The golf grip is the only point of contact between you and your club — and small mistakes here can lead to big problems on the course. An incorrect grip can cause you to lose distance, control, and consistency, no matter how good your swing feels.
Your grip influences every shot you take, from drives to chips. In this guide, we’ll cover how to properly grip a golf club, how to check if your grip is holding you back, tips for choosing the correct grip size, and whether changing grips can actually make a difference in your game.
Why Your Golf Grip Matters
Your grip directly impacts swing path, clubface control, and ball flight. If your hands are placed incorrectly, the clubface may not return to square at impact, leading to slices, hooks, or inconsistent contact.
So, do grips make a difference in golf? Absolutely. The correct grip can:
- Promote a consistent swing path
- Help square the clubface at impact
- Improve distance and accuracy
- Reduce hand fatigue over long rounds
On the other hand, the wrong grip can exaggerate bad habits. Too weak a grip can leave the clubface open, leading to a slice. Too strong a grip can close the face and send shots left. Getting it right is essential for building a repeatable, reliable swing.
How to Properly Grip a Golf Club
Knowing how to properly grip a golf club is one of the first fundamentals every player should master. For right-handed golfers, here’s the step-by-step process:
1. Left Hand Placement
- Hold the club in your left hand so the grip runs diagonally across your fingers — from the base of your pinky to just above the index finger joint.
- When you look down at your hand, you should see two knuckles on the back of your lead hand.
- There should also be a V formed by your index finger and thumb that points to the trail shoulder.
2. Right Hand Placement
- Place the club in the fingers of your right hand, You will want the club to rest across the base of your pinky finger and first knuckle of your index finger.
- When you close your hand, your trailing hand should rest on top of the lead thumb.
- Your thumb and index finger should make a V that points towards your trailing shoulder.
3. Grip Pressure
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Think “firm but relaxed.” Too tight and you lose fluid motion; too loose and you lose control. Imagine holding a tube of toothpaste without squeezing any out.
4. Common Grip Styles
- Overlap (Vardon Grip): The most popular among pros. The pinky of the trailing hand rests on top of the gap between the index and middle finger of the lead hand.
- Interlock: The pinky of the trailing hand locks with the index finger of the lead hand — ideal for players with smaller hands.
- 10-Finger (Baseball) Grip: All fingers on the club, recommended for juniors or those needing more hand action.
How to Check If Your Grip Is Holding You Back
One of the most overlooked parts of grip evaluation is size — and how to choose golf grip size can make a significant difference in performance.
If your grips are too small, you may over-rotate the clubface, leading to hooks. If they’re too large, your hands may become passive, causing slices. That’s why it’s important to know how to determine golf grip size.
Grip Size Measurement Guide
- Measure from the crease in your wrist to the tip of your middle finger.
- Compare your measurement to a standard golf grip size chart:
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- Less than 5 inches: Juniors Grip
- 5- 6.5 inches: Undersize grip
- 6.6–7.5 inches: Standard grip
- 7.6–9 inches: Midsize grip
- Over 9 inches: Jumbo grip
You should also watch for signs that your grip size may be wrong: inconsistent ball flight, tension in the hands, or excessive wear in specific spots on your gloves.
How to Choose the Right Golf Grips for You
Once you know the correct size, the next step is how to choose golf grips that match your playing style and conditions.
1. Material Options
- Rubber: Soft feel, great for all-weather play.
- Corded: Excellent traction in humid or wet conditions.
- Leather: Classic leather-like feel with extra cushioning.
- Hybrid: Combines corded upper for control with softer lower for comfort.
- Synthetic: Lightweight and durable. Offers flexibility.
2. Weather Considerations
If you often play in the rain or high humidity, corded or hybrid grips can provide better control. For dry conditions, softer rubber grips may offer more comfort.
3. Frequency of Play
Grips wear down over time. If you play frequently, choose a material that balances performance and durability — and be prepared to regrip at least once a year or every 40 rounds.
Closing Thoughts
Your grip might be the most underestimated factor in your golf game. The right golf grip can help you gain distance, improve accuracy, and build consistency. The wrong one can hold you back no matter how hard you practice.
By learning how to properly grip a golf club, checking your grip size, and understanding how to choose golf grips that fit your game, you set the foundation for long-term improvement.
Test your grip during your next practice session, and if you’re unsure, visit a pro shop for a fitting. Even better, use a launch monitor to measure the difference the right grip makes. Small changes here can lead to big results on the scorecard.
