The are many ways to hold or grip a golf club. A typical player will use two, three or more different grip methods per round. Different clubs and different shots require different set ups, which in turn requires different gripping methods. The grip is so important that an entire chapter could be written on the subject. Here a brief summary of the main topics. Because there is multitude of styles and methods of gripping a wedge and a putter, we will cover these in another newsletter.

For a full swing with any wood and iron you should use the same grip method. Many teaching pros teach a slightly different grip when hitting a fade or a draw. However, the gripping of the club is actually the same. It's the position on the club that changes. By changing the grip position on the club you alter the club face position, which in turn affects the shot you make. By changing your grip position you may also be able to straighten a slice or a hook.

The three most common grips are the ten finger grip, the overlapping grip or the interlocking grip. Only you can determine which is best for you. The USGA puts no restrictions on how a player holds a club. So experiment, don't be afraid to try different grips. The USGA does have limits as to the type, size and shape of grips mounted to your clubs. Complete details can be found in