Why Interlock Golf Grip? Pros, Cons & Who Should Use It

Ever wondered what a key similarity is between the swings of Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus? It starts with how they hold the club. You’re likely here because you’re questioning your own grip, wondering if the popular interlocking method is the key to unlocking more consistency, control, or power in your game. This guide will definitively solve that question by breaking down exactly what the interlock grip is, who it’s for, and why it might—or might not—be the right choice for you.

The interlocking golf grip is a popular method where the pinky finger of the trailing hand intertwines with the index finger of the lead hand, creating a strong, unified connection favored by legends like Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. This simple yet powerful technique forces the hands to function as a single unit, which can have a profound impact on your entire swing.

Leveraging extensive analysis of established swing mechanics and patterns from top players, this guide unpacks the proven benefits and potential drawbacks of the interlocking grip. We will explore how it enhances club control, compare it directly to its main rival—the overlap grip—and provide a clear profile of the ideal golfer for this method, helping you make an informed decision on the practice range.

Key Facts

• Legendary Adoption: The interlocking grip is the choice of some of golf’s greatest champions, including Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, and Rory McIlroy, establishing its credibility at the highest level of the sport.
• Hand Unity is the Core Benefit: Its primary function is to physically connect the hands, forcing them to work as a single, synchronized unit, which data suggests leads to more consistent clubface control.
• Ideal for Specific Hand Sizes: This grip is often recommended for golfers with smaller hands, such as many women and junior players, as it provides a more secure hold without requiring excessive grip pressure.
• Reduces Harmful Tension: By creating a secure lock, the interlock grip can encourage a lighter hold on the club, reducing the tension that restricts a fluid, powerful swing.
• Not a Universal Solution: For golfers with larger hands, the grip can feel cramped and uncomfortable, potentially causing finger pain and restricting natural wrist action, highlighting that grip choice is highly personal.

What is the Interlock Golf Grip? A Look at the Choice of Champions

The interlocking golf grip is a popular method where the pinky finger of the trailing hand intertwines with the index finger of the lead hand, creating a strong connection favored by legends like Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. Ever wondered what a key similarity is between the swings of Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus? It starts with how they hold the club. This specific technique is designed to unify the hands, making them act as a single, cohesive unit throughout the golf swing.

Unlike other grips where the hands might sit next to each other or simply overlap, the interlock creates a physical link. For a right-handed golfer, this means:

• The lead hand (left hand) is placed on the club first in a standard, neutral position.
• The trailing hand (right hand) is then placed on the club, but the pinky finger of this hand hooks, or intertwines, with the index finger of the lead hand.

This simple action is the secret behind the grip’s effectiveness. By locking the hands together, it minimizes any independent or conflicting movements that can lead to inconsistent shots. Its use by iconic players like Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, and Rory McIlroy has cemented its status as a premier choice for golfers seeking ultimate control and consistency.

The 6 Key Benefits of Using an Interlocking Grip

The primary benefits of the interlocking grip include creating a unified hand action for more consistency, increasing club control and stability, reducing harmful grip pressure, and potentially increasing swing speed. For many golfers, adopting this grip can be a transformative change that addresses several common swing flaws simultaneously. The mechanics behind the interlock directly translate into tangible performance gains on the course.

Here’s the bottom line:

I believe the reason it produces a more consistent result is it reduces how much your hands “fight” one another.

Let’s break down the six major advantages in detail.

Pro Tip: A common mistake is gripping too tightly. The interlock naturally encourages a lighter hold, which can unlock a more fluid swing.

1. Enhanced Hand Connection and Unity: The physical intertwining of the fingers forces the hands to function as a single, synchronized unit, which is the foundation for a repeatable swing.
2. Increased Control and Stability: This secure connection prevents the club from twisting in your hands at the top of the swing or at impact, leading to more accurate shots.
3. Reduced Grip Pressure: Because the hands are locked together, you don’t need to squeeze the life out of the club to feel secure. This promotes relaxed arms and a faster, more fluid motion.
4. Excellent for Smaller Hands: The interlock grip is often recommended for golfers with smaller hands, including women and junior players, as it ensures the club remains stable without a strained grip.
5. Improved Wrist Control: It can help tame overly “wristy” swings by unifying the action of the hands and wrists, leading to better control over the clubface.
6. Potential for More Speed and Power: A unified and efficient swing allows for a better transfer of energy from your body through the club to the ball, which can result in increased clubhead speed.

1. Enhanced Hand Connection and Unity

By intertwining the fingers, the interlocking grip forces the hands to function as a single, synchronized unit, leading to more consistent clubface control. This is arguably the most significant benefit and the primary reason why interlock golf grip is so popular. In many faulty swings, the lead and trailing hands work against each other—one pulling while the other pushes. The interlock grip eliminates this conflict.

Your hands are forced to work together rather than acting independently. This creates a more stable and powerful lever system during the swing. When your hands are unified, it’s far easier to keep the club on the correct plane and deliver the clubface squarely to the ball at impact.

Think of it like tying two ropes together to make one stronger rope. Your hands gain the same unified strength.

2. Increased Control and Stability

The secure lock between the hands provides greater control over the club, reducing twisting and leading to more accurate ball striking. This enhanced stability is a direct result of the improved hand connection. With your hands locked as one, the club feels like a natural extension of your arms, giving you superior command over the clubhead’s position throughout the entire swing.

Quick Fact: That secure feeling isn’t just in your head; it physically prevents the club from slipping during powerful swings.

This stability translates into several key performance advantages:

• Less twisting at the top of the backswing and during the transition.
• More accurate shots because the clubface is less likely to be open or closed at impact.
• Better performance in wet conditions or on powerful drives where the club might otherwise slip.

