Overlap vs. Interlock Golf Grip

Your golf grip is vital to your performance on the course. If you're a beginner, choosing one and sticking to it will help you learn the proper form and build muscle memory, so you can play more consistently. The way you position your hands on the club determines whether you'll have control of the face placement when it hits the ball. Plus, the right golf grip can keep your wrists flexible to give you a fuller range of motion that increases the strength of your swing.

The overlap golf grip and the interlocking golf grip are the two most commonly used grips. Golfers of all levels have been debating about the use of the interlock vs overlap grip for decades because they both have distinct benefits and drawbacks. Read on to learn more about these two grips and to see a point-by-point comparison of the interlocking vs overlapping grip.

Overlap Golf Grip

For a right-handed golfer, the overlapping grip in golf is when your right pinky finger rests on the gap between your left middle and index fingers. If you're a left-handed golfer, the golf overlapping grip has your left pinky finger in the gap between the fingers of your right hand. Here's how to do it:

1. Grasp your club with your right hand where the metal arrives at the grip.
2. Put your left hand behind the club with your palm facing you.
3. Line up the club with your left hand, following the path of your first knuckles.
4. Curl your left pinky, ring, and middle fingers around the club.
5. Roll your left thumb around the right side of the grip while curling your left index finger around the club.
6. Move your right hand up toward your left hand, positioning the club in line with your first knuckles.
7. Wrap your right index finger over the gap between your left and middle index fingers.
8. Slide your right thumb around the left side of the club while curling in your right index finger.

If you're left-handed, reverse the instructions.

Pros of Overlapping Golf Grip

There is a reason why the overlap golf grip is the "gold standard" of grips. Find out why pro golfers like Phil Mickelson, Ben Hogan, and Arnold Palmer use the overlap grip.

Pros

• More comfortable: Many people find the overlapping grip to feel more natural.
• Better for people with bigger hands: If you have large hands, you may find the overlapping grip to be simpler.
• Looser grip: The overlap grip keeps your wrists loose for freer movement.
• Preferred by the pros: More professionals use the overlapping vs the interlocking grip.

Cons of the Overlapping Golf Grip

While the overlap grip is favored by most, it has its disadvantages. 

Cons

• Lack of control: The increased mobility of the overlapping grip sacrifices some control.
• Not ideal for smaller hands: If you have smaller hands, you may find it difficult to maintain the overlapping grip.
• Open face: The overlapping grip gives the club an open face, which can reduce distance on shots

Interlock Golf Grip

As its name suggests, the interlock golf grip has your hands interlocking. For this grip, you place your right pinky finger in between the left middle and index fingers if you're right-handed. A left-handed golfer positions their left pinky between their right index and middle fingers. Here's how to do it:

1. Grasp your club with your right hand where the metal arrives at the grip.
2. Put your left hand behind the club with your palm facing you.
3. Line up the club with your left hand, following the path of your first knuckles.
4. Curl your left pinky, ring and middle fingers around the club.
5. Roll your left thumb around the right side of the grip while curling your left index finger around the club.
6. Move your right hand up toward your left hand, positioning the club in line with your first knuckles.
7. Slip your right pinky under your left index finger and hook it around the club.
8. Slide your right thumb around the left side of the club while curling in your right index finger.

Reverse these instructions if you golf left-handed.

Pros of the Interlocking Golf Grip

Two of the greatest players to ever play the game of golf, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods, use the interlock grip. Find out why they and many others prefer to use this grip.

Pros

• Ideal for people with small hands: With smaller hands, the interlocking grip can keep the club in place more securely.
• Less effort: Some people find the interlocking grip easier to maintain, allowing them to focus on the rest of their form.
• Prevents hands from slipping: Having your hands interlocked cuts down on slippage, which is great on hot, humid days and when the pressure is running high enough to make your skin sweaty.
• Better locking mechanism: The interlocking grip gives you a better lock on the club for increased control.

Cons of the Interlocking Golf Grip

For all its benefits, the interlocking golf grip also has some disadvantages. Here's what you need to know about them.

Cons

• Too much pressure: When not balanced properly, the interlocking grip can cause you to apply too much pressure and actually reduce your level of control.
• Discomfort: Some people develop discomfort in their fingers or knuckles when maintaining the interlocking grip.
• Risk for blisters: Proper golf gloves are key to protecting your hands from the friction caused by the interlocking grip.

So What's the Main Difference?

The main difference between the interlocking and overlapping golf grips comes down to pinky placement. With the overlap, your right or left pinky sits in the gap between your index and middle fingers, while it interlocks with your index finger with the interlocking. Just that small difference can have a big impact on your game. The overlap golf grip keeps you loose and flexible with a fuller range of motion and an open club face. Opt for the interlocking grip and you get more control.

Final Thoughts: How Do You Find the Best Golf Grip for Your Game?

The best way to figure out which golf grip is right for your game is to experiment with both. Trial and error will allow you to see what works well for you. Generally, beginners with large hands might want to start with the overlapping grip, while those with smaller hands can opt for the interlocking grip. Stick with that initial grip while you master the rest of the proper golf form. Then, you can consider modifying your grip based on your strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately, the most important thing is to select a grip that is comfortable for you and allows you to play consistently.