Interlocking Grip
The interlocking grip is a type of grip where the little finger of the lower hand interlocks with the index finger of the upper hand.
The interlocking grip is, alongside the Vardon Grip and the Ten-Finger Grip, one of the three standard grips in golf. For right-handed players, the little finger of the right hand hooks between the index and middle fingers of the left hand. This joins both hands into one firm unit without one hand resting on top of the other. Many players with smaller hands or shorter fingers feel more secure with this interlock than with the overlap. Some of the most successful players in history have played with this grip, which has made it even more popular.
In practice, the best place to try this grip out is on the driving range in peace and quiet. An example: you feel that your hands work against each other during the swing and the club wobbles at impact. With the interlocking grip the connection sits more firmly and the club is harder to twist. Start with a short iron, make slow half swings and check whether your fingers interlock without pressure points. Only once that works do you move on to longer clubs.
A typical mistake is interlocking too deeply. The fingers should hook together loosely, not interlock all the way to the base joints, otherwise the club sits too much in the palm and the wrists lose mobility. Grip pressure also remains important: even the best interlock is useless if you clamp down hard. And one more thing: no grip on its own cures a slice. The grip is the foundation; swing path and clubface decide the ball flight.
FAQ
Who is the interlocking grip particularly suitable for?
Above all for players with smaller hands or shorter fingers who feel more secure with the interlock than with the overlap of the Vardon Grip. Anyone who feels that their hands work against each other during the swing also benefits from the firm connection. Try it out in peace on the driving range before you switch.
What am I doing wrong if the interlocking grip hurts or pinches?
Usually you are interlocking your fingers too deeply. They should hook together loosely, not interlock all the way to the base joints, otherwise the club sits too much in the palm and the wrists lose mobility. Check with a short iron and slow half swings whether your fingers sit without pressure points.
Does the interlocking grip cure my slice?
No — no grip cures a slice on its own. The grip is only the foundation; swing path and clubface at impact decide the ball flight. And remember: grip pressure also remains important — even the best interlock is useless if you clamp down hard.