Why is the golf grip so important to a successful golf shot?

Every great shot starts with the golf grip.  Without the correct grip, a good golf shot is doomed from the beginning.

Having a poor grip will effect everything, such as your set-up, your takeaways, your downswing, and the ability to square your clubface at impact. You should never underestimate the way you grip your golf club and how it affects your swing.

There are three basic grips used in the wonderful world of golf, the overlapping grip, the interlocking grip and the baseball grip. The most common is the overlapping grip. In the overlapping grip, your little finger overlaps the forefinger of your left hand. Place your left hand on your golf club so that the back of your hand is facing the target. Place the shaft of your golf club under the muscular pad at the inside heel of your palm, your golf club shaft runs diagonally across to the top point of your forefinger. Hook your forefinger around the shaft of your golf club and close your hand with the rest of your fingers with your thumb down the top of the shaft. You should have a V formation between the thumb and forefinger, which will point towards the right side of your body. Remember, too tight of a grip will immobilize your wrist and create tension. To complete the overlapping golf grip, place your golf club in your right hand so that the shaft lies across the top joint of the four fingers and directly below the palm. Overlap the little finger of your right hand with the forefinger of your left hand. Bring your right thumb down, somewhat centered on the shaft. Work with your grip and find out what is comfortable for you. The proper golf grip will enable you to have the greatest amount of controlled clubhead speed. Keep your fingers together on the golf club shaft and deliver a square clubface to your golf ball at impact.

The second most popular grip is the interlocking grip.  In the interlocking grip, you interlock your little finger with your forefinger. There are a lot of Professional Golfers who use this golf grip.

The third grip is the baseball grip. I definitely would not recommend the third grip as it restricts the wrist from hinging properly.

Figure out which golf grip works best for you and practice, practice, practice.

Leave a comment below as to which grip method you prefer.