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why do you lock your fingers in golf

by Lily Reichert IV Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago
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Many of golfers choose to interlock their fingers because they feel it helps them work together as one, which increases their power. How far should you choke down on a golf club? For a low-flighted...

1. It locks the hands and wrists together – With the interlocking grip, both hands effectively act as one fluid unit. This gives you much better control without having to think much about what your wrists are doing.

Full Answer

Should you interlock your fingers when playing golf?

Sometimes the ten-finger and the interlocking make a player grab onto the club much tighter, and this causes increases in grip pressure. Pros want to have a light grip so that they can get the most rotation and speed out of their golf shots.

Why do my fingers lock up so much?

This time, instead of resting your right hand pinky finger on top of the fingers of your left hand, you are going to ‘interlock’ the pinky finger between your second and third fingers on the left hand. That means that your two hands will essentially be ‘tied’ together by the interlacing of those fingers around the grip. The result is a very secure feeling grip which should provide you with a …

Why does the interlocking golf grip hurt my hands?

Locked Together In the interlocking grip for right-handed players, the pinky finger of the right hand hooks (or dovetails) around the forefinger of the left hand. This forms a physical connection...

How to properly position your finger on a golf club?

When the pinky finger of your strong hand locks around the index finger of your supporting hand, it creates a maximum level of tension on the grip, leading to a more closed clubface at impact. However, you can neutralize an interlocking grip. If you are …

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Should you lock your fingers in golf?

Most golfers get told that they MUST interlock their fingers when they hold the golf club. This actually isn't necessary and tends to cause problems. Most golfers do this by getting their little finger and forefinger too deeply “locked” and often take their golf grip with their palms facing outward.Jul 20, 2017

Do pro golfers interlock their fingers?

When looking at professional golfers, they tend to do the same. The majority of them use interlock a lot of the time, while others tend to stick with the overlap grip. There is no necessary right answer when looking at which grip style to use, but each of them do come with their own benefits.

What does interlocking your fingers in golf do?

Since the interlock golf grip locks the hands together, it becomes almost impossible for one hand to dominate the golf swing. This leads to a more balanced swing that is both powerful and accurate. The two hands working together in unison make it easier for the golfer to square the clubface.

What is the advantage of interlocking golf grip?

Connection. The most significant advantage to the interlocking grip is the connection it creates between the left and right hand. With an overlapping grip, it's much easier for the hands to separate during the backswing. This separation can force the swing off-plane and cause errant shots.Sep 3, 2012

What is the invisible knuckle rule in golf?

Part of a video titled Knuckles Down Drill - School of Golf | Golf Channel - YouTube
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Down and I have people hold the club in the lead hand go up to the top come down so the club's aboutMoreDown and I have people hold the club in the lead hand go up to the top come down so the club's about parallel to the ground and just sort of wrap. The finger to the trail hand around the club.

How does Jon Rahm grip the club?

Rahm uses a interlocking grip style for woods and irons giving him both control and accuracy. Jon uses a neutral hand position to help prevent hooks and slicing with his driver, fairway woods and irons. Jon uses the the very popular reverse overlap putting grip style to help keep the hands out of his putting stroke.

Does Tiger Woods use an interlocking grip?

Many leading professional golfers, such as Tiger Woods use the interlocking grip. Place your hands on the golf club and intertwine your pinky finger on the trailing hand with the index finger on the lead hand. This is a good grip for people with smaller hands.

Is the interlocking grip better?

You need to pick a grip that ensures that you can release the golf club and stay connected throughout your entire swing. Although it is recommended that people with larger hands use the overlap and those with smaller hands use the interlock, there is no way to say that one is better than the other.

Should you interlock fingers when putting?

However, if you grip your putter with an interlocking grip, you'll actually reduce the amount of flex in your wrists. There are other grips that also do this, but the interlocking grip lets you get a firmer hold on the club without tightening your grip as much.Dec 3, 2011

Does Phil Mickelson use overlap grip?

Most professional golfers use the overlapping grip; players such as Ben Hogan, Phil Mickelson, and Adam Scott.Mar 23, 2014

What golf grip does Phil Mickelson use?

