Every swing starts with your hands, and locking your fingers in a golf grip is a popular technique you've likely seen used by some of the best players ever to play the game. Understanding why they do it, how it works, and if it's the right choice for you can have a massive impact on your consistency and power. This guide will walk you through the interlocking grip, compare it to the other main styles, and give you clear, step-by-step instructions to try it for yourself.
Before we break down the different styles, it’s important to understand why your grip is so fundamental. Think of your hands as the steering wheel of the golf club. How you place them on the handle has the single biggest influence on where the clubface is pointing at impact. If the clubface isn't pointing where you want it to, you’ll have to make all sorts of last-second changes during your swing to try and get the ball flying straight. It makes an already difficult game that much harder.
An inconsistent grip leads to an inconsistent swing path and clubface. A solid, repeatable grip is the foundation for everything else. It allows you to deliver the club back to the ball consistently, which is the secret to hitting powerful, accurate shots. The way you connect your hands - whether you lock them, overlap them, or keep them separate - is a huge part of building that solid foundation.
While there are subtle variations, almost every golfer uses one of three primary grip styles. None of them are inherently "right" or "wrong" - the best one is the one that gives you the most comfort and control. Let's look at the lineup.
This is the most popular grip among professional golfers. In this style, the pinky finger of your bottom hand (the trail hand) rests on top, in the space between the index and middle fingers of your top hand (the lead hand).
Just as it sounds, this grip involves placing all ten fingers on the club, with the pinky of the bottom hand touching up against the index finger of the top hand. There is no overlap or interlock.
This brings us to the main event. Here, the pinky finger of your bottom hand physically links together, or "interlocks," with the index finger of your top hand. This is the grip made famous by legends like Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods.
So, why would you choose to literally lock your hands together? The interlocking grip offers some distinct advantages that many golfers find lead to a more reliable swing. It's not just a random choice, it's a deliberate technique to solve specific problems and enhance feel.
Locking your fingers provides a unique set of benefits focused on unity and stability.
It Unifies the Hands: The primary reason golfers interlock is to get their hands working as a single, cohesive unit. By physically connecting your two hands, you eliminate the possibility of one hand overpowering the other. For many players, especially those whose bottom hand (right hand for a righty) gets too active and causes hooks, the interlock calms this tendency down. It forces your hands to rotate together, promoting a more neutral and consistent clubface through impact.
It Creates a Secure Connection: If you've ever felt the club wiggle in your hands at the top of your backswing or during the transition, the interlocking grip could be the solution. The lock provides an unmatched feeling of security, ensuring the club stays firmly in your control without you having to apply excessive grip pressure. This can be especially helpful in wet weather or for players who don't have a lot of natural hand strength.
It Can Promote Power and Freedom: This might sound counterintuitive - how can locking something up create freedom? When you feel that your hands are perfectly connected and secure, you are more likely to trust your grip and swing the club with more speed and less tension. Instead of subconsciously trying to "hold on," your body can focus on what it's supposed to do: rotate and unwind powerfully. This unified feeling can free up your arms and body to swing faster.
Of course, no grip is perfect for everyone. The interlocking style has a few potential drawbacks.
Think this grip might be for you? Let's walk through how to build it from the ground up. This instruction is for a right-handed golfer, lefties, just reverse the hands.
Start with a square clubface, using the logo on your grip or the leading edge of the clubhead as a guide. Bring your left hand to the side of the grip. The key is to hold the club primarily in the fingers, not the palm. It should run diagonally from the base of your little finger to the middle of your index finger. Once your fingers are on, wrap your hand over the top.
Checkpoint: Looking down, you should be able to see the first two knuckles of your left hand. The "V" formed by your thumb and index finger should point roughly toward your right shoulder.
Bring your right hand to the club. The lifeline in the palm of your right hand should fit nicely over your left thumb. This creates a really snug, connected feel from the start.
Now for the defining move. Instead of just placing your right pinky on top of your left hand (like the Vardon grip), you are going to intertwine it with the index finger of your left hand. Let your left index finger lift slightly and nestle your right pinky underneath it, allowing them to hook together comfortably. Let the rest of your right-hand fingers wrap naturally around the grip.
Your hands are locked, but that doesn't mean you need to strangle the club. On a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 is barely holding on and 10 is a death grip, you want to be at about a 4 or 5. You should feel secure, but your forearms and wrists should remain relaxed and free of tension. A tense grip kills clubhead speed and feel.
Choosing your golf grip is a foundational decision in your game. The interlocking grip is an excellent choice for many players, providing a secure, unified connection that promotes a consistent and powerful swing. While it's hugely popular, it’s not for everyone. The best grip for you is the one that feels comfortable and allows you to present a square clubface to the ball time and time again.
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