Mastering the Connection to the Club
Like most things in life, connection is the key to meaningful progress. In golf, your hands are your only connection to the club, and that connection plays a major role in how efficiently energy is transferred to the golf ball.
An effective golf grip allows your swing to deliver energy consistently through impact, producing more reliable contact, improved control, and straighter shots. A proper grip isn’t about strength — it’s about positioning, pressure, and consistency.
Below is a step-by-step guide to building a proper golf grip that supports a repeatable swing.
Understanding Lead Hand and Trail Hand
To make this useful for both right- and left-handed golfers, I’ll refer to:
Lead hand: the hand closest to the target
Trail hand: the hand farther from the target
For right-handed golfers, the lead hand is the left hand and the trail hand is the right hand. For left-handed golfers, it’s the opposite.
Step 1: Position the Lead Hand
Start with your lead hand. Place the club handle across the base of your fingers, just above the knuckles. The grip should run diagonally across your palm — from the base of your little finger to the middle joint of your index finger. Close your lead hand around the club, wrapping the fingers securely. Your lead thumb should rest down the shaft, slightly to the trail side of center.
Step 2: Add the Trail Hand
Now position your trail hand so the grip rests in the fingers, not the palm. The handle should again run from the base of the little finger to the middle joint of the index finger. From here, choose the grip style that feels most natural and allows for control and consistency:
Interlocking Grip
Interlock the pinky finger of your trail hand with the index finger of your lead hand. The lifeline of the trail hand should rest on top of the lead thumb.
Overlapping (Vardon) Grip
Overlap the pinky finger of your trail hand over the groove between the index and middle fingers of your lead hand. The lifeline of the trail hand rests on top of the lead thumb.
10-Finger Grip
All ten fingers remain on the grip. The index finger of the lead hand and the pinky of the trail hand should touch. The lifeline of the trail hand rests on top of the lead thumb.
In all grip styles, both thumbs should point down the shaft and sit slightly to the trail side of center.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that there are many adapted grips that golfers have developed based on their own physical needs. I’ve taught players who can only use one arm to swing and collaborate to figure out what’s most comfortable, efficient, and appropriate.
Step 3: Check Grip Pressure
Grip pressure is one of the most overlooked parts of a good golf grip.
You want a grip that is firm but not tight. Too much tension restricts wrist movement and reduces swing efficiency.
A simple way to think about grip pressure is imagining you’re holding an open tube of toothpaste without the cap — firm enough to control it, but not so tight that toothpaste spills out. (You may have heard the “baby bird” analogy — if not, ask me about it.)
Step 4: Find a Neutral Grip
Finally, check that your grip is in a neutral position. A neutral grip allows the clubface to square naturally at impact.
A grip turned too far to the trail side is considered strong
A grip turned too far to the lead side is considered weak
The goal is a natural hand position that supports consistency and control rather than manipulation.
Like any fundamental, your grip should be checked and practiced regularly to build muscle memory. Small changes in grip can have a big impact on ball flight and consistency. If you’re unsure whether your grip fits your swing, working with a golf instructor can help you fine-tune details based on your individual mechanics. If you have questions about your grip or winter training, feel free to reach out here at 9 Iron Golf.
February is also a reminder that golf is rarely just about the swing, it’s a game built around connection. It truly is all about the time spent with playing partners, family members who support the hours we put in, and shared experiences on the course. Whether you’re working on your grip this winter or planning lessons for the season ahead, those connections are part of what make the game worth playing.
Fore the love of golf!
