Changing from overlapping grip to interlocking grip

[SQ Bimmer]

I have always used an overlapping grip. I know that my handicap more or less indicates spraying the ball everywhere, but I was wondering, does an interlocking grip provide any more consistency? What should I expect, learning-curve-wise, switching grips?

Thanks for your input guys.

[Travtex]

My handicap doubtless inspires no confidence, but I had some pretty good improvements in consistency when I switched the other way -- From interlock to overlap. For me making that switch... there really wasn't much of a learning curve to speak of. A range session had me used to the difference in feel.

When I first started with the interlock, I had some major pinkie cramp issues though. *heh*

[misty_mountainhop]

Always used the interlock. Tried overlap and never liked it. I find the feeling better with interlock.

They say , interlocking is better for those with smaller hands but I think that's a red herring.

If interlock was good enough for Jack Nicklaus and is good enough for Tiger Woods, I think the rest of us shouldn't worry too much about the interlock being no good now should we?

[Travtex]

Yah, I didn't switch to overlap because I was thinking the interlock was bad or any such thing. Just felt more comfortable. I have "small hands", but more in width than length -- My fingers are plenty long, just narrow.

(Also, my hands have about thirty years combined of martial arts, playing guitar, and milking livestock/bucking hay farmwork on 'em. *heh* Things I grab stay grabbed.)

[jdjanda]

I have wide hands, (2X glove) but short pinkies, the interlock is the only way I can get my hands together.

[misty_mountainhop]

...(Also, my hands have about thirty years combined of martial arts, playing guitar, and milking livestock/bucking hay farmwork on 'em. *heh* Things I grab stay grabbed.)

Yikes! I imagine they would. Remind me to watch out if we ever shake hands

.

[sacm3bill]

Switched from overlap to interlock, has been working for me. I have small hands, FWIW.

[SQ Bimmer]

Switched from overlap to interlock, has been working for me. I have small hands, FWIW.

At what handicap did you make the switch? And is your handicap mostly a result of putting or swinging, before and after?

Not that it really makes a difference, I'm just curious.

[deronsizemore]

I have always used an overlapping grip. I know that my handicap more or less indicates spraying the ball everywhere, but I was wondering, does an interlocking grip provide any more consistency? What should I expect, learning-curve-wise, switching grips?

It really comes down to whatever feel comfortable to you. There's not right or wrong way. I know some good golfers who use a 10 finger baseball grip, Tiger and Jack use interlock and there's a ton of guys on tour that use overlap.

[fredloves2golf]

When I was about your handicap, I actually switched grips in the opposite direction...going from interlock to overlap. So, definitely, it's possible to spray the ball with an interlocking grip!

For me, it was for comfort and I thought I hit a plateau where I needed to change something but didn't know what. I changed the grip over a winter, got some lessons in the Spring and the years afterward and I'm slowly trending lower ever since.

I would say the improvement is more influenced by lessons and practice rather than a grip change.

[sacm3bill]

At what handicap did you make the switch? And is your handicap mostly a result of putting or swinging, before and after?

I was about a 23 when I switched. While the improvement from there has come in several areas, I really feel the grip change made a big and immediate difference in comfort and control of the full swing.

[plugged]

The first time I learned golf I learned the interlocking grip. I have tried the overlap a few times, but feel a loss of control. My last golf teacher told me I should switch and I told him "no way."

[SQ Bimmer]

I don't think I can do it. I have pretty fat fingers, and it's just not comfortable for me...

But you guys don't think that one grip versus the other is more consistent?

[zeg]

I first used interlock, switched to overlap, and finally came back to interlock. It doesn't make a big difference for me overall, but my hands just wrap together better interlocked. My fingers are kinda thin and knobby and just didn't seem to fit well in the overlap.

From what I've read and what I've experienced, I think comfort is the main issue. You want to be sure your hands are comfortably connected by the grip so they work together as a unit. Whether your pinky is tucked under or around the index finger is a pretty minor adjustment toward that end. So I'd just do what feels the most comfortable.

[Mud ball]

I started out at age nine or ten playing interlock. I changed to overlapping when I reached about mid 20s... stuck with that since.
My experience was interlock is fine but for me I feel too much in the palm of the right hand and prefer the feel of the overlap. I felt too strong with the interlock and as a result hit a lot of shots left. I still hit shots left now - but at least I know it's not my grip :o)
If you have short fingers (relative to your hand size) then you might like to try Greg Norman's grip - it's kind of like an interlocking but the little finger of the lower or right hand doesn't sit above the index and middle finger of the left hand - instead it lies between them and is on the golf grip/shaft. This works well if your little finger is similar size to your index finger.

Edit: Also heard of a couple of people who overlap two fingers not one...

[RIduffer]

SQ, to answer your initial post, switching grips really sucks! I have gone back and forth between interlock and overlap, and I think I would've been way better off just committing to one. Nothing worse than thinking about your grip during a round. I finally decided to play a few rounds using each grip, compared the results, and found the interlock scored much better for me. Good luck!

[lobsterzilla]

But you guys don't think that one grip versus the other is more consistent?

if one was more consistant than the others dont you think everyone would do it ? that should be the biggest indicator that they all work realitively equally and it's personal preference as to your choice...

[wedge player]

if one was more consistant than the others dont you think everyone would do it ?

yea i niether interlock or overlap i have a very very weak baseball grip