To hold a golf club properly, follow these key steps to establish a solid, athletic grip that maximizes control and power:
Step-by-Step Guide to Holding a Golf Club
1. Position the Club Face
Start by ensuring the club face is aimed directly at your target. The grip’s
logo or markings should be aligned straight so the club face points down your
intended line
. 2. Grip with the Left Hand (for right-handed golfers)
- Place the club grip diagonally across the base of your fingers, not in the palm.
- Wrap your fingers around the grip so that when you look down, you see 2 to 3 knuckles on your left hand.
- Your left thumb should rest slightly diagonally down the right side of the grip.
- Form a "V" shape between your thumb and index finger that points toward your right shoulder
3. Add the Right Hand
- Place your right hand so the palm is parallel to the shaft and the club face.
- Grip the club with your fingers, wrapping them around the grip.
- The left thumb should fit under the pad of your right hand.
- The right thumb points down or slightly diagonally left on the shaft.
- Leave a small gap between the right index and middle fingers to create a "trigger finger" feel
4. Connect Both Hands
- The hands should run together softly, pressing lightly against each other without tension.
- Use a grip style that feels comfortable:
- Overlapping (Vardon) grip: Right pinky rests on top of the left index-middle finger notch.
- Interlocking grip: Right pinky interlocks with left index finger.
- Ten-finger (baseball) grip: All fingers on the club, often easier for beginners
5. Grip Pressure
- Maintain moderate grip pressure, about a 5 out of 10, to avoid tension and allow fluid wrist movement
6. Check the "V" Alignment
- The "V"s formed by each hand’s thumb and index finger should generally point toward your trail shoulder (right shoulder for right-handed golfers), but slight variations are normal depending on your natural motion
Additional Tips:
- Avoid letting your left hand overlap the grip’s butt end, which can reduce power and consistency.
- Holding the club in the fingers rather than the palm allows better control and wrist leverage
By following these steps, you create a consistent, athletic grip that helps control the club face and improve your swing
. This method is widely taught by PGA professionals and coaches and is suitable for beginners and experienced golfers alike.
