You don’t have to copy Tiger Woods to play great golf. In fact, there are many different ways to get that little white ball in the hole.
Your golf swing can be lower body dominant or all arms. You can putt with the claw or saw grip. You can use a 10-finger golf grip.
Every golfer does things differently. Your golf swing is as unique as your fingerprint. The key is to find what works for you.
With that in mind, let’s explore the 10-finger golf grip and determine if it is something you should take for a “test drive” the next time you visit the driving range.
In this article, we will cover:
- What Is The 10 Finger Golf Grip?
- Do Professional Golfers Use The 10 Finger Golf Grip?
- What Are The Other Golf Grips?
- Who Should Use The 10 Finger Golf Grip?
- Should You Try The 10 Finger Golf Grip?
Let’s jump into it!
What Is The 10 Finger Golf Grip?
Quick definition: It is a grip used to hit shots where all of your fingers are on the golf club. Your hands touch, but there is no overlap or interlocking of fingers.
The 10-finger golf grip is also known as a “baseball grip” because it is very similar to how you hold a bat when trying to hit a fastball.
If you hand a golf club to someone who has never played before and tell them to grip the club, they will typically use a 10-finger golf grip.
Here are quick steps to use the 10-finger golf grip (right-handed player):
- Place your left hand on the grip of the club.
- Place your thumb down the center of the shaft and then twist your hand slightly to the right.
- Place your right hand below your left on the grip.
- Place your thumb down the center of the shat and then twist your hand slightly to the left.
- Your hands should be touching – your pointer finger on your left hand and your pinky on your right hand.
You are now using the 10-finger golf grip.
Do Professional Golfers Use The 10 Finger Golf Grip?
Yes, but it is relatively rare on the PGA Tour. There are a few examples of professional golfers that have found success with the “baseball grip.”
Pro golfers with baseball grip:
Bob Estes won 4 times on the PGA Tour with the 10-finger golf grip and continues to compete on the Champions Tour.
Any current pro golfers with baseball grip? Scott Piercy and Jhonattan Vegas both use this unique approach.
Vegas has won three times on tour, and Piercy has claimed 4 trophies. It can be done, but the 10-finger grip is the least common approach you will find in professional golf.
What Are The Other Golf Grips?
If the 10-finger golf grip or “baseball grip” is rare, what do scratch golfers typically use?
When you watch golf on TV on Sunday afternoon, you will see interlock grips and overlap grips. Similar to the 10-finger golf grip, the name gives you a clue.
If you are a right-handed player and use an interlocking grip, the pinky on your right hand is placed between the pointer and the middle fingers on your left hand.
For the overlap golf grip, the pinky on your right-hand rests on top of your left hand in the crease between your pointer and the middle finger on your left hand.
Why are these grips preferred by the best players in the world? The idea is that your hands are connected and will work together to swing the golf club.
While this may be true, it doesn’t mean the 10-finger golf grip won’t work for you. There are several factors to consider when deciding how you will hold the club.
4 times you Should Use The 10 Finger Golf Grip
When should you use the “baseball grip”?
#1: Junior Golfers (Kids)
Are you trying to get your son or daughter hooked on the game of golf? There are a couple of reasons the 10-finger grip in golf can be a great way for them to start.
First, when giving your kids golf lessons, we recommend the “less is more” approach. We don’t care about their swing plane; we simply want them to have fun.
Get them a bucket of range balls, give them a driver, and let them try to crush the ball. If they naturally grip the club with a “baseball grip,” that is fine.
Second, your son or daughter has smaller hands than adults. A 10-finger grip can help them better control the golf club until they grow.
If your child becomes an elite player and wants to try college golf, they can always convert to an overlap or interlock grip when they are teenagers.
#2: Beginners (New To The Game)
We get it – golf is incredibly hard to learn when you first start playing. Beginners have enough issues without complicating their grip.
If you want to learn golf and keep it simple, hold the club in the way that is the most comfortable. If that is a 10-finger golf grip, great!
Focus on developing a consistent golf swing and learning how to make contact with the golf ball.
As you improve and you start to see your golf handicap decrease, you can always give an overlap or interlock grip a try.
#3: Weaker Hands
Regardless of the reason why your hands are on the weaker side, a 10-finger golf grip might help gain more control over the golf club.
Does the club feel loose when you swing? Do you ever feel the club twist when you make an impact with the golf ball?
If you answered “Yes” to either question, a 10-finger golf grip is worth a try. It can help you stabilize the club and hit more consistent shots.
This is another reason why some kids and junior golfers prefer a baseball grip until they get older and stronger.
#4: You Have The Need For Speed
If you are a lifetime golfer, you will notice that you lose distance as you get older. It makes sense; your body is stronger at age 20 than at age 60.
Some senior golfers find that they can swing the club faster with a 10-finger golf grip. This could help you outdrive your buddies!
Just a warning: Changing your golf grip is one of the most challenging adjustments if you have been playing for years. It will feel awkward at first.
You can do it but don’t try to switch to a 10-finger golf grip in the middle of a round. It is always best to make this type of change in the driving range.
Should You Try The 10 Finger Golf Grip?
We have covered a bunch of information. You have learned everything you need to know about the “baseball grip,” but one question remains.
Could the 10-finger golf grip help your game?
We prefer an Interlock or Overlap grip unless you fall into one of the categories of players we covered in the previous section.
That being said, we also believe that every golf swing is unique. If you can find a way to play better golf, you should do it.
What’s the harm of trying it for one bucket of range balls? If you hit duffs, hooks, and shanks, you will quickly know it isn’t right for you.
On the other hand, what if something magical happens? What if you start hitting darts with your irons and striping your driver down the middle?
What if the 10-finger golf grip unlocks a new level of golf for you? You won’t know until you give it a try!
Good luck, play well, and enjoy your next round!