Mickelson has favored a conventional, reverse-overlap putting grip through most of his career. He first tried the Claw grip (aka the “saw” grip), popularized by Chris DiMarco, in 2012, and alternated between styles in the following years.

Do any PGA players use a 10 finger grip?

Scott Piercy is one of a handful of players on the PGA Tour with a 10-finger grip. In fact, since Bob Estes went to something else a few years back, Piercy is the only guy that I know of who still uses it. Most players either use an interlock grip or the overlap grip.Jul 29, 2012

Is there a rule for interlocking golf grips?

There are no hard and fast rules for who should pick an interlocking golf grip, and who should opt for the overlapping golf grip. As you will see below, there are some basic guidelines as to which grip is more likely to work for you based on a number of factors, but even those aren’t set in stone.

How to grip a golf club?

To form this grip around the club, start by placing your left hand on the grip of the club, up towards the top. The shaft of the club should be running across your palm at the base of your fingers – not up your palm towards your wrist. With your left hand grip taken, add the right hand to the grip.

Which hand is the interlocking grip?

The interlocking golf grip style finds the right pinky finger locked between the index and middle fingers of the left hand (for a right-handed golfer). Proponents point to its use by Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods – arguably the two greatest players in history – as evidence of the interlocking grip’s superiority.

Is double interlocking golf grip better than regular?

The double interlocking golf grip is even more secure than the regular interlock, as your hands will be tightly held together. However, there are plenty of problems with this grip. For one, it is difficult to generate proper club head speed due to the complete lack of control in your right hand.

What is the Vardon grip?

The Vardon grip, named for its originator, English legend Harry Vardon, is formed by placing the right pinky finger on top of the seam between the left index and middle fingers. Ben Hogan was among the advocates of overlapping, and it remains the grip of choice for a majority of amateurs and pros. Overlapping golf grippers believe this style ...

How many ways can you hold a golf club?

It is true that there are more than two possible ways to hold a golf club. However, for most players, the decision on the style of grip they are going to use will come down to just two choices – either an overlapping golf grip, or an interlocking golf grip.

What type of grip do you use for golf?

However, for most players, the decision on the style of grip they are going to use will come down to just two choices – either an overlapping golf grip, or an interlocking golf grip . These are the most popular options by far, and the ones that will work best for almost any golfer.

What finger is the interlocking grip on a golf club?

In the interlocking grip for right-handed players, the pinky finger of the right hand hooks (or dovetails) around the forefinger of the left hand. This forms a physical connection that pulls the two hands tightly together. When hands using this grip wrap around a club's cushioned grip, the result is an extremely strong "joint.".

Can you have your hands separate during a golf swing?

However, if your hands become separated during the swing, each wrist can act separately and your hands can interfere with each other. This isn't a problem with an interlocking grip, which pulls the hands together so tightly that there are no gaps between any of the fingers.

What is the most common grip in golf?

Although the most common grip among professional golfers is the overlapping or "Vardon" grip, there are some notable golfers who have used the interlocking grip. The most famous of these are Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods, but other professional golfers such as Tom Kite, Michelle Wie and 2011 U.S.

Which grip is better for Nicklaus?

Nicklaus said that he had relatively small hands, and that the interlocking grip allowed him to get a better grip with them. The more-common Vardon grip works better for players with large hands, since one of the fingers on the right hand has to wrap around the fingers of the left hand.

Which grip is better for a left hand or right hand?

The more-common Vardon grip works better for players with large hands, since one of the fingers on the right hand has to wrap around the fingers of the left hand. With the interlocking grip, all of the fingers are close to the actual cushioned grip. Even the two interlocked fingers don't cause large gaps underneath.

What is Nicklaus' interlocking grip?

Natural Strength. Nicklaus also recommends the interlocking grip for players with weak hands. When your interlocked hands wrap around that cushioned grip, the club is locked in place with very little effort. It also allows even players with stronger hands to keep a firm grip without a lot of tension in the hands and forearms.

What grip does Nicklaus use?

