Are you looking for the best beginner golf lessons in Toronto to improve your overall game? Many golf lessons and programs aim to improve your putting, swing, or the position of your feet or ball.
But one aspect that is too often overlooked in your golf education is a proper grip. This allows for a fluidly-hinged wrist to generate more club speed on the downswing.
Here, we discuss how new golfers can improve their grip.
New golfers often hold their golf club like a baseball bat. But a golf grip is different than a traditional baseball grip.
There are three main types of golf grips that you can learn to create a solid foundation for a successful swing. Although there is no one-size-fits-all grip, clearly understanding their differences will improve your game.
The three most common grip types are:
Next, you will learn about all three grips so you can choose the one that best fits your game and swing.
1. Overlapping Grip
This is one of the most popular types of golf grips, where you use the fingers on your right hand to grip the club and link with the left hand. It is especially beneficial for those with large hands.
So, if you are a right-handed golfer:
This overlapping grip is also known as the ‘Vardon’ grip. It is named after the famous golfer Harry Vardon who helped popularize it early in the 20th century.
2. Interlocking Grip
In the interlocking grip, as the name suggests, you simply need to interlock one little finger with the other hand’s index finger to get your hands closer together. This grip style comes with a great benefit. As it ‘locks’ your fingers together, you can use both hands together to add more power to your swing.
To do the interlocking grip, the initial steps are similar to the ones you did for the overlapping grip. So, place your non-dominant hand on the club near the top of the shaft and put your other hand on the club to get a good grip. Make sure your grip is not too tight or loose.
Then put your right little finger (if that is your dominant hand) between the middle and index finger of your left hand (non-dominant hand). This is almost the same as overlapping except for the fact that here you interlock your fingers. This way, both your lead and trail hands work in unison, giving you a solid foundation for a powerful swing.
Many amateurs think the interlocking grip is mostly used by children and women. But many professional golfers like Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods use it.
3. Ten-Finger Grip
Not surprisingly, the ten-finger grip is where all ten of your fingers are on the club. However, unlike an interlocking or overlapping grip, your fingers don’t overlap each other. It is also known as the ‘baseball grip’ because of its close resemblance to how you grip a baseball bat.
It can sometimes lead to a slice or hook if the power is not distributed evenly through the wrists. This can cause you to miss the fairway and negatively impact your game.
To get a proper ten-finger grip, place both hands on the club so they touch the base of the little finger on your bottom hand which should be resting against the index finger of your top hand. The grip should feel comfortable and natural.
Not many professionals use this grip. However, if you are a beginner, you can start with this comfortable grip style while learning the game’s essentials. With this grip, all your fingers are in contact with the grip’s surface. It is a strong grip and ideal for golfers with small hands.
If you are a new golfer, experiment with these golf grips and hand positions to determine which suits your comfort level and swing style. Consult with our experts for Toronto-area golf lessons. They can help you decide which grip is best for your game and provide you with the right training to improve it.