by David Musial, PGA
As I work with golfers on their game, one of the first things that we assess is the positioning of the hands on the golf club.
What is the best grip for the golfer? Well, golfers come in all sizes and shapes. Some players have small hands and some larger hands. Some players have short, compact fingers and some have long, slender fingers. These different characteristics mean one thing, there is not one grip type for every golfer.
The overlap grip or the interlock grip are types that I recommend to players. Generally, a player with small hands (Jack Nicklaus) will have a more comfortable feel in his fingers with the interlock grip. Tiger Woods emulated the great Nicklaus, and he employs the interlock grip as well. Players with larger hands many times feel more comfortable with the overlap grip. These players feel that they can turn the ball over (draw) more easily with the overlapping grip. These are general assessments, and not in all cases.
This leads us to the conclusion that many golfers could use either the interlock or overlap, and hit consistent shots with one or the other. I would like to see my students using one or the other, and I will usually recommend the interlock grip to most players. If after trying this method, success is not reached or the student is uncomfortable with it– we will try the overlapping style. Because we do not all have the same size hands and fingers, there is not one grip for all players. The one that fits best and most comfortable in our hands is the right one for the golfer. Generally, we can make this determination in the first practice session.
Typically, only small junior golfers or a golfer with severe arthritis or physical limitations will use the baseball or “ten-finger” grip. When the junior golfer’s fingers develop, typical between ages 8 and 12, I will encourage them to make the move to an interlock grip. This will help in keeping the clubface more stable through impact. This is why PGA and LPGA tour players use the interlock and overlap, and not the “ten-finger” method. I encourage you to work with your local PGA Professional, to help you find the best grip method for you. It will help you to keep the clubface square, hit more consistent shots and become a better player.
To set up a lesson with David Musial, email musialgolf@yahoo.com for open appointment times at GlenLakes Golf Club, Foley.
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