No, great golf has been played by golfers of various grip styles and grip strengths. The golfer ultimately can build a swing around a grip that provides for quality, consistency and power. There are examples of all time greats who have had different grips.
For many years, golf instructors often started with a student’s grip, alignment, stance, and posture. They might spend 2-3 lessons making sure everything was perfect.
And then there was a wave of golf experts and instructors that started studying the golf swings of the past. One of the key takeaways was the various grips that were used by golfers. Some used a weak grip, some used a neutral grip and some used a strong grip.
So, this leads to the question, does the golf grip matter?
There are two different categories that a golfer can choose from when it comes to the grip that they use on the golf club.
Golf Grip Style:
- Interlocking Grip
- Overlapping (Vardon) Grip
Golf Grip Strength:
- Neutral Grip
- Strong Grip
- Weak Grip
For example a golfer could have an interlocking grip that is weak or an interlocking grip that is strong. The type of grip has nothing to do with the strength of the grip.
I play with an overlapping grip that could be considered a strong grip.
Who uses an interlocking grip?
Some of the more famous golfers to use an interlocking group includes Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Jon Rahm and Rory McIlroy.
Who uses an overlapping grip?
Some of the more famous golfers to use an overlapping grip includes Ben Hogan, Phil Mickelson, Arnold Palmer, and Matt Kuchar.
Who uses a neutral grip?
Some of the more famous golfers to use an overlapping grip includes Ernie Els, Adam Scott and Max Homa.
Related: Neutral Grip in Golf
Who uses a strong grip?
Some of the more famous golfers to use an overlapping grip includes Paul Azinger, Dustin Johnson, Fred Couples, David Duval, and Zach Johnson.
Related: Strong Grip in Golf
Who uses a weak grip?
Some of the more famous golfers to use an overlapping grip includes Ben Hogan, Curtis Stranger, Jordan Spieth, and Rickie Fowler
Related: Weak Grip in Golf
Next Steps: Does Golf Grip Matter?
For your own game, I would test out different grips and determine what gives you the best chance for quality performance. We believe the 3 fundamentals of golf actually include the following:
- The ability to control the low point (quality of strike)
- The ability to control the start line and curve (stock shot)
- The ability to hit the ball far enough to play the course (speed)
Create a test that allows you to use a variety of grips to determine which one gives you the greatest low point control, a stock shot pattern and speed.
Related: Why Golf Lessons Don’t Work
Build Your Swing
When the golf swing is driven by the 3 keys listed above, it allows the golfer to experiment with different grips, stances, alignments and swing options that will allow the golfer to have a consistent golf game.
Too many golfers spend time chasing certain things such as grip, or even positions that don’t guarantee results, but get caught up in the never ending journey to develop a perfect “looking” swing vs a consistent “performing” swing.
Related: Strong Grip vs Weak Grip
Key Takeaway
Watch many of the golfers on television and take note of alignment, grip, stance, backswings, transitions and impact positions. What I have found is that there are many different ways to grip a club, to line up a shot, to start your backswing and to transition, but most end up in a similar impact position.
The golf greats have their own unique flair. So go build your swing, find the little adjustments and own your golf swing!
Related: Grip Pressure in Golf
Does Golf Grip Size Matter
Yes, if the grip is too large, it could slow the swing speed down and prevent the hands from working properly. The size of the grip can also impact the weight of the club. Be careful not to make too big of an adjustment in size without first testing the results.
Pros of a Larger Golf Grip
- Could help the golfer with sore hands, wrists or lacks the ability to grip a smaller grip.
- Could help the golfer reduce the amount of hands in the swing if the swing is too “handsy”
- Could reduce Grip Pressure
- Reduced shock in shots hit off center
- Club face stability through shot
Pros of a Standard Golf Grip
- Increase swing speed
- Ability to maximize hand speed and rotation
- Better feel of the clubhead throughout the swing
Related: How do I start over with my golf swing?
Golf Grips: Our Recommendation
Test it out! The great thing about golf today is we have great facilities to test out the different club options. Don’t just make a change because you think it might help. Instead, test it out and measure your results compared to your current setup.
How Much Do Golf Grips Cost
Most golf grips will cost anywhere between $6 and $20 depending on the type, brand and size of the grip. To have someone else change the grip it could cost another $2-$10 per club.
Prices will vary based on location and who is changing the grips. Many people will change out their own grips and can be done with the proper equipment and safety procedures.
Related: How long should a golf glove last?
Old Grips vs New Grips
New grips make a major difference compared to really old grips. Recently, I was testing out 4 drivers from 4 different decades. The driver from 1998 had the original grip on it. I hit 5 shots with this driver and felt like I lost swing speed due to the slippery grip that was still on the club.
The newness of the golf grip matters and should be something you routinely change to ensure you are getting the highest performance possible. Every 60-100 rounds, a golfer could consider changing the grips on his or her clubs.
If you are holding back or lack confidence in your grip, you are going to lose speed.