Are you looking for ways to make some tweaks to your golf game? One of the things you can do so is to change up the way you grip the club.
There are a few major grip types used by amateurs and pros alike. They are the ten-finger grip, Vardon grip, and the interlocking grip. Here, we are going to go a little deeper into the interlocking grip.
What Is The Interlocking Grip In Golf
The interlocking grip is a widely used method of holding the club around the world. Even Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus are well-known users of the interlocking grip.
With this type of grip, the two hands on the club are interlocked together, giving the golfers a smaller coverage on the shaft than using the Ten-Finger grip.
There is also the double interlocking grip where two of the top hand’s fingers interlock with two of the bottom hand’s fingers. This reduces even more hand separation on the club.
How To Use The Interlocking Golf Grip
If you’ve never used a proper interlocking golf grip before, here is how to set it up.
Start by placing your top hand on the club, the way you would if you were using any other grip style. Then, place your bottom hand on the club, allowing your index finger from the top hand to create a finger interlock with the bottom hand’s pinky.
The thumb of your top hand should point down the shaft and rest within the enclosure of your bottom hand comfortably. If done correctly, you should have 8 of your fingers in direct contact with the club. The only two that won’t be touching the club are your index finger of the top hand and the bottom hand’s pinky finger.
Here is a visual representation of the three most common grips.
Who Invented The Interlocking Golf Grip
It is not completely clear who exactly invented the interlocking grip in golf. Unlike the Vardon grip, there is no single player crowned as the originator of the method.
However, there is speculation that the interlocking grip did not appear in golf instruction books until the early 1930s. At the time, a golf instructor and former tennis player Alex Morrison outlined the benefits and details of the interlocking grip in his book “A New Way to Better Golf.”
After Morrison, a few notable players, and teachers, including Henry Picard and Seymour Dunn, Picard was a student of both Morrison and Dunn, pointing to a possibility that either of the two teachers may have influenced Picard’s game, who used the interlocking grip.
Advantages Of The Interlocking Grip
Golfers who have slightly smaller hands may be the biggest benefactors of the interlocking grip. It allows the hands to stay closer together and creates more control through the point of impact. With less hand separation, the hands are more naturally in unison with each other.
The interlocking grip allows for a comfortable and firm grip on the club. As long as there is no hand pain or problems with joints, it gives the player firm contact with the shaft and a single unit hand position, which helps create consistency.
Interlocking Golf Grip Problems
Sometimes, if a player has too large hands, they may find that the interlocking grip doesn’t allow for enough finger contact on the golf club. It may be the best grip for small hands.
It is also a very tight grip, so it may be less comfortable for players who have arthritis or suffer hand pain of some sort. If a player’s hands are weaker, they may find that they do not quite get the amount of strength on the club to keep it firmly in their hands.
Some players have complained of the interlocking golf grip slice, and the grip certainly does come into play. However, a slice can be blamed on a myriad of factors and not just the interlocking grip alone.
Reverse Interlocking Golf Grip
Sometimes, you’ll see a player using a reverse interlocking grip. Generally, this will only happen on, or very close to the green. In some situations, using the hands in opposite positions with the leading hand on the bottom instead of the top, it is possible to get more control using a reverse interlocking grip.
Some players swear by using a reverse grip on the green, stating that it takes the wrists out of the equation and allows for the shoulders to do all of the work. The less moving parts you have on the green, the more consistent you can be.
What Pros Use The Interlocking Golf Grip
As previously mentioned, one of the most famous users of the interlocking grip is Jack Nicklaus. However, there are a few others, including Tom Kyte and Michelle Wie. All of whom have won numerous professional tournaments.
Does Tiger Woods Use The Interlocking Golf Grip
Tiger Woods’ grip is the interlocking grip, and he stated that after reading Jack Nicklaus’s book, he decided to use the interlocking grip. Tiger Woods is arguably the best golfer in history, so many golfers use this as a strong case for using the interlocking grip. Much like Tiger did when learning from Jack Nicklaus.
Other Types Of Golf Grips
The other two main golf grips used in golf are the Vardon grip and the Ten-Finger grip. Each of them is suitable for different types of players or even for specific situations.
No single grip fits all explanations, and you should try out different grips to see which will be the right one for you.
Conclusion
If you have any additional questions or comments regarding the interlocking grip, please leave them in the comments section below.
FAQ
Can interlock grip cause a slice?
Yes, the interlock grip can cause a slice. It can also lead to a hook. It’s easy to shift your hands into the wrong position which leads to the clubface being too opened or closed. The grip is easy to learn for players new to the game and can help increase swing speed.
Is the interlocking grip better?
The interlocking grip is a better grip when a golfer feels that they’re losing out on distance and swing speed. The grip works well especially with the driver and longer irons such as the four through six.
What grip do most pro golfers use?
Most pro golfers use the overlap grip (also known as Vardon grip). According to certain research studies, around 9-of-10 PGA Tour golfers use the Vardon. The interlock grip is used moreso by amateur golfers.
