Types of Golf Grips: Styles, Sizes, & Choosing Your Perfect Fit

Is an inconsistent slice or a nagging hook destroying your confidence on the course? Your hands are your only connection to the club, making your grip the single most important fundamental in your entire swing.

There are two main categories of golf grips: the style of how you connect your hands (like interlocking or overlapping) and the physical equipment itself (defined by size, material, and shape). Properly matching your grip style to the right equipment is crucial for enhancing club control, improving swing consistency, and building confidence over every shot.

Drawing from comprehensive analysis of proven swing mechanics and professional fitting standards, this guide will demystify the different types of golf grips. You will discover how to choose the perfect combination of style and equipment to fit your hands, fix common faults, and finally unlock your most consistent golf.

What Are the Different Types of Golf Grips and Why Do They Matter?

Your golf grip is the foundation of your entire swing, serving as the critical interface between your body and the club. It’s more than just how you hold on; it directly influences clubface control, swing path, and power transfer. Understanding the different types of golf grips involves looking at two distinct components: the style of your hand placement (how your hands connect to each other) and the equipment itself (the physical grip’s size, material, and shape). An incorrect grip—whether in style or equipment—is a leading cause of major swing flaws like slices and hooks, inconsistent ball flight, and even discomfort. By optimizing your grip, you create a stable foundation that allows the rest of your swing mechanics to work efficiently, leading to better accuracy, more distance, and a more enjoyable game.

7 Types of Golf Grips to Perfect Your Feel & Consistency

Choosing the right grip is a pivotal decision that impacts every shot you take. It’s a combination of personal feel and technical performance. Below, we’ll explore the three primary golf grip techniques for holding the club and then dive into the four critical equipment characteristics you must consider when selecting the physical grips for your clubs. This comprehensive breakdown will give you the knowledge to build a secure and effective connection to the golf club.

1. The Overlapping (Vardon) Grip: The Tour Professional’s Choice

Pin this classic grip technique to your ‘Golf Swing Basics’ board!

The Overlapping (Vardon) Grip is the most popular grip among tour professionals for a reason. Named after legendary golfer Harry Vardon, this overlapping grip technique promotes a unified feel while allowing for natural wrist hinge, a crucial element for generating clubhead speed. By resting the pinky of the trail hand over the fingers of the lead hand, this grip style encourages the hands to work as a single unit without the restrictive feeling some players experience with the interlocking grip.

Who It’s For

• Golfers with average to large-sized hands who find the interlock uncomfortable.
• Players who want to encourage natural wrist action and release through the swing.
• Those looking to model their technique on the majority of PGA Tour professionals.

How to Do It

1. Place your lead hand (left hand for righties) on the club, with the handle running through your fingers.
2. Position your trail hand (right hand) below the lead hand.
3. Instead of interlocking, lift the pinky finger of your trail hand.
4. Rest that pinky finger in the groove or channel created between the index and middle finger of your lead hand.
5. Ensure both hands are snug together with no gaps.

Pro-Tip: The Vardon grip is popular because it unifies the hands without restricting wrist hinge, a key component of power transfer. However, if you have smaller hands, you may find the interlocking grip provides a more secure hand connection.

2. The Interlocking Grip: For Maximum Connection & Stability

Save this tip to see if the grip used by Tiger and Jack is right for you!

The interlocking golf grip is famously used by some of the greatest players in history, including Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus. This style physically links the hands by hooking the pinky finger of the trail hand with the index finger of the lead hand. This creates an incredibly secure hand connection that provides excellent swing stability. For players who feel their hands work too independently, the interlock forces them to operate as a single, cohesive unit, which can greatly improve clubface control and consistency.

Who It’s For

• Golfers with smaller hands, as it provides a very secure connection.
• Players who feel their hands work too independently and want to unify their motion.
• Beginners who need help feeling what it’s like for the hands to work as one unit.

How to Do It

1. Take your normal lead hand grip on the club.
2. As you place your trail hand, extend the index finger of your lead hand.
3. “Interlock” or hook the pinky finger of your trail hand with the extended index finger of your lead hand.
4. Let the fingers settle into a comfortable, linked position.
5. Your lead hand thumb should fit snugly in the lifeline of your trail hand’s palm.

Lesson Learned: While the interlocking grip provides incredible stability, some players with larger hands or limited flexibility may find it restrictive. It can sometimes inhibit a full wrist hinge, so it’s a trade-off between control and power.

3. The Ten-Finger (Baseball) Grip: The Most Natural Feel

Great for beginners or those with hand pain! Pin this simple grip to your board.