Potential Drawbacks: Is the Interlock Grip Always the Best Choice?

Potential problems with the interlocking grip include discomfort for golfers with larger hands, a significant learning curve to feel natural, and the risk of limiting wrist hinge if not executed properly. While the benefits are compelling, the interlock grip is not a magic bullet for every golfer. It’s crucial to acknowledge the potential downsides to make an informed decision and avoid forcing a grip that works against your natural tendencies.

Being honest about your own feel and comfort is key. Forcing a grip that causes pain or feels unnatural can do more harm than good to your game.

Here are the main considerations:

• Discomfort for Larger Hands: Golfers with large or thick fingers may find the interlock feels cramped, awkward, or even painful on the knuckles.
• Significant Learning Curve: If you’re switching from an overlap or ten-finger grip, the interlock can feel very strange at first. It may take weeks of consistent practice to build comfort and trust.
• Risk of Over-Gripping: While it can promote lighter pressure, some players react to the new sensation by squeezing even harder, introducing tension back into the swing.
• Potential for Limited Wrist Hinge: For some players, the tight connection can slightly restrict the natural hinging and unhinging of the wrists, which is a key source of power.

Be honest with yourself: Does the grip feel uncomfortably cramped after a few swings? If so, forcing it might do more harm than good.

Interlock vs. Overlap (Vardon) Grip: A Head-to-Head Comparison

The main difference between interlocking and overlapping grips is how the hands connect; interlock intertwines fingers for unity, often suiting smaller hands, while overlap rests the pinky on the other hand, often preferred by those with larger hands. Choosing between these two dominant grip styles comes down to personal comfort, hand size, and what you’re trying to achieve in your swing. There is no single “best” grip, only the best grip for you.

This table breaks down the key distinctions to help you see which one aligns better with your needs.

Looking at the table, which column sounds more like you and your swing?

Who Should Use the Interlock Grip? The Ideal Player Profile

The interlocking grip is ideal for golfers with smaller hands (including women and junior players), those who struggle with overly “wristy” swings, and players who want to force their hands to work together as a single unit. While anyone can find success with this grip, it tends to provide the most significant advantage to golfers who fit a specific profile. By understanding these characteristics, you can better assess if the interlock grip is a natural fit for your game.

Here’s a breakdown of the players who often benefit most:

• Golfers with Smaller Hands: As has been noted, this grip is often recommended for golfers with smaller hands. It provides a secure connection to the club that might otherwise be difficult to maintain.
• Junior and Women Golfers: For the same reason, many junior players and female golfers find the interlock offers the control and stability they need without requiring immense grip strength.
• Players with “Wristy” Swings: If you have overly active hands that cause hooks or pushes, the interlock can help calm them down by promoting a more unified hand and arm action.
• Players Seeking a “Connected” Feel: If you find your hands acting independently during your swing, the interlock might be the solution you’ve been looking for. It forces a connection that many golfers find essential for consistency.

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FAQs About the Interlock Golf Grip

Here are answers to some of the most common questions golfers have about the interlocking grip.

Do any pros use interlock grips?

Yes, some of the most successful golfers in history use the interlock grip, including Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, and Rory McIlroy. Its adoption by these titans of the sport is a powerful testament to its effectiveness at the highest levels of competition. Their success proves that this grip can support a world-class, powerful, and repeatable golf swing.

Why does Tiger Woods use an interlocking grip?

Tiger Woods uses an interlocking grip because it promotes low tension, helps maintain pressure from all fingers on the club, and allows his hands to flow more freely for a smoother swing. According to analysis of his technique, the grip offers him several distinct advantages that are crucial for his powerful and precise game:

• It encourages low tension in his hands and arms.
• It helps him maintain pressure from all 10 fingers on the club.
• It allows his hands to flow freely, resulting in a smoother swing motion.

Is the interlock grip better than the overlap grip?

Neither grip is definitively “better”; the best choice is personal and depends on factors like hand size, comfort, and individual swing mechanics. Experimentation is key. While the interlock is perfect for unifying the hands, the overlap feels more natural and less restrictive to players with larger hands. The goal is to find the grip that allows you to control the clubface consistently without introducing tension.

Can the interlocking grip cause finger pain?

Yes, for some golfers, particularly those with larger hands, the interlocking grip can feel cramped and cause discomfort or pain in the fingers or knuckles. This is one of the most common complaints and a primary reason why some players switch to the overlap grip. This discomfort can arise from:

• Large or thick fingers being forced into a tight space.
• Gripping too tightly (over-gripping) in an attempt to secure the club.

Final Summary: Deciding if the Interlock Grip is Right for Your Game

Choosing the right golf grip is one of the most personal and fundamental decisions you can make for your game. The interlocking grip, championed by legends and used by countless golfers worldwide, offers a powerful solution for unifying the hands and enhancing club control. It forces your hands to become a single, cohesive unit, which can be the key to unlocking a more consistent and repeatable swing.

However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all answer. Comfort is paramount, and what works for Tiger Woods may not work for you, especially if you have larger hands. Your decision should be based on a clear understanding of your own swing and what feels right.

• Choose the interlock if: You want to force your hands to work together, you have smaller hands, or you struggle with an overly “wristy” swing.
• Consider the overlap if: The interlock feels cramped or painful, or if you have large hands and long fingers.
• The ultimate test: No amount of reading can replace real-world feel.

The ultimate test isn’t on paper, it’s on the driving range. Take these insights, try the interlock grip for a few sessions, and let your performance decide.

Last update on 2025-08-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API