Grip problems??

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By Jeff R

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  • 9 Replies
  1. Jeff R

    Jeff R
    Hingham, MA

    Hello!

    Ever since I started playing 2 years ago, I've used a ten fingered grip. I've taken to the game well, as now I'm a sub-10 handicap. Whenever I try and make the switch to an interlock, I can't bring myself to do it, as it just feels so uncomfortable. Any ideas on whether or not to suck it up and make the switch or stick with what feels comfortable, and up whether or not it really makes a difference would be great. Thanks

    nate

  2. Joseph B

    Joseph B
    Atlanta, GA

    I have had the same issue as well, but what I have found is that if I just check my grip and align my hands before each shot that there really isn't any more problem. Also this is a personal preference, but for me it has worked to just take a little more time to double check my grip before I swing. I hope that helps a little.

  3. Patrick A

    Patrick A
    Fairfield, OH

    Nate,

    I had the same problem myself as i was a baseball player my whole life until i picked up golf last year. This year i made the grip change to the Verdon Overlapping since the interlocking felt weird to me. Maybe you could try this out? Let me know what you find. Good luck,

     

    Patrick

  4. Carl T

    Carl T
    Little Rock, AR

    Jeff, a grip change is the hardest thing to change in my opinion in the world of golf. Even when using the same grip and changing from a weak to a stronger grip can feel weird. It will probably take a couple of weeks before it feels normal but I think you should try a overlap or interlocking grip. Keep a club by your chair when you watch TV and just hold the club with your new grip. Another idea is get one of those weighted clubs that come with a preformed grip that places your hands in the correct position. Not only will this speed up the grip change but will help you keep a good swing tempo in your home during the evenings and on those days that you cannot get out and play.
  5. Ben A

    Ben A
    Los Gatos, CA

    I've changed my grip a couple times and it has always been the most difficult thing to do. Going from 10 finger to interlocking or overlapping was as close to impossible as I felt it could be, but I'm glad I sucked it up and did it. 

    But, on the other hand, if you're sub-10, why the need to change? 

    One thing is almost certain, you will likely have some bad rounds in the process of changing, so if you do decide to change, just accept that as part of the process. 

  6. Keith M

    Keith M
    Acworth, GA

    My opinion is go with what makes you comfortable and feels right.  I had an instructor that had me try a stronger grip to cure a slice.  It felt so weird that I could never get comfortable with it.  I waggled like crazy and never felt right over the ball and struggled even worse. 

    I tried a different instructor a year later, since it was more convenient to my schedule and she was already teaching my kids.  First thing she had me do was go back to my old grip.  She said, "what's the point of a new grip if you can't mentally and physically get past the way the club feels in your hand?" 

    Working from that point, while my handicap isn't as low as yours but my game is improved significantly, with more attention to details outside the grip. 

    Best of luck to you. 

  7. CoolBreeze

    CoolBreeze
    Sudbury, MA

    The grip change for me was extremely difficult as well! But it complete took my game to a new level. I was playing a baseball ten-fingered grip for the longest. A PGA pro friend of mine said "Why not interlock and have your hands in unison?" So, I tried and worked on it at the range with shorter shots then built up confidence for the big stick. Things will feel uncomfortable but I think it will be for the best. I went from a 12 to 5.3 in what feels like overnight! Some things in golf feel awkward but they're correct. It's just like shooting in the 80's then when you're flirting with breaking 80 is new or otherwise; then you do it and now shooting in the 80's is awkward. Good luck and play well!!!
  8. Hey Jeff, 

    I started playing golf about 3 years ago and took golf lessons. I originally started playing with 10 finger grip until my teacher told me to use 9 finger. I wasn't able to interlock my pinky with my index finger as it felt uncomfortable however I was able to overlap my fingers (place my pinky overtop of my index as opposed to interlock). It worked well for me. Try out at the driving range and see what feels comfortable. I was told you get more control but I never really noticed because I almost have always overlapped my fingers. 

  9. Steve L

    Steve L
    Framingham, MA

    Hey Jeff,

    I did the opposite.  after using an interlocking grip for 30 years I switched to a  overlapping .   It took three months and thousands of balls before it felt natural.  good luck

  10. golfinnut

    golfinnut
    Leesburg, VA

    Who says you have to change it?  I have been playing with a 10 finger grip for over 35 years and my handicap has been as low as a +1.  My father started me on it when I was 4 years old and I never switched.  "If it ain't broke, don't fix it' ... right.

    There have been some great players over time that have played with a 10 finger grip . .....  Moe Norman (one of the greatest to come out of Canada but didn't switch until 1994), Bob Estes, DB, BR to name a few.  It is whatever is comfortable to you.  Most people who use a 10 finger grip have small hands.  The advantage of the interlocking grip is to get your hands closer together to act as one unit, but you tend to rely on your hands and wrists for power.  The Vardon grip, you use your body and core muscles more for power.  10-finger is usually a combination of both.  You may get an over active right hand and will tend to flip your hands through the shot but that can be fixed very easily.  But having all the fingers of the right hand on the grip increases your hand action, allowing you to rotate the clubface into a square or slightly closed position at impact.  This will help to eliminate your slice and even produce a slight draw.   

    When in doubt, stick with what works and is comfortable to you.  

    Not a Sermon ... Just a Thought :) 

    Chris B

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