The Ten-Finger grip, often called the baseball grip style, is the most intuitive way to hold a golf club. As the name suggests, all ten fingers are in contact with the handle, similar to holding a baseball bat. While less common among low-handicap and professional players, it is an excellent choice for certain golfers. It’s particularly effective for absolute beginners, juniors with small hands, and players with strength limitations or joint pain, as it can enable power transfer without the discomfort of an interlock or overlap.

Who It’s For

• Absolute beginners, as it feels the most natural and intuitive.
• Junior golfers or players with very small or weak hands.
• Golfers suffering from arthritis or joint pain who find overlapping/interlocking painful, making it one of the best arthritis friendly grips.

How to Do It

1. Grip the club with your lead hand as you normally would.
2. Place your trail hand directly below it on the grip.
3. Simply let the pinky finger of your trail hand rest snugly against the index finger of your lead hand.
4. All ten fingers should be in full contact with the club’s handle.

Pro-Tip: The primary challenge with the baseball grip style is that it allows the hands to work too independently, which can lead to inconsistency. To combat this, focus on maintaining light, even grip pressure in both hands throughout the swing.

4. Choose Your Grip Size: From Undersize to Jumbo

Does grip size matter? Yes! Pin this guide to find your perfect fit.

The golf grip size is one of the most overlooked but critical equipment specifications. Playing with the wrong size fundamentally influences release and can force detrimental compensations in your swing. A grip that’s too small can cause overactive hands and lead to a hook, while a grip that’s too large can restrict wrist action and cause a slice. Finding the right diameter for your hands is a game-changer for swing consistency and comfort.

What You Need (Size Options)

• Undersize/Junior: For players with small hands (glove size S, or hand measurement under 7 inches).
• Standard: The default for most clubs, fitting the majority of male golfers (glove size M/ML, hand measurement 7″ to 8.75″).
• Midsize: A popular upgrade for players with larger hands or who want to reduce grip pressure (glove size L/XL, hand measurement 8.75″ to 9.5″).
• Jumbo/Oversize: Excellent for very large hands or for players with arthritis or joint pain, as they significantly reduce the need to squeeze the club.

How to Choose

1. Perform the Finger Test: Grip a club with your lead hand. The tips of your middle and ring fingers should just barely touch the pad of your thumb. If they dig in, your grip is too small. If there’s a gap, it’s too big.
2. Measure Your Hand: Measure from the crease of your wrist to the tip of your middle finger to find your recommended size based on the specs above.
3. Consider Your Miss: A grip that’s too small can cause overactive hands and a hook. A grip that’s too large can restrict hand action and lead to a slice or push.
4. Prioritize Comfort: For players with joint pain, choosing a larger grip like a midsize golf grips or jumbo golf grips can provide significant relief and make the game more enjoyable.

Pro-Tip: Don’t be afraid to customize! Tour pros often use extra wraps of tape under a standard grip to create an in-between “midsize plus” feel. One or two extra wraps of tape can subtly increase the diameter to your exact preference.

5. Select Your Grip Material: From Tacky Rubber to All-Weather Cord

Rubber, Cord, or Hybrid? Pin this guide to learn which material is best for your game.

The grip’s material composition determines durability, feel, tackiness, and crucially, its performance in different weather conditions. From soft feel golf grips that dampen vibration to firm all-weather golf grips that excel in the rain, choosing the right material is key to maintaining a secure hold and a confident swing, no matter the situation.

What You Need (Material Options)

• Rubber: The most common material, offering a good balance of softness, tackiness, and affordability. Great for most players in most conditions. Example: Golf Pride Tour Velvet.
• Cord: Rubber grips with cotton cord fibers woven into the surface. They provide maximum traction and are the best choice for wet, humid weather or for players with sweaty hands. Can feel harsh to some. Example: Golf Pride Z-Grip Cord.
• Synthetic/Polymer: Often softer and tackier than standard rubber. Excellent for comfort and vibration dampening. Example: Winn Dri-Tac.
• Hybrid/Multi-Compound: The best of both worlds. These grips typically feature cord in the upper hand for firm control and softer rubber in the lower hand for enhanced feel. Example: Golf Pride MCC Plus4.

How to Choose

1. Assess Your Climate: If you frequently play in rain or high humidity, a corded golf grips or hybrid grip is a must-have for preventing grip slippage.
2. Prioritize Feel vs. Control: Do you prefer a soft, cushioned feel or a firm, responsive one? Soft grips (Synthetic) absorb shock, while firm grips (Cord) provide more feedback.
3. Consider Your Glove Habits: If you play without a glove, a harsh cord grip might be uncomfortable. A softer rubber or synthetic grip would be a better choice.
4. Factor in Durability: Standard rubber and cord grips generally offer the best longevity, while some very soft synthetic models may wear more quickly.

