a guide rather than a power source, which is exactly what a great short game requires.
Some golfers, especially those with larger or less flexible hands, can find the interlock grip a bit restrictive. The overlap, by contrast, allows the wrists to hinge and unhinge with more freedom and fluidity. A free and correct wrist action is a huge component of generating clubhead speed. By not 'locking' the hands together quite as tightly, the overlap allows golfers to complete a full, powerful coil in the backswing and release that energy naturally and smoothly through impact without conscious effort.
For golfers who struggle with an overactive right hand that causes the clubface to shut down too quickly through impact (resulting in a hard hook), the overlap can often be a great fix. This grip naturally places the trail hand in a slightly weaker, more neutral position on the club. This passivity makes it more difficult to 'flip' the hands at impact. By encouraging the lead hand to stay in control and the body to lead the downswing, the overlap helps golfers learn to hit powerful draws instead of uncontrollable, round-killing hooks.
The list of professional golfers who have trusted the overlap grip on their way to major championships and Hall of Fame careers is incredibly long and distinguished. It is, by a massive margin, the most prevalent grip in competitive golf.
The tradition continues with many of the world's best players today. Looking at a PGA Tour or LPGA Tour range, you will see a sea of overlap grips.
This is just a small sample. Almost every professional golfer starts by learning the overlap grip, and the vast majority stick with it for their entire career because it's simply that effective.
Have we convinced you to give it a shot? Even if it feels a little strange at first, it's worth experimenting with on the practice range. Remember, changing a grip is like learning a new signature - it takes repetition before it feels natural. This guide is for a right-handed golfer.
The lead hand is the foundation of the grip. Hold the club out in front of you. Place the grip so that it runs diagonally across your fingers, from the base of your pinky to the middle joint of your index finger. You should not be holding it in your palm. Once the fingers are on, wrap the rest of your hand over the top. When you look down, you should be able to see the knuckles of your index and middle fingers. The 'V' formed by your thumb and index finger should point roughly toward your right shoulder.
Now, bring your right hand to the club. The primary goal is to cover your left thumb with the lifeline in your right palm. This creates that unified feeling. Your right hand fingers will then wrap naturally around the grip. Now for the key move: instead of wrapping your right pinky finger around the club, simply lift it and let it rest gently on top of your left hand, right in that little channel between the index and middle fingers. Don't press down hard with the pinky, let it be a passive connection.
Grip pressure is hugely important. On a scale of 1 to 10 an 8 iron requires a grip pressure of aroudabout a 4. Squeezing too tightly creates tension that ruins tempo and feel. The hands should feel connected and secure on the club, but your forearms should remain relaxed. Make a few slow, smooth practice swings to get a feel for how the hands and arms move as one unit.
The overlap grip is the most popular choice among the world’s best a reason: it masterfully combines freedom, control, and feel into one package. By wedding your hands into a single unit, this grip promotes a smoother, more body-driven swing that holds up under pressure. a more bod-driven swing that holds under pressure.
As you experiment with the overlap grip, you'll undoubtedly have questions pop up on the range or the course. If a specific shot feels awkward or you're not sure how your new grip affects your play from a tough lie, you can get instant, expert advice right on your phone. On our app, Caddie AI acts as your personal 24/7 golf coach that can answer any on-course question you have so you can commit to shots with confidence. It even analyzes photos of your ball's lie to provide smart, tailored strategies, turning guesswork into knowing.
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