Which fingers do you grip a golf club with?
James Craig
Published Jan 24, 2026
Quick Summary: How to Grip a Golf Club
Should golf grip be in fingers or palm?
Grip in the fingers, not the palm
Make sure that the grip is in the fingers of your left hand, not running too much through the palm of your hand. If the grip gets into the palm too much it will make it nearly impossible to use your wrists properly in your swing.
Which hand do you grip your golf club first?
Always put your left hand on first, because it's your guide to sensing the alignment of the clubface, then add your right hand. As you look down at your grip, make sure your left thumb rests slightly to the right of the top-center of the shaft.
What is the most common way to grip the golf club?
Golfers are often told not to hold a golf club like a baseball bat, but the 10-finger, or baseball, grip is among the most common. Recommended for golfers whose hands are not strong, according to ABC-of-Golf.com, this grip allows a golfer to have all 10 fingers on the club.
What is the perfect golf grip?
Perfect golf grip step 1: The left hand
Then, with an open hand, ensure the grip runs from the middle joint of your index finger through to the fleshy pad at the bottom of your hand. And once you've done that, wrap the fingers round and roll the thumb in place.
42 related questions foundShould you grip golf club tight?
So what is the ideal grip pressure? Think about it this way – you want to hold on to the club tight enough to maintain control, and no tighter. The only grip which is too light is the one which lets the club fly away during the swing. As long as you can safely control the club, you are in good shape.
Where should the left thumb be in the golf grip?
The left thumb should not be placed down the center of the grip, but slightly off to the right side. When placing the right hand onto the golf club grip, you want to be holding the club within your fingers as well.
Do you use same grip for driver and irons?
Yes, you should use the same grip for all of your shots with the exception of putting. It is important to have a solid grip and one that returns the clubface to square whether you are putting, chipping, pitching, hitting bunker shots or making full swings with your woods or irons.
How do I hold my irons?
According to PGA pro John Stahlschmidt, the club's grip should run from the middle knuckle of your index finger to just below the spot where your pinkie meets your palm. Tiger Woods suggests running the club at a slightly shallower angle, from the base of the index finger to the pad just below the pinkie.
Why do we use palm to palm grip?
Your fingers and palm should be fully gripping the mouse without any space in-between. A palm grip will allow you to make larger, more controlled movements for precise aim and better tracking.
Why does Tiger wear tape on his right hand?
Many golfers wear tape on their fingers to prevent or cover up hot spots, blisters, calluses, cuts, and other uncomfortable distractions. It's part of their prep, covering up the fingers that tend to get mangled during a round of golf or a long session at the range. Got a few tees in your pocket?
Do all pro golfers lock their fingers?
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.
How does Phil Mickelson grip the club?
Phil Mickelson grip – the claw, that is – finds the right hand grasping the top of the club, his thumb extended down the shaft. With his left hand separated from the right, he cradles the handle lightly between the thumb, index and middle fingers.
How do you hold a driver not to slice?
Grip the club in the fingers of your hand, and then your thumb should lay down to the right of center. If you put your thumb straight down the center of the shaft, the grip is too neutral and not great for fixing a slice.
How should a golf club feel in your hands?
You should feel the club being supported by the last three fingers of your left hand (above, left). Those fingers should grip the firmest. My longtime teacher, the late Stan Thirsk, used to remind me to keep the club in the fingers of my left hand and never let it slip into the palm.
How do you hold a golf club lightly?
Hold the club vertically in front of you. Let it slide down through your fingers. That grip pressure is too light. Firm it up just enough so that the club doesn't fall through.
How many knuckles should you see in golf grip?
To improve your grip, adjust your left hand until you can see two knuckles at address. If you see only one knuckle, your grip is too weak. If you see three or four, you've overcooked it. Using a marker, put dots on your first two knuckles (right) to ensure you achieve this position consistently.
Is the baseball grip good for golf?
The Baseball Grip (Ten Finger Grip)
This can create more clubhead speed at impact; something that improves distance. Finally, the dominance of the right hand in the baseball grip helps prevent a fade. This makes the baseball grip especially useful for golfers that struggle with a slice or fade.
Do any pros use 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.
How do you use a 10 finger golf grip?
Begin with the ten-finger grip, but lift the pinky of the trailing hand and rest it in the groove between the index and middle finger of the leading hand. The thumb of the leading hand is still pointing down the club, and the trailing hand is moved closer to the leading hand so there is still no gap between them.
What angle do you hold a golf club?
How to Grip a Golf Club: Step by Step Guide for Beginners. Step 1: Using your right hand, grip the shaft at the top of the grip. This should hold the club in front of you at a 45 degree angle. Next, turn your left palm toward you and the the grip between your first knuckles and the top of your palm.
Should I switch to fingertip grip?
Fingertip grip is much better for your wrist, elbow, and shoulder, but may be strenuous for your finger muscles if you aren't used to it. Make sure not to use a mouse that feels too heavy and fatiguing for long gaming sessions.