For the 10 years I have been playing golf I have always used the interlocking grip. Recently though I watched a video and found out most of the pro golfers use the overlapping grip and I decided to give it a try. I couldn't believe how different it felt. It feels like I have more control of the club and I'm hitting the ball much better than I ever have.

Is there really a difference or is it just in my head? Are there pros and cons of both grips?

I just changed from interlock to overlap also. It was weird at first, but I'm more consistent with my accuracy.

I think most pros use the overlap but in all actuality I don't think it really matters. It all comes down to what you are most comfortable using.

I've interlocked for years without much success so I tried a switch to overlap with worse results and less comfort. Finally took a lesson only to realize that it wasn't the interlock that was giving me problems but the fact that I was gripping the club in the palm of my Hand instead of In the fingers.

For something as simple as holding a golf club there are infinite ways to screw it up. If you changed from an interlock to overlap you might have luckily switched to a better hand position but I don't necessarily think it was due to the overlap just being better.

I changed to the overlap about 20 years ago.
However, I agree w/ Eminus6 it really depends on what you feel comfortable with.
Jack N played the interlock his entire career.
For someone just starting golf, I would teach the overlap.
...Also, learn to play w/o a glove. I think you will find that you have more "feel" and not grip as tightly thus reducing tension in your forearms.

[This message has been edited by TAMU74 (edited 5/15/2012 8:10a).]

I began with a baseball grip and had a wicked slapshot, but graduated to the overlap in high school. I tried to interlock but found that my short little fingers didn't quite fit.

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..Also, learn to play w/o a glove. I think you will find that you have more "feel" and not grip as tightly thus reducing tension in your forearms

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In cooler months I can get away with no glove. Once summer rolls around I don't really have a choice, my hands sweat A LOT. Maybe I could find some new grips to help with that..

Eminus6 said it. Grip with your fingers not your palms. It is a big problem that is hard to identify because it is hard for others to see.

I have always been overlap.

boy09...the summer can be tough w/ sweating.
However, I learned just to keep a wet towel on hand to wipe down when needed.
I have the "tour wrap" grips which are "tacky" and help to some degree.
The newer "velvet" grips are also very good.

Never played with a glove. I agree you have more feel without it.

I only use a glove with my driver, and I think that's because it has a terrible grip on it. I've always played without a glove on my irons because I thought I could "feel" them better. Glad other share my thoughts.

My hands sweat too much to consider gloveless. I'd actually end up squeezing the **** out of the club just to make sure I hang onto it.

No lie, I've had a club slip out of my hand and fly down the range before. It was the middle of the summer and I was just beginning to play golf. So embarrassing.

interlocking, but I have been playing since the mid 80's and was taught that way, don't think I could change.

Overlap with no glove.

Wish I could go without a glove. I'd save some $$$. My sweaty hands destroy gloves.

If it is really hot I will use a rosin bag on my hands to help keep them dry.

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Wish I could go without a glove. I'd save some $$$. My sweaty hands destroy gloves.

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I'm the same way. I always have two gloves going that I rotate every few holes to keep them dry. They seem to last longer that way.

To ALL those that "think" they can't play w/o a glove....
I was the same way, but you can do it.
Don't start w/o a glove in the summer as it might be to much of a challenge.
Start in the fall and at the range, not on the course.
Like ANY change in golf, it will take time to get use to.
I've played w/o a glove for 15+ years...think of all the "glove" money I've saved!!
You WILL play better golf too...IMO. I did.
Good luck w/ your game.

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You WILL play better golf too...IMO. I did.

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You need to be taking your secret to the PGA. If the pros only knew what you do.


FWIW - I play without a glove. I toyed with the idea of using one during this Spring but ultimately it didn't make any bit of difference and it is nice to not have to buy a $20 glove every couple of weeks...but I'm not a huge sweater and I live in arid Denver, not humid Texas.

I do think gloveless marginally helps with the "feel". However, until you're inside of 100 yds, feel isn't that important; especially on full swings from longer distances.

And since I'm just full of opinions this morning, to weigh in on the OP. I have flip flopped back and forth between interlock and overlap. If you struggle with your hands wanting to work independently of each other, interlock is a nice solution. Overlap will give you a little bit more distance...but only if you can hit the ball correctly.

[This message has been edited by Sooner Born (edited 5/16/2012 8:04a).]

I taught myself how to play and started with the baseball grip. Battled inconsistency, and finally had someone recommend interlock to me. It's taken me a few rounds to get used to, but I'm starting to strike the ball much more consistently than I ever did.

It even helped me turn in a 39 on the back 9 the other day

[This message has been edited by Ff2012 (edited 5/16/2012 8:02a).]

Tried overlap for the first time yesterday. Feels very unnatural to me right now, but my ball striking felt WAY better. I also have always had a problem leaving shots out to the right with my irons, but I was hitting my shots dead on yesterday. I think I'll stick with I for a while an see what happens.

Same here. It now feels like every shot is hit cleanly and on the sweet spot. I think maybe it limits the movement of your wrists.

Ben Hogan never used a glove.

The reason I first tried playing w/o a glove was after watching Fred Couples win the Masters.
Does anyone have a sweeter swing than Freddy??
...maybe Bobby Jones.

Couples is one of the most over-rated golfer of all time.

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Couples is one of the most over-rated golfer of all time.

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SMH

Couples: 15 wins on PGA Tour including 1 major.
Furyk: 16 wins on PGA Tour including 1 major.
David Duval: 13 wins on PGA Tour including 1 major and that was done in a 5 year span.

Yet people talk about Couples as if he's so great. Maybe because he looks cool and stuff but that's about it.


[This message has been edited by RealTalk (edited 5/18/2012 1:25p).]

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Yet people talk about Couples as if he's so great.

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All the guy said was that Freddy had a sweet swing, and you pipe in call him overrated. What the F does that have to do with his swing?

By the way, interlocking.

cablinaggie...
Thank you.
Don't understand why some folks just look'in to be argumentative for no reason.
BTW...try the overlap w/o glove.

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...Also, learn to play w/o a glove. I think you will find that you have more "feel" and not grip as tightly thus reducing tension in your forearms.

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This is so far down on the list of golf tips that will make you better. I can think of probably 10000 things that are more relavant that this.

If this was so true than why do only 2 tour players not wear gloves? Hell I even chip with a glove. Why ? Because I can get a better grip on the club and have better control of the club. Not wearing a glove will increase your chances of the club slipping in your hand

^
This.

Agree with The D. I do everything but putt with a glove. In fact I order the FootJoy TrueTouch off of Ebay. They are usually $23-25 a piece. But they are IMHO, the best glove made. I cant stand using cheap gloves.

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Also, learn to play w/o a glove. I think you will find that you have more "feel" and not grip as tightly thus reducing tension in your forearms.

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Only on texags golf forum....Just admit you're a cheap ass who doesn't want to pay $20 for a glove