How To Hold a Golf Club

Describing the proper fundamental grip for holding a golf club sounds simple.  It isn't.

Your age and physical capabilities will play a role in the grip you should use.  There are two basic fundamental grips for full shots and another for putting:

• Vardon grip - The Vardon grip is by far the most popular and fundamentally sound method of holding a golf club. When using this method, you place the golf-club grip in the four fingers of your left hand and place the thumb near the top of the shaft. You then place the little finger of your right hand over the index finger of your left hand (already on the club) and put the other three right-handed fingers around the shaft. The right thumb goes on top of the shaft ahead of the left thumb. This is the basic Vardon grip.
• Ten-finger grip - This grip is for older golfers and women with small hands; it is often referred to as a "baseball grip," but that's a misnomer. The only difference between a ten-finger grip and the Vardon grip is the placement of the little finger on the right hand. With the ten-finger grip the right little finger goes on the shaft of the club, while it goes over the left index finger when using the Vardon grip.
• Reverse-overlap - Putting is entirely different from other shots. Grips used for putting vary wildly, but the most common and basic method for holding the putter is with the reverse-overlap grip. Place the grip of the putter in the four fingers of your right hand with the thumb on top of the shaft. Then put your left index finger under the four fingers of your right hand; the other three fingers of your left hand go around the shaft and the thumb goes on top of the putter grip, right under the right thumb.

These descriptions will be confusing to beginners.  The simple solution is to ask your PGA professional or a friend who is a skilled player how to hold the club.  If you want to play better-than-average golf, the proper grip is vital.

Your grip should be adjusted some for various shots.  Once again, this is for advanced players.  If you take a lesson or two from your pro or get some advice from a friend who knows what he or she is talking about, you'll be off to a good start.