Nicklaus also recommends the interlocking grip for players with weak hands. When your interlocked hands wrap around that cushioned grip, the club is locked in place with very little effort.

What happens when your pinky finger locks?

When the pinky finger of your strong hand locks around the index finger of your supporting hand, it creates a maximum level of tension on the grip, leading to a more closed clubface at impact. However, you can neutralize an interlocking grip. If you are a right-hander, loosen the grip of your left hand.

Which golf players use interlocking grips?

They are professionals and will use what works best for them. Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, and Rory McIlroy have all use an interlocking grip and have enjoyed incredible success. However, the majority of players on the Tour use an overlapping grip.

What are the different types of golf grips?

What Are The Different Options For Golf Grips? Three common grip types exist, The ten-finger, interlocking, and the Vardon grip . The ten-finger is a neutral grip, where players grip the club the way they would a baseball bat. Hence its nickname, the “baseball grip.”.

How to make a grip on a golf club?

To make the grip, place your strongest hand on the club with your palm facing upwards. Next, place your weaker hand on the club, and lock your stronger pinky finger between your weaker index and middle finger. Finally, wrap the pinky around so that it is touching your grip.

What is a 10 finger golf grip?

While an interlocking grip may be associated with legendary players, beginners commonly use the 10-finger golf grip setup. The reason is that it feels more natural than an interlocking grip, making it easier to pick up. The 10-finger grip is also known as a baseball grip.

Why use an interlocking grip?

The reason for this is that it is an uncomfortable setup for players with bigger mitts. Hand size aside, an interlocking grip is ideal for golfers who are slicing their shots.

Can you neutralize an interlocking grip?

However, you can neutralize an interlocking grip. If you are a right-hander, loosen the grip of your left hand. Conversely, left-handers should loosen the grip of their right hand. Luke Kerr-Dineen from Golf.com explains how Tiger achieved a neutral interlocking grip in this article.

Why does interlocking golf grip make it harder to turn the club?

This grip causes a sense of discomfort and some players feel that the interlocking action makes it challenging to turn the club more because their hands are already turned over during a contact.

How to use an interlocking grip in golf?

The following are some ways you can use an interlocking golf grip effectively as a right-handed player to get the best results. Entangle or interlock the pinkie of one hand with the index and middle fingers of the other hand. This helps in making sure that both the hands are close to each other.

What is interlocking grip?

The interlocking grip is one of the various types of grips in golf and is the most often used style. This grip helps you have a firm hold and better control over the golf club. When this grip is firm, the handle is well inside the player’s palms because the club tends to rest on the fingers’ base. An interlocking grip helps a golfer create ...

Is interlocking grip good for beginners?

The interlocking grip can be complex and might take time for a golfer to master. It may be unsuitable for beginners to hold the golf club with this grip . The gripping style has been known to be uncomfortable for some players that make it difficult for them to control the golf club when rendering strong shots.

What are the problems with interlocking grips?

Read on to know more about them. The area of the hands where the fingers interlock tends to get rubbed or hurt causing cuts or blisters.

Why do my fingers get jammed against each other?

The fingers get jammed against each other up to the hilt when they hold the golf club. This keeps the left hand in a weak position while the right hand is in a strong position for a right-handed player and vice versa for a lefty. The interlocking golf grip tends to increase the chances of causing hooks and slices.

Which is better: interlocking or overlapping grip?

The interlocking grip is a better option over the overlapping grip for players who feel that they are losing on strength. Interlocking golf grip works best for some players when they use their drivers, long irons, and wedges while they prefer overlapping grip for playing their woods.

Why do my fingers lock?

Some common causes of locking finger joints include repeated movement of the finger, diabetes, gout and rheumatoid arthritis, states WebMD. This condition is common in musicians, farmers and industrial workers because they move their fingers frequently.

Can smoking cause locking fingers?

Smokers also can develop locking fingers due to repeated use of the thumb when using a lighter, and trigger hand is more common in women than men, mostly occurring in people between 40 and 60 years old.

What happens if you bend your finger?

