I use the interlock grip. It was what I was taught when I took lessons. Then I didn't play golf for about 5 years. When I picked the game up again with casual outings to the driving range, it's really all I knew. By the time I learned there were other grips, I was too used to the interlock that I couldn't change.
I use the interlock grip. It was what I was taught when I took lessons. Then I didn't play golf for about 5 years. When I picked the game up again with casual outings to the driving range, it's really all I knew. By the time I learned there were other grips, I was too used to the interlock that I couldn't change.
It really all boils down to what works for you, and shows that there really is no one correct grip. Just like there is no one correct swing that you have to do, from start to finish, to hit the ball. Look at all the variations at the top of the game.
It really all boils down to what works for you, and shows that there really is no one correct grip. Just like there is no one correct swing that you have to do, from start to finish, to hit the ball. Look at all the variations at the top of the game.
Why don't we just say there IS a right grip and it's not the interlock. That way, next time I hit a bad shot, or have a bad round for that matter, I can just blame it on being taught the wrong grip.
Why don't we just say there IS a right grip and it's not the interlock. That way, next time I hit a bad shot, or have a bad round for that matter, I can just blame it on being taught the wrong grip.
Okay, now that makes sense, remember it's never the indian. LOL
I haven't heard of this theory before, but it makes sense. This statement corroborates my logic that in a right-handed stance the left arm would be more responsible for generating power compared to the right.
As for my grip, I use the overlap. For me, the logic of overlap vs. interlocking grip is that since the left arm is responsible for generating power, the left hand should have as much contact with the grip as possible.
The logic of overlap vs. 10-finger grip is that the overlap enables a single fulcrum point, whereas the 10-finger spreads the grip and creates a broader fulcrum, or even perhaps 2 fulcrum points: picture a teeter-totter balancing on a round post vs. a 2"x12" - it seems the overlap would contribute to smoother mechanics?
Interesting topic for discussion ... I'd like to hear any pros and cons to my logic, or to share your logic of the merits of an interlocking or 10-finger grip.
I agree with your statement about fulcrum point. The grip is the single most important part of your setup as it is your only contact with the equipment. Most agree that the more your hands act as one unit the better. Regardless of which grip you prefer, the closer your hands are together will produce the most consistent results.
I humbly disagree, however, with your statement about the left arm generating the power for a right-hander. I was taught that as a kid but have found you tend to "pull" the club through the shot from the top. It is important to keep the left hand completely on the grip because that's how you aim. Letting the grip separate from your left hand at the top is a grievous error...changes your aim and leads to "casting". Although the hands act as one unit, I will forever stand behind the theory that you aim with the upper (left, in this case) hand and hit with the lower hand. Purposely separate your hands and try to hit a shot and see if you don't agree. You'll find the lower hand providing the power. The hard part for me is keeping the left arm straight but at the same time relaxed so as to return to impact in the same position as in the setup which hopefully was correct to begin with.
I can see your logic, although my teacher told me the opposite. I will tell you this, I practice hitting shots one handed. I do this mostly with my 7 iron, with my left hand it goes around 125 yds. dead straight, with my right hand it goes 100-110 yds. with a fade and sometimes a hook. I do agree that the most important thing is grip and the hands have to work as a unit. Posture comes in at a close second.
I agree with your statement about fulcrum point. The grip is the single most important part of your setup as it is your only contact with the equipment. Most agree that the more your hands act as one unit the better. Regardless of which grip you prefer, the closer your hands are together will produce the most consistent results.
I humbly disagree, however, with your statement about the left arm generating the power for a right-hander. I was taught that as a kid but have found you tend to "pull" the club through the shot from the top. It is important to keep the left hand completely on the grip because that's how you aim. Letting the grip separate from your left hand at the top is a grievous error...changes your aim and leads to "casting". Although the hands act as one unit, I will forever stand behind the theory that you aim with the upper (left, in this case) hand and hit with the lower hand. Purposely separate your hands and try to hit a shot and see if you don't agree. You'll find the lower hand providing the power. The hard part for me is keeping the left arm straight but at the same time relaxed so as to return to impact in the same position as in the setup which hopefully was correct to begin with.
Shade
Hey Shade, got to thinking about your last post, and it might make sense, even to an old schooler like me. I was watching a special on Mark Macgwire,(sp), this morning on the Golf Channel. You know he beat a bunch of pros in the ADT Golf Challenge recently. Anyway, they had him on the launch monitor at the TaylorMade test facility. It showed his hand and arm position at impact, and his left elbow was bent down the target line, meaning most of his power had to be coming from his right hand and not his left. For him anyway his left was definately providing control. Interesting.
