Driving · Lesson
How to Hold the Club
Part of our driving programs for slice, hook. Build a program with it
Your grip is your only link to the club. It controls the face. Hold the club more in the fingers of your lead hand than the palm. That lets your wrists hinge and release. Close that hand so you can see two or three knuckles. Place your trail hand so its palm covers your lead thumb. Overlap, interlock or use all ten fingers, whatever feels best. Hold it firmly enough to control the club, but keep your forearms soft.
Step by step
- Lay the club across the base of your lead-hand fingers.
- Close the hand and see two or three knuckles.
- Cover your lead thumb with your trail palm.
- Pick overlap, interlock or ten-finger.
- Keep pressure firm but relaxed.
Why it works
The hands are the only part of you that touches the club, so their position sets where the face points at impact. Holding the club in the fingers of your lead hand lets the wrists hinge on the way back and release through the ball. A grip that is too strong or too tight blocks that release or closes the face early, which is how a hook starts.
Common mistakes
- You hold the club deep in the palm of your lead hand.Lay the handle across the base of the fingers so the wrist can hinge freely.
- You turn the lead hand so far away from the target that you see four knuckles, which closes the face.Rotate the hand back until you see only two or three knuckles.
- You squeeze the handle hard and your forearms tighten.Hold it just firmly enough to control the club and let your forearms stay soft.
How you'll know it's working
- You see two or three knuckles on your lead hand when you look down at address.
- The ball starts on your target line and no longer curves hard left, for a right-hander.
- Your forearms feel soft while your hands stay secure through the swing.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Hold the grip in front of a mirror or in your phone camera and set your hands before you take any swings.
Harder: Keep the same grip and pressure while you hit full drives, and check your hands again after every few shots.
Common questions
How many knuckles should I see on my lead hand?
Two or three is a good guide. Seeing more than that usually means the grip is too strong and can lead to a hook.
Should I use overlap, interlock or ten-finger?
Use the one that feels most secure and comfortable. All three work as long as your lead hand sits in the fingers and your trail palm covers your lead thumb.
