Standard Golf Club Holding and Common Errors

How to hold a golf club is the most important factor to make an accurate and effective hit. Whether you're a beginner or experienced one, holding the bat with the right technique not only helps control the ball's strength and direction, but also reduces the risk of injury.

1. The correct way to hold a golf club for new people

Holding the bat properly directly affects your golf swing. Here are some expert suggestions on some basic steps and principles for holding a standard golf club:

• Step 1 - Hold the bat with your left hand: Place your left hand on the bottom of the Grip. In which, the thumb is placed vertically on the Grip and makes a "V" shape with the index finger. The other fingers are all around the Grip, but they're too tight. Make sure you feel comfortable and secure, your hands don't get stiff.
• Step 2 - Place your right hand on the Grip, at the top of the left hand, so that the pinky finger is on the index finger of the left hand. The right thumb should be above the thumb of the left hand and along the Grip.

  Don't hold the bat too tight. Hold it with moderate force to feel the most comfortable and flexible wrist. To determine if you have held the bat properly, you can compare your grip to the image below:

2. Popular types of golf clubs

In fact, different ways of holding a golf club, is a variation of the connection between the right and left hands when holding a Grip. Among them, there are three most common ways: Overlap Grip, Interlock Grip, and Ten-Finger Grip.

• Overlap Grip: The right index finger and left middle finger overlap.
• Interlock Grip: Knit the right pinky finger between the index finger and the middle finger of the left hand.
• Ten-Finger Grip (also known as Baseball Grip): Two hands without knitting or stacking, holding the bat like holding a baseball.

In it:  

2.1. Overlap Grip Type (Finger Overlap)

This is the most popular way to hold a golf club, which strengthens stability in hitting, which is used by many professional and amateur players, especially those with larger hands.  

The Overlap Grip is also called the Vardon Grip, named after Harry Vardon, a famous English golfer.

How to Perform:

• The pinky finger of the right hand (right hand with right hand) is placed on the slot between the index finger and the middle finger of the unfavorable hand. At this time, the right hand is like holding the left hand and close together, not leaving any space between the two hands.
• The other fingers are wrapped around the handle.

  Advantage:

• Suitable for golfers with medium to large hands.
• It feels more natural and flexible in the swing.

  Disadvantages:

• Less sure than the Interlocking Grip for people with small hands.
• Training is needed to maintain the connection between the hands during the shot.

2.2. Interlock Grip Type

Interlock Grip is a type of club that many new golfers use, because of the comfort and certainty between their hands. This type of grip helps create stability and reduces the risk of the right hand overacting during the swing.  

In the world, there are many famous golfers holding Interlock Grip like Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods...

How to Perform:

• Knit the pinky of the right hand (right hand and right-handed person) between the index finger and the middle finger of the hand is not favorable.
• The other fingers are wrapped around the handle.

  Advantage:

• Create a sense of certainty, especially for golfers with small hands or weak wrists.
• Connect your hands tightly, helping to control the bat better in the swing.

  Disadvantages:

• May cause discomfort or stiffness in the hands of new players.
• Requires time to practice to get acquainted.

2.3. Ten-finger grip style (10 fingers)

Ten-finger Grip (or Baseball Grip) is a type of handle in which all 10 fingers come into contact with the grip of the bat and there is no overlap, or knit the fingers together such as 2 types of Overlap Grip and Interlock Grip.  

This is the same way you hold a baseball bat, so this is also why it's also called "Baseball Grip." New golfers choose to hold the Ten-finger bat because of its comfortable and natural feeling, which helps them better control the bat.

How to Perform:

• The right hand and the wrong hand hold the bat separately, without knitting or stacking fingers.
• Holding a bat is similar to holding a baseball bat, with fingers wrapped around the handle.

  Advantage:

• Easy to implement, especially suitable for new golfers or children.
• Apply strong force to the blow as the fingers completely control the handle.

  Disadvantages:

• Lack of connectivity between hands, reduced stability in swing.
• It is difficult to control the accuracy and direction of the ball.

Each handle has its own advantages, depending on the size of the hand, play experience, and personal feeling. Golfers should experiment with all 3 types to find the most suitable handle, helping to optimize performance on the golf course.

3. Can you hold the putter with three traditional handles?

Unlike other types of golf clubs, Putter is only used to make putts on Green, which require high accuracy and maximum stability, instead of strong force.  

Traditional grip styles such as Interlocking Grip, Overlapping Grip, and Baseball Grip are still usable with Putter. But golfers often choose more specialized handles such as Cross-Handed, Claw Grip, or Arm Lock Grip to minimize vibration and help the ball hit accurately into the hole.  

Here are the common types (Applicable to right-handed people. If left-handed, do the opposite):

• Reverse Overlap Grip: This is the most popular type of handle when doing Putt Golf. In this type of handle, the index finger of the left hand will be on the ring finger of the right hand (as opposed to the conventional Overlap Grip).
• Cross-Handed Grip (or Left-hand Low): Performed like Ten-Finger Grip. But the left hand is above the grip, and the right hand is below it.
• Claw Grip (or Pistol Grip): The right hand holds the bat as usual. And the left hand, the left hand, is positioned vertically or horizontally with the handle of the stick, like "claw nail". Note that the left hand only holds lightly to stabilize the handle.
• Arm Lock Grip: Use a Putter stick longer than usual and the handle is leaned on the right arm, helping to create a solid support.

  In it:

  There are different ways to hold a Putter. Try holding it to pick out the type of grip that you feel comfortable with and help you hit the ball the most accurately.

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4. Most Common Golf Club Defects

Players usually hold the bat properly, but make mistakes in position and how to use force or use Grips. Not only rookies, but even long-time players often suffer from these basic errors.  

Golfers, please check which of the following mistakes you usually make to improve your batting skills:

• Holding the bat too tightly: Holding the bat too tightly can reduce the flexibility of the wrist and reduce the accuracy of the hit. You need to hold the bat comfortably and naturally.
• Improper grip: The right or left hand is out of place or not positioned properly on the Grip can cause strike errors.
• Incorrectly positioned thumb: The thumbs of both hands should be along the Grip. Some golfers have a habit of putting their thumbs horizontally on the Grip, which can affect the ability to control the bat.
• Insufficient use of fingers: Some newly learned golfers may not use enough 10 fingers when holding a bat, which reduces stability and control.
• Hold too high or too low: Holding the bat too close to the top or too close to the tail can reduce the accuracy and distance of the hit.
• Changing the way golf clubs are held between hits, can reduce accuracy.
• Using an old Grip that is worn out, slippery or not suitable for hand size can reduce grip control.
• With time and lots of hits, the way you hold the bat can gradually change. Periodically check and adjust the Grip is necessary to maintain the accuracy of each stroke.

  If you're new to golf, try holding the above suggestions and choosing the most suitable golf club. A proper bat posture not only improves the accuracy and power of your hit, but also helps you gain confidence on the field. Take the time to practice and edit the appropriate holding technique, as this is the beginning step for you to conquer this class sport.  

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