There must be something in the interlock - Nicklaus used it.
Me I'm an overlap guy. Too late to change I suppose.
The key fror me is that the pinky finger sits on the index finger over the top not underneath like you see most players. Key is grip pressure don't strangle it.
I learned the interlocking grip as a kid and used that until I really started to develop terrible pain in my hands. Then I changed to the baseball grip for a number of years but could never get my hands soft enough on the club. Finally I converted to the overlapping grip and finally started to swing the club and hinge my wrists more efficiently. When hitting approach shots from 60 yards or so in, I have only my thumb and the first two fingers of my right hand on the club and overlap the pinkie and ring finger.
I have tried the three main grips and have to say the Vardon works best for me.....i have pretty average size hands so the interlocking doesn't really work well for me, it also hurts my hands cause i think i feel like i am gonna let go so i grip too tight and we all know how that goes.....
the 10 finger doesnt work for me at all on mid to long shots but works well in the bunkers or in the deep rough....
Vardon just feels natural for me and didnt really take oo long to get used to at all.....
I haven't heard of this theory before, but it makes sense. This statement corroborates my logic that in a right-handed stance the left arm would be more responsible for generating power compared to the right.
As for my grip, I use the overlap. For me, the logic of overlap vs. interlocking grip is that since the left arm is responsible for generating power, the left hand should have as much contact with the grip as possible.
The logic of overlap vs. 10-finger grip is that the overlap enables a single fulcrum point, whereas the 10-finger spreads the grip and creates a broader fulcrum, or even perhaps 2 fulcrum points: picture a teeter-totter balancing on a round post vs. a 2"x12" - it seems the overlap would contribute to smoother mechanics?
Interesting topic for discussion ... I'd like to hear any pros and cons to my logic, or to share your logic of the merits of an interlocking or 10-finger grip.
I agree with your views on the single fucrum. As well the overlap unifies the hands more. I do not think that the left or right arm generate any power, but the left arm is definitely the primary lever in the swing. The power is generated through the body rotation/centre. The power is generated when the wrists naturally uncock at the bottom of the swing. The more relaxed the wrists/hands the more consistently powerful'/straight the shot. For this reason the single fulcrum of the hands would be desirable. What do you think?
I use the Interlocking grip. But I have both of my thumbs pointed down along the grip. It seems to help me control the club easier. If i let my bottom thumb off to the side it is really wobely.
I agree with your views on the single fucrum. As well the overlap unifies the hands more. I do not think that the left or right arm generate any power, but the left arm is definitely the primary lever in the swing. The power is generated through the body rotation/centre. The power is generated when the wrists naturally uncock at the bottom of the swing. The more relaxed the wrists/hands the more consistently powerful'/straight the shot. For this reason the single fulcrum of the hands would be desirable. What do you think?
I agree to a point. The arms do generate power, right before the bottom of the swing when the wrists uncock. Although the right arm has been said to be along for the ride, it still has to work in unison with the left and the wrists. It is all part of the body and mind working as one. What do you think?
Well yes, all the parts must work together, but any 'conscious' attempt to power the ball with the hands or arms creates all sorts of complications in the swing as the tiniest amount of difference in timing between arms and centre will alter the path of the club and create problems. The left arm is the primary lever and the right had will unleash perfectly if relaxed. The power comes from the rotation and the degree of distance the club travels through at the bottom of the downswing. This is one effect of the right elbow being tucked in as the wrists remain cocked late in the downswing.
Do you see it this way?
When my husband was teaching me the game, I used an interlock......'for a woman' I swing hard and fast....The interlock didn't allow me to release at impact, or at least, I never mastered it. Many years later, playing against a gal who had never had a lesson in her life, I noticed that she used a baseball grip and hit it straight as a string and very long. When I went to our pro for a lesson, he had me practice with a split grip to feel the release. Voille! Straight! I've stayed with the baseball grip ever since and take my practice swing split. That's when my handicap started to drop a bit.
Another pro emphasized the use of the big muscles of the back and legs. When my legs are tired, I might as well do something else, cause if the legs don't start my downswing, I'll push the shot all day long and look at the rear end of every tree on the course!
July 10th, 2004, 07:27 AM
Shade
Linear Mode
Similar Threads
