There are three basic types of grips you can use for your golf swing.
The baseball grip.
This grip is explained in the video and resembles the grip you would use with a baseball bat. There is no overlapping or interlocking of the fingers and it is not used by many serious golfers.
It is used mostly by junior golfers or golfers with small hands. Of the 3 grip types, I guess this would be the one I would not recommend as I think you will be much better off using the interlocking or overlapping grip.
The interlocking grip.
This is the second most popular golf grip. It is used by many golfers and will work great when combined with a great swing. The interlocking golf grip also allows you to get your hands a little closer together if you have small hands
The Overlapping grip.
The overlapping grip as the name implies requires you to overlap the little finger of your right hand over the index finger of your left hand. This is the most popular grip with pros and armatures alike. It is the one I use and with all the talk of small hands I don’t have very big hands and this grip works fine for me!
No matter which grip you choose to use there are certain fundamentals you will want to follow.
Fundamental number 1
First you will want to line up the club face square with your target line. In other words the club face should be facing where you want the ball to go.
A lot of golfers like to pick out a spot a few feet in front of their ball and line up the club face to that spot. Usually there will be a mark on the ground or a leaf or a twig. Anything will work but if there is nothing to line up to, go ahead and just lay a tee on the ground between your ball and your intended target on the fairway and aim at that.
Fundamental number 2.
Be sure to grip the club in the fingers and not in the palm of your hands. This will allow for better feel better club head speed and an overall better swing.
Fundamental number 3
Grip pressure.
How much grip pressure should you apply to the club during your swing? Well if you have been golfing very long I’m sure you have heard these two analogies: Hold the grip like a tube of toothpaste with the cap off and don’t squeeze out any toothpaste. The other analogy you have probably heard is: Hold your gripas if you were holding onto a bird without squishing it.
I think you get the idea. You should start with and maintain a fairly light grip throughout your swing.
This is where a lot of golfers get it half way right. They remember to establish their setup with a light grip pressure but as soon as they start their swing they tighten their grip. This is very easy to do. I have to always remind myself not to tighten my grip at the take away. It is just a very natural tendency to squeeze a little harder when starting your swing.
Try to remember this next time you go to the driving range or to the course. A relaxed grip will lead to a smoother stroke, more club head speed and more distance.
As I mentioned earlier no two golfers are exactly alike and you will have to do some experimenting on the practice range to decide which grip is best for you and to make the adjustments necessary for your swing.
A correct grip can often feel unnatural to a beginner golfer but if you are just learning how to play golf it is important that you start with a great grip!