They include swelling, soreness, painful clicking when bending a finger and a catching sensation in the fingers. In some cases, the fingers lock in a bent position when the condition is getting worse.

What is the best treatment for a swollen finger?

Over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen, help in relieving any pain.

Why do kids play golf with ten fingers?

Most of the time, a ten-finger grip is taught to children to help make the game a bit simpler when they first begin. As a child ages, it is best to transition them away from the ten-finger grip if possible.

What finger is the golf grip on the left hand?

An overlap golf grip takes the right pinky finger and places it on top of the gap between the index finger and middle finger on the left hand. The overlap grip can sometimes be referred to as the Vardon grip as well.

What is the golf grip on the left hand called?

Overlap Grip. An overlap golf grip takes the right pinky finger and places it on top of the gap between the index finger and middle finger on the left hand. The overlap grip can sometimes be referred to as the Vardon grip as well.

What is the overlap grip on golf?

An overlap golf grip takes the right pinky finger and places it on top of the gap between the index finger and middle finger on the left hand. The overlap grip can sometimes be referred to as the Vardon grip as well. The overlap grip is usually for people with larger hands and those that need to control their grip pressure a bit.

Is the claw grip good for amateur golf?

The claw has become quite popular in recent years, but for the amateur golfer to indeed perfect, the claw grip can be a bit difficult. The most comfortable grip for the amateur is the reverse overlap.

How to use a yardstick in golf?

Use A Yardstick. You can use a yardstick in your hands instead of a golf club and start gripping it just as you would a club. Hold the yardstick so that the top and bottom ends sit in your hand, do not lay it flat. Those top and bottom ends are going to represent the top and bottom of your grip.

Is there a right or wrong answer when deciding between the overlapping and interlocking golf grips?

There is no right or wrong answer when deciding between the overlapping and interlocking golf grips. The only thing that every golf professional will tell you is that the grip is essential to your success in the game of golf. If you do not perfect the grip, you cannot move on to swing mechanics and other more fun things.

Why do you need long fingers for an overlap grip?

Indeed, an overlap grip requires somewhat long fingers to allow for the pinkie to act as a solid anchor. If the pinkie is not long and strong enough the golfers risks seeing it slip out of position during the golf swing, rather than staying securely in place.

Which finger is the overlap grip?

In the overlap grip, both hands are connected through the left pinky finger which will lie on top of the depression between the left hand’s index and middle fingers. As such, the right hand will stay in close ...

Which hand stays in close contact with the left?

As such, the right hand will stay in close contact with the left thanks to this anchor. The long fingers and strong hands associated with adult male golfers are most suited for this type of grip whereas children or golfers with relatively small fingers would likely benefit from different types of grips.

What is the second most widely used grip in golf?

The second most widely used grip in golf is the interlocking grip. This type of grip will again see both hands connect to each other through the right hand’s little finger and the left hand’s index finger. But in this case, those fingers will cross rather than sit one on top of the other.

What is the name of the grip that Jack Nicklaus used?

Indeed, as its name suggests, both hands will be held securely close to one another thanks to this locking position. The interlock grip is famously the grip type that is used by Jack Nicklaus.

What is an interlock grip?

The interlock grip is famously the grip type that is used by Jack Nicklaus. And because it was utilized by his golf hero when growing up, Tiger Woods also adopted it. While it is more true for the former than the latter, the interlock grip is quite useful for golfers with smaller than average hands and fingers.

What is the 10 finger grip?

Similarly to the sport that gave its name, this grip will see both hands pressed against each other on the grip. However, in contrast to the other types of golf grips, no anchor will link them at all.

Who was more cupped, or lead wrist extended, at the top of the swing?

Back to our Hogan/Morikawa comparison. The legendary Ben Hogan, who was more “cupped”, or lead wrist extended, at the top of the swing, would have to transition from that position to an extended, or bowed, and supinated situation at impact.

Which player has a more extended wrist?

In contrast, Collin Morikawa, who carries a more extended wrist (bowed) at the top, requires less of a transition of wrist alignments en route to impact. Essentially, he retains the wrist position from the top as his body rotates and moves toward impact.

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