Things to know About 10 Finger Golf Grip

The 10 Finger Golf Grip: Best Technique for Beginner  

To watch a pro swing a golf club, you would automatically think that it’s an easy thing to do, but the golf swing, in general, is a pretty complicated athletic movement. Golf, on the surface, seems simple. The ball does not move, the target does not move, and there is nobody trying to tackle you as you swing the club. 

Swinging the golf club itself is very complicated, and you need to get as much right as possible before making your first move towards hitting the ball and getting the grip right is one of those things.

How you hold the club will determine whether or not the ball flies to the woods, dead center in the fairway. There are three fundamental golf grips that most players use; the overlapping grip, the interlocking grip, along with the baseball grip (10 finger golf grip).

In this article we will dive deeper into the pros and cons of using the 10 Finger Golf Grip!

What Is the 10 Finger Grip?

So, what is the 10-finger grip? Also known as the baseball grip, is basically just a grip where all 10 fingers grip the club simultaneously and with equal pressure. It is known as the baseball grip because it is the same grip with which baseball players swing a bat.

There are 3 primary golf grips that people use including the overlapping grip (by far the most popular), the interlocking grip, and the baseball grip. For the majority of beginning golfers, this may feel like the most natural grip and especially if you played another sport.

Strategies for the 10-finger golf grip

One of the most interesting things around the baseball or 10 finger golf grips is the reality that it is extremely easy to learn, and most importantly is easy to duplicate with every swing. So, if you are new to golf and you decide to take lessons, don’t be surprised if the golf instructor starts you exclusively with this grip.

As your golf game improves you will probably move away from the 10-finger grip, in fact, take a look the next time you are watching a pro tour event, and you will see none of the pros use the 10-finger grip.  Why, well because their games are on another level and they need to make precise shots.  Beginners, children, female golfers, and senior golfers tend to use this grip the most because it gives them the best overall leverage when swinging, and honestly feels the most comfortable.

One other thing to keep in mind is the size of your hands.  The 10-finger grip is usually recommended for people with smaller hands.

Advantages of the 10-finger golf grip

1. The name of the game is hitting that little round ball as solid as possible, and you will notice with the 10-finger grip that your ball striking will be more consistent and solid.
2. If you have never golfed before and picked up a golf club.  Without anyone telling you how to hold it, more than likely this is how you would grip the club anyway.  Most people have swung a bat of some sort, even you never played organized baseball, so to pick up the club and grip the way you would a bat would feel normal and comfortable.

3. Isn’t awesome to watch the pros spin the ball back towards the pin?  Well, the 10-finger grip is terrific for wedge shots and producing that amazing backspin.
4. Everyone wants distance while golfing, well the 10- finger grip will ensure that you get more distance and leverage.
5. Easy to learn and implement especially, among children, female , senior or golfers with weak and smaller hands.

Disadvantages in the 10-finger golf grip

1. The 10-finger grip gives an excessive amount power to your dominate hand.  Your swing needs to be balanced, and sometimes with this grip your dominate hand may overpower the other, which will lead to inconsistent shots.  If you are throwing your dominate hand more than the other you might find yourself in the woods more than you would like.
2. Your hands have a tendency to fall out of sync.  I just mentioned the balance of power between your hands, but it is important to know the sequence when striking the ball.  As you swing your front arm stays close to your body as you bring the club head threw the impact zone.  At the same time your trailing or dominant hand delivers the power throw the zone.  If your dominate hand is too quick, then you will not deliver consistent contact.
3. Can Cause diminished power.  While the 10--finger grip usually feels more powerful, it tends to not achieve the maximum swing speed as another grip such as the interlocking grip can produce.
4. Sometimes people struggle with changing their grip once their game starts to improve.  Golf, like other sports depends a lot on muscle memory, and if you swing a certain way for a while, then sometimes it’s harder to change.  I have seen people move to an interlocking grip and become very frustrated because it doesn’t feel natural to them, but like everything, it takes time and practice to retrain your muscle memory.  Basically, if you change grips, be patient.

Final Thoughts On The 10 Finger Golf Grip

The 10-finger grip is not for everyone, but if you are a beginner, or your game is struggling a bit, then it is definitely worth trying. It is the most natural feeling grip and it is a great way to get some extra power and distance into your game, but don’t trade distance accuracy and control.  Hitting bombs off the tee looks awesome, but if you are 350 yards out and 300 yards right, then who cares.  I’ll take 225 right down the middle every single day. Golf is about consistency, and setting yourself up for your next shot.  If you wanted to walk through the woods you could have just gone on a hike. No matter what grip you choose to use, make sure you are staying calm and even through your swing.  The goal is not to swing as hard as you can, but to allow the club to do the work for you, if you do that, any grip that you chose will make you a better golfer.