Pro-Tip: Many modern hybrid grips like the Golf Pride MCC Align feature a raised ridge on the underside. This “Align” technology acts as a reminder, helping you place your hands in the exact same spot for every single shot, dramatically boosting consistency.

6. Understand Grip Taper: Traditional vs. Reduced Taper

Tapered or not? This small detail can have a big impact. Pin this to learn more!

Grip taper refers to the profile shape of the grip from top to bottom. A traditional grip is thicker at the top and gets progressively thinner towards the bottom. However, a growing trend is reduced taper grips, which are designed to be thicker in the lower hand area. This grip geometry optimization is designed to encourage lighter, more even grip pressure between the hands, which can quiet an overactive bottom hand and promote a more unified swing.

What You Need (Taper Options)

• Standard Taper: The traditional grip shape that is thinner in the lower hand area. This is the most common profile and encourages a natural rotation of the hands through impact.
• Reduced Taper / Non-Tapered: A modern design that is thicker in the lower hand, creating a more uniform diameter from top to bottom. This design simulates having extra wraps of tape on the lower half of the grip.

How to Choose

1. Identify Your Goal: The primary purpose of a reduced taper grip is to quiet the lower hand and prevent it from becoming too active or “flippy” during the swing.
2. Consider Your Hand Pressure: If you feel you squeeze the club much harder with your lower hand, a reduced taper grip will help equalize the pressure between both hands.
3. Look at Your Ball Flight: Players who fight a hook caused by an overactive bottom hand can often benefit from the stabilizing effect of a reduced taper grip.
4. Try the Feel: Many modern grips, like the Golf Pride MCC Plus4, are built with a reduced taper. They feel larger in the bottom hand, which many golfers find more comfortable and powerful.

Pro-Tip: A zero-taper design, where the grip has a completely uniform diameter, is extremely popular in putter grip shapes. The same principle applies: it’s designed to quiet the hands and wrists, promoting a more stable, pendulum-like putting stroke.

7. Find Your Feel with Specialized Putter Grips

A better grip can save you strokes on the green. Pin this guide to putter grips!

Putter grips are a category all their own and are arguably the most diverse and personalized grips in a player’s bag. Unlike swing grips, the goal of a putter grip is to eliminate wrist and hand movement, encouraging a stable, pendulum-like stroke controlled by the larger muscles of the shoulders and arms. The unique putter grip shape—whether it’s an oversized putter grip or one with a flat front—is designed specifically to promote this stability and improve consistency on the greens.

What You Need (Putter Grip Options)

• Pistol Grip: A classic shape with a wider, flatter top portion where the thumbs rest and a curve on the underside for the fingers. Promotes a comfortable and repeatable hand position. Example: SuperStroke Zenergy Pistol 2.0.
• Oversized / Jumbo Grip: Very large-diameter grips designed to almost completely remove the wrists and small muscles from the stroke. Excellent for golfers who struggle with the “yips”. Example: SuperStroke Fatso 5.0.
• Non-Tapered (Parallel) Grip: Maintains the same diameter from top to bottom. This encourages even grip pressure in both hands for a smooth, pendulum-like motion. Example: SuperStroke Zenergy Tour 2.0.
• Flat-Front Grip: Features a wide, flat surface on the front of the grip. This provides a tactile cue to help ensure your thumbs are perfectly aligned and the putter face is square to your target line. Example: Superstroke Flatso 3.0.

How to Choose

1. Assess Your Weakness: If you are “wristy” or “handsy” with your putting, an oversized or non-tapered putter grips is the best solution to promote stability.
2. Focus on Alignment: If you struggle to aim the putter face correctly, a grip with a distinct flat-front can provide a major confidence boost.
3. Check the Weight: Some oversized grips are “counterbalanced” (heavier), which can help smooth out a jerky tempo. Lighter oversized grips maintain the putter’s head-feel.
4. Feel is Everything: Ultimately, the best putter grip is the one that feels most stable and comfortable in your hands, giving you the confidence to make a free and unrestricted stroke.

Pro-Tip: The rules of golf allow for a much wider variety of shapes in putter grips compared to swing grips. This is why you see so many unique designs. Don’t be afraid to experiment with a radically different shape—it could be the key to unlocking your putting potential.

