Your grip is the only direct link you have to the golf club, making it the non-negotiable foundation of your swing. Finding the right hold is personal, but the interlocking grip, trusted by legends like Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods, could be the key to unlocking a more connected and powerful swing for you. This guide will walk you through exactly why and how the interlock grip works, help you figure out if it's a good fit for your game, and give you practical steps to try it out.
At its core, the interlock grip physically links your hands by “interlocking” the pinky finger of your trail hand (right hand for a right-handed golfer) with the index finger of your lead hand (left hand). This simple connection transforms your two hands into what feels like a single, unified unit, which is the primary reason so many golfers swear by it. Unlike the Vardon or overlap grip where one finger rests on top of another, the interlock creates a more direct and connected feel.
Forming the interlock grip correctly is an exercise in detail. Follow these steps carefully to build it from the ground up. We'll build this for a right-handed golfer, lefties, just reverse the hand instructions.
When you've done it correctly, your hands should feel completely connected. There should be no gaps, and it should feel like you’re holding the club with one solid unit, not two separate hands.
Changing your grip can feel strange, so you need a good reason to do it. The interlock grip offers some powerful advantages that can fundamentally change how you swing the club.
This is the greatest advantage of the interlock. By locking the hands together, you remove any tendency for one hand to overpower the other during the swing. Many amateur golfers suffer from an overly active trail hand (usually the right hand for righties) that wants to "flip" at the ball, causing hooks or inconsistent contact. The interlock quiets this tendency by forcing the hands to move and release together. The result is often a more stable clubface through impact, leading to straighter, more predictable shots.
Golfers with smaller hands or shorter fingers often struggle with the overlap grip. They might feel like they don't have enough finger-length to get a secure hold. The interlock solves this problem brilliantly. Because the fingers physically link together, it creates an incredibly secure and stable connection that doesn't rely on finger length. This provides confidence that the club isn't going to shift or move, especially at the top of the swing or during the raw speed of impact.
This might sound counterintuitive, but for some players, feeling the hands as one solid unit actually promotes more speed. A secure, connected grip allows you to release the club more freely and powerfully without subconsciously fearing that you’ll lose control. Think of it like a steering wheel. You don’t drive with one hand on either side acting independently, you hold it as a single unit to steer effectively. A unified grip allows you to transfer energy from your body rotation into the clubhead more efficiently, generating more "whip" and speed where it counts.
While legends have used it, the interlock isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. However, certain types of players are prime candidates to reap its benefits.
To be a good coach, it’s important to acknowledge when something might not work. Players with very large hands or long fingers sometimes find the interlock too crowded and uncomfortable. Additionally, golfers suffering from arthritis in their hands or fingers might find the Vardon or even a 10-finger (baseball) grip to be more comfortable options.
Let’s be honest: the first time you try the interlock grip, it will probably feel weird. It might even be a little uncomfortable on the sides of your pinky finger. Stick with it. This feeling almost always fades after a few range sessions as your hands build calluses and get used to the new position. The key is not to grip too tightly. A common mistake is to strangle the club because the hold feels new. Maintain light, consistent pressure - just firm enough so you don't lose the club.
Making a grip change is a process. You can’t just hit the first tee and hope for the best. Follow this plan to make a smooth and effective transition.
Accept that you might hit some funky shots at the beginning. That’s perfectly normal. Your brain and body need time to recalibrate. After a few focused sessions, the new grip will begin to feel normal, and sooner or later, it will feel like second nature.
The interlocking drip offers a powerful path to unifying your hands and gaining better control over the clubface. For many players, especially those with smaller hands or a tendency to get "flippy," this change can be the simple adjustment that leads to more consistent, powerful ball striking.
Making a grip change often brings up questions about feel, pressure, and how it connects to the rest of your swing. We built our app, Caddie AI, to be your personal golf coach for moments just like these. Instead of guessing, you can ask for instant, clear advice on anything from your grip to your pre-shot routine. It’s a way to get 24/7 expert feedback right in your pocket, making the process of improving simpler and more effective.
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