There are several concerns of players when choosing a golf grip. A golfer’s grip that is firm is very crucial for consistently hitting shots and improving your game. Tight grips usually improve accuracy and deliver good control over the club face. However, the way golfers hold their clubs may have a significant impact on the accuracy, power, and consistency of their swing. Golf players have two optimum preferences: interlock and overlap golf: grip. Let’s dive into the features of both grips and find a suitable fit for you.
Brief introduction of Interlock and overlap grip
Interlock grip:
The trailing hand’s pinkie finger (right hand for right-handed golfers and left hand for left-handed golfers) is engaged with the lead hand’s index finger in the interlocking grip. Golfers with smaller hands or weaker grips use an interlocking grip to stabilize the club and protect it from slipping. Another good reason for this is that it permits a closer connection between the hand’s fingers which promotes a unified grasp.
Overlap grip:
The overlap grip, also known as the Vardon grip, involves crossing the pinkie finger of the trailing hand over the index finger of the leading hand. The overlap grip is preferred by golfers with larger hands as it has a larger surface area and a stronger grip allowing for more power and distance. Also, it gives a more natural and comfortable grasp of the club.
Interlocking Golf Grip and methods for obtaining the grip.
One of the major benefits of the interlocking grip is its ability to secure a good connection between the hands and the club which provides a smooth and steady stroke. Paving the way for a more coordinated swing, this grip is useful for golfers with little hands as it requires less strain.
Let us have a look at the methods for obtaining the interlocking grip.
Methods for the interlocking grip:
- Maintain a neutral stance with your lead hand (it could be left or right based on the golfers’ preference).
- Place the following hand over the lead hand and then place your pinky finger on the club.
- Slide the pinky finger off of the trailing hand down between the index and the middle fingers of the leading hand till it rests against the index finger.
- With the index finger of the lead hand interlock the pinky finger of the trailing hand.
- To have a more comfortable grip, wrap your hand around the club.
Keeping an interlocking grasp when swinging:
Maintaining an interlocking grip during the swing is necessary for golfers, specifically those who rely on this type of golf grip. There are a few tips for keeping up with the interlocking grip.
- A too-tight grip may cause swing irregularity due to hand discomfort, in order to avoid this maintain a relaxed grip on the club throughout the swing.
- Beware of your hand placement and examine it carefully while playing otherwise the interlocking grasp may become slack or completely fail.
- Frequent practice is needed to maintain a good interlocking grip.
Overlap Golf Grip and Methods for obtaining this grip:
Another most prevalent and known type of golf grip is the overlapping grip. This grip requires the placement of the trailing hand’s little finger on top of the index finger of the leading hand. Golfers with larger hands prefer this type of golf grip. The golfers need to begin with the leading hand and position the club grip over the base of the fingers, just below the knuckles, to achieve the overlap grip.
Methods for the Overlap grip:
- On the top of the index finger of the leading hand, place the little finger of the following hand.
- The leading hand must be snuggly into the lifeline of the trailing hand.
- Keep the thumb positioned straight down the shaft, and wrap your fingers around the grip.
- The hand must be touching each other with no gap between them
The following paragraph has a few more detail regarding the overlap grip.
Including better control, coherence, consistency, and power the overlap grip offers a number of advantages over other grips. To stabilize the clubface during the swing the golfers produce a tighter and a more unified grasp of the grip. As a result, the ball’s flight path becomes more precise and controlled. This grip also enhances the speed and distance needed for securing longer shots. The overlap grip assists the players to generate more force using their whole hands and arm muscles.
Techniques for maintaining the overlap grasp during the swing:
- To minimize arm and shoulder strain, maintain a firm but not extremely firm grip pressure.
- To reduce shoulder pain maintain a firm but not too firm grip pressure.
- Check on your hand if they are in the appropriate position or not.
- Maintain a good connection between the hands, with no gaps or separation.
- To perfect the grip slow-motion swings should be utilized until it feels natural and comfortable.
- Moreover to get a better fit experiment with multiple grip types.
Which Golf Grip Interlock or Overlap is Right for You?
For golfers with tiny hands or fingers, the interlocking grip is a good catch because it gives a firmer hold on the club. The overlap grip is good for golfers with larger hands or longer fingers because it allows them to grasp the club more comfortably. Listed below are a few pros and cons attached to both grips.
Benefits of Interlock Grip:
- Improves precision and good control
- Lessens the probability of sliding the club during the game
- The more connected sensation is provided
- Ensures a firm grip on the clubface
The downside of Interlocking Grip:
- Golfers with longer fingers may not find it suitable.
- If not done properly based on the proposed instructions it can result in a weaker grasp.
Benefits of overlap grip:
- Suitable for players with larger hands
- Ensures a more accurate club release
- Helps in enhancing power and increasing distance.
- Simple and quick in switching from baseball grip to pistol grip.
The downside of Overlap Grip:
Increased strain as compared to Interlocking grip.
Final Thoughts:
The interlocking and overlapping grips are two common types practiced by many golfers. The interlocking grip is mostly preferred by those with smaller hands whereas the overlapping grips are practiced by golfers with larger palms and hand size. There are several strategies involved for achieving perfection in each of these grips. As the interlocking grip promoted smoother and more finely coordinated swing while playing, the overlap on the other hand works on better control along with enhancing power and consistency. To sum up, both the grips have pros and cons which can be identified by the golfer based on their personal encounter with each of these grips. However, regular practice is required for both of them to improve the game.