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to Choosing a Golf Grip

• Grip Style vs. Equipment: First, choose your holding style (Overlap, Interlock, or 10-Finger) based on hand size and comfort. Then, select the physical grip (equipment) based on size, material, and taper.
• Size is Not One-Size-Fits-All: Your grip is likely the wrong size. Use the finger test (fingers barely touching thumb pad) to check. A grip that’s too small causes hooks; too big causes slices.
• Material Matches Conditions: Use corded or hybrid grips for wet/humid weather to prevent slipping. Use softer rubber or synthetic grips for maximum comfort and vibration dampening.
• Oversized Grips Solve Problems: Jumbo or Midsize grips are not just for large hands. They are a powerful solution for reducing grip pressure, quieting overactive hands, and providing significant relief for golfers with arthritis.
• Taper Affects Hand Action: Modern reduced taper grips are thicker in the lower hand to promote even pressure and prevent a “flippy” release, which can help fix a hook.
• Putter Grips are Different: Putter grips are specialized tools designed to reduce wrist and hand movement. Oversized, non-tapered, and flat-fronted designs are used to create a more stable, pendulum-like stroke.

People Also Ask About Different Types of Golf Grips

What are the 3 main types of golf grips?

The three main golf grip styles are the Overlapping (Vardon), Interlocking, and Ten-Finger (Baseball) grips. The Overlapping is most common among pros, where the trail hand’s pinky rests on the lead hand. The Interlocking, used by players like Tiger Woods, links the pinky and index fingers for stability. The Ten-Finger is simplest, with all fingers on the club, ideal for beginners.

Interlocking vs overlapping grip: which is better?

Neither is definitively better; it depends on your hand size and feel. The overlapping grip is generally preferred by players with larger hands as it promotes more freedom in the wrists. The interlocking grip provides a more secure, unified feel and is often better for players with smaller hands who need to ensure their hands don’t slip or work independently.

Does grip size really matter for accuracy?

Yes, grip size is critical for accuracy and consistency. A grip that is too small can lead to excessive hand action and grip pressure, often causing a hook. A grip that is too large can restrict your ability to release the club, leading to a slice or a block. Using the correct size promotes optimal grip pressure, wrist action, and clubface control.

Can changing my grip fix a slice?

Yes, adjusting your grip is one of the fastest ways to help fix a slice. A slice is often caused by an open clubface, which can result from a “weak” grip. Strengthening your grip (turning both hands slightly away from the target) can help you square the clubface at impact. Additionally, a grip that is too large can also inhibit your release and cause a slice.

What is the difference between standard and midsize grips?

The primary difference is the diameter of the grip. A midsize grip is slightly thicker than a standard grip, typically by about 1/16 of an inch. This extra thickness helps to reduce grip pressure, quiet overactive hands, and can be much more comfortable for golfers with larger hands or those who suffer from arthritis.

When should I regrip my golf clubs?

You should regrip your clubs once a year or every 40 rounds, whichever comes first. Over time, grips lose their tackiness and get hard from exposure to sweat, dirt, and UV rays. Worn grips force you to squeeze harder, creating tension in your arms and destroying your feel. A fresh set of grips is a cheap and easy way to make your clubs feel brand new.

What are oversized grips used for?

Oversized (or Jumbo) grips are primarily used to reduce grip pressure and minimize wrist movement. They are extremely beneficial for golfers with arthritis or joint pain, as the larger diameter requires less squeezing. They can also help players who have overly active hands in their swing, promoting a smoother tempo and reducing the tendency to hook or slice.

What are corded grips good for?

Corded grips are best for providing maximum traction in wet or humid conditions. They have a cotton cord material woven into the rubber, creating a rougher, firmer surface that prevents the club from slipping, even with sweaty hands or in the rain. They are the top choice for players who prioritize all-weather performance and a secure hold.

Why do most pros use an interlocking or overlapping grip?

Most pros use an interlocking or overlapping grip to make their hands work together as a single, unified unit. A 10-finger grip allows the hands to act too independently, leading to inconsistency. By connecting the hands with an overlap or interlock, they gain better control over the clubface and create a more repeatable swing motion from shot to shot.

How do I measure my golf grip size?

The easiest way is to measure from the crease of your wrist to the tip of your middle finger. A measurement under 7″ suggests an Undersize grip, 7″ to 8.75″ is Standard, and anything over 8.75″ points towards Midsize or Jumbo. You can also do a feel test: your fingertips should just barely touch your palm when gripping the club.

Final Thoughts on Finding Your Perfect Golf Grip

The connection you have with your golf club is the cornerstone of your game, and finding the right grip is a journey of both technical fitting and personal preference. As we’ve explored, the ideal solution involves a thoughtful combination of holding style (Overlap, Interlock, 10-Finger) and physical equipment (size, material, taper). Don’t underestimate the power of a simple grip change. Switching from a standard to a midsize grip can alleviate hand tension, while choosing a corded grip can give you unwavering confidence in the rain.

Ultimately, the best grip empowers you to swing freely and consistently. Use this guide to experiment, test different options, and don’t hesitate to consult a professional for a fitting. Your hands are your only link to the club—make sure that connection is as strong, comfortable, and effective as it can possibly be.

Last update on 2026-03-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API