The 10-finger grip, also known as the baseball grip, is a popular grip style used in the sport of golf. In this grip style, all 10 fingers are placed on the club handle, with the little finger of the trailing hand resting on top of the index finger of the lead hand.
To use this grip, the player first holds the club with the lead hand, positioning the thumb on the side of the handle, and the fingers around the handle so that they are lightly touching.
Next, the trailing hand is placed on the club with the little finger resting on top of the index finger of the lead hand. This creates a “V” shape between the thumb and index finger of the lead hand, which should point towards the player’s right shoulder for a right-handed golfer (left shoulder for left-handed).
Example: Tiger Woods is one of the many professional golfers that use a 10-finger grip as his regular style.
Who should use it?
The 10-finger grip is a relatively neutral grip, meaning it does not promote a hook or slice, so it is a good grip choice for players who are just learning the game or for those who have difficulty with shot direction.
It also gives the players a more relaxed and comfortable hold on the club, which can help to reduce tension in the hands and arms. This can be beneficial for players with hand or wrist pain.
It also allows players to have better control over their swings and shots, as it allows them to easily rotate their hands through the impact zone.
That being said, it doesn’t fit all golfers, ultimately the grip that a golfer finds most comfortable and effective for them is the best one for them to use. So, for the best results, golfers should experiment with different grip styles and use the one that feels most natural and allows them to hit the ball consistently.
How to use it?
Take your lead hand and place it on the club handle, positioning the thumb on the side of the handle and the fingers around the handle so that they are lightly touching. The V-shape formed by the thumb and index finger should point towards your right shoulder for a right-handed golfer (left shoulder for left-handed).
Next, take your trailing hand and place it on the club with the little finger resting on top of the index finger of the lead hand. The thumb of the trailing hand should be placed on the side of the handle, opposite the thumb of the lead hand.
Adjust the position of your hands until you feel comfortable and secure. Make sure that your fingers are wrapped around the handle, not gripping it too tightly.
As you prepare to swing, keep your grip pressure light and consistent, maintaining the V-shape formed by the thumb and index finger, and the little finger of the trailing hand resting on the index finger of the lead hand.
As you swing, keep your wrists firm, allowing your arms and body to generate power while keeping your hands relaxed on the club.
Try to keep this grip through the whole swing, all the way to the follow-through.
It may take some practice to get used to the 10-finger grip, but with time and practice, it can become a comfortable and effective way to hold the club for many golfers.
What are the advantages of a 10-finger golf grip?
The 10-finger grip, also known as the baseball grip, has several advantages in golf, some of them are:
Neutral grip: The 10-finger grip is a relatively neutral grip, which means it does not promote a hook or slice, making it a good option for players who are just learning the game or for those who have difficulty with shot direction.
Comfort: This grip style is relatively comfortable, it gives the players a more relaxed and comfortable hold on the club, which can help to reduce tension in the hands and arms. This can be beneficial for players with hand or wrist pain.
Control: The 10-finger grip allows players to have better control over their swings and shots, as it allows them to easily rotate their hands through the impact zone, which can help to achieve a straighter shot.
Easy to learn: This grip is relatively easy to learn for new players since it does not require any specific hand placement or rotation, which can be confusing for beginners.
Consistency: The 10-finger grip provides a sense of consistency that can be helpful for golfers looking for a consistent and reliable grip.
Note that while the 10-finger grip has these advantages, it may not be the best fit for all golfers, ultimately the grip that a golfer finds most comfortable and effective for them is the best one for them to use.
What are the Disadvantages of a 10-finger golf grip?
The 10-finger grip, also known as the baseball grip, has some disadvantages in golf, some of them are:
Less Power: This grip style typically does not generate as much power as some of the other grip options, such as the Vardon or interlocking grip, which might put more pressure on your swing plane.
Lack of feel: Since all ten fingers are on the club, it can be difficult to have a proper feel of the clubface, which is an important aspect of a proper golf swing.
Lack of versatility: The 10-finger grip is not as versatile as other grip styles. It tends to produce straighter shots, which can be good for some players, but it can limit the ability to create a draw or fade, which can be useful shots for certain situations.
Risk of injury: Keeping all ten fingers on the club can put extra stress on the joints and muscles of the hand, which can lead to injuries such as tendinitis.
Limited to certain swings: As it can be limiting in terms of power and feel, the 10-finger grip is not suitable for players with a very fast and high-powered swing, because the lack of a proper feel and stability in the club can cause a lack of precision, power, and control
Again, while the 10-finger grip has these disadvantages, it may not be the case for all golfers and it ultimately depends on the golfer’s swing, skill, and comfort level.
FAQ
Can the 10-finger grip be used by all golfers?
Not all golfers may find the 10-finger grip comfortable and effective for them. It’s important to experiment with different grip styles and use the one that feels most natural and allows them to hit the ball consistently.
How do you properly position your hands when using the 10-finger grip?
To use the 10-finger grip, the lead hand should be placed on the club handle with the thumb on the side of the handle and the fingers around the handle so that they are lightly touching. The V-shape formed by the thumb and index finger should point toward your right shoulder.
The trailing hand should be placed on the club with the little finger resting on top of the index finger of the lead hand. The thumb of the trailing hand should be placed on the side of the handle, opposite the thumb of the lead hand.
Is the 10-finger grip good for preventing a hook or slice?
Yes, the 10-finger grip is a relatively neutral grip, which means it does not promote a hook or slice. It’s a good option for players who are just learning the game or for those who have difficulty with shot direction.
Is the 10-finger grip comfortable to use?
Many golfers find the 10-finger grip to be comfortable and easy to use. It gives the players a more relaxed and comfortable hold on the club, which can help to reduce tension in the hands and arms. However, as with any grip, comfort level can vary from person to person.
Can you generate more power with the 10-finger grip?
Compared to other grip styles such as the Vardon or interlocking grip, the 10-finger grip typically does not generate as much power. If a golfer is looking for more power on their swing, the 10-finger grip may not be the best option.
Can the 10-finger grip help with a consistent swing?
Many golfers find the 10-finger grip to be consistent and reliable. It can provide a sense of consistency that can be helpful for golfers looking for a consistent and reliable grip.