Old Palm News

By Mark Hackett, Director of Instruction, Old Palm Golf Club The grip is one of golf’s most important fundamentals. With a proper grip, you have a wonderful opportunity to swing the club correctly. Here are the three most popular grips: Overlapping Grip — This grip, also known as the “Vardon Grip” for legendary golf great Harry Vardon, is the most common grip used in the game. To place your hands on the club using this grip, place the little finger of your bottom hand (the hand nearer the club head) in-between the index finger and middle finger of your top hand.           Interlocking Grip —The Interlocking Grip is used most notably by Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. It is predominantly for players with smaller fingers. To place your hands on the club using this grip, interlock the small finger of your bottom hand with the index finger of your top hand.           10-Finger Grip —Also known as the “Baseball Grip,” this is the least preferred golf grip and is primarily used by beginners, golfers with weak hand strength, and those suffering from arthritis. To place your hands on the club with this grip, snug the little finger of your bottom hand up next to the index finger of your top hand.           Regardless of the type of grip you prefer, the placement of your hands on the club is key.  Your hands must work together to create proper motion in your golf swing. To accomplish this, make sure the “V’s” created by the thumb and index finger of both hands point between your right ear and right shoulder (for right-handed players).