Do You Have An Interlocking Grip? (Most Golfers Do It Wrong)

A very popular grip is the interlocking grip which is used by Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. The problem with the interlocking grip is most golfers do it wrong. If you are doing this interlocking grip you better watch this tip to find out how to do it right.
A common quote that has been around forever is, "it all starts with the grip." So if it all starts with the grip we need to do the grip right. Unfortunately, almost every golfer who I have seen doing an interlocking grip does it wrong.
When the person does the interlocking grip wrong it puts the bottom hand in too strong of a position. This can lead to hitting with the arms as well as hitting pulls and pull hooks. Once you learn the right way to do the interlocking grip, it may hurt your pinky. If so, I would suggest doing the overlapping grip instead. You can learn that here:
Learn The Neutral Grip Here: • The Neutral Golf Grip ...
Just follow along and check your grip after watching this tip. If you are doing it wrong please try to learn the right way to do it. After all, it all starts with the grip.
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Tip Link: • Do You Have An Interlo...

[@troygroves178]

I’ve been tracking with your lessons this year and have made big improvements, especially off the tee. Removing power from the lower hand/wrist/arm (right for me) has been the game changer. When I find my game drifting off course I go back & rewatch your grip lessons and always find the answer. Thank you 🙏!

[@paulwilsongolf]

Glad you doing well. Glad you are with me. I have many people like you that keep coming back when the get off track. Easy to fix. Main issue is usually hitting too hard. Keep at it.

[@mrsockmonkey6]

Literally talked about over lapping grip and cross finger grip on Sunday. Definitely going to share.

[@paulwilsongolf]

Very good. This will get people on track ... hopefully.

[@larrywidener9444]

I no longer use overlapping grip. Golf Tec had me using 2 finger interlocking grip. And using a strong grip. I wasted my money on them. Thank you for helping me with my golf game!

[@paulwilsongolf]

Yeah, 2 finger interlocking is not necessary. How many people in the world do that grip? I can probably count on one hand. Furyk does a 2 finger overlap. Keep working on neutral regardless of overlapping or interlocking. A strong grip is a band aid that is not going to work. Here is my neutral grip tip: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oIK9faNul6tgjdk

[@kathrynleaser5093]

Great information. Wow no one else I've watched has noted the pinkie pain. I switched for that exact reason!!! Hand bones were getting tweaked on shots that I needed power . Makes sense perfectly. . I switched to the Vardon grip few years ago. Seems more powerful. Allowed me to feel the shot better as well. Thanks a bunch. .

[@paulwilsongolf]

That's because they are young guys and haven't been standing there for now 33 years trying to figure out every morsel of the swing. This is such a huge tip. I would say 99% do this wrong. Glad you switched.

[@kathrynleaser5093]

You certainly have helped me immensely! I appreciate your wisdom and all the help. You put out there. You do the homework and get the A+... 👍👍👍😊😉 thanks !!!

[@paulwilsongolf]

Well thanks. Glad you're with me.

[@jordanvaldez]

I shot a lot of balls last week and am dealing with that pinky pain/ my pinky finger tip is leaning inward now. Came here to avoid further damage

[@paulwilsongolf]

I would be doing the overlapping grip for sure.

[@barryworthington-xl4rc]

The interlocking grip has tamed down my wild and scatter gun iron shots .. its making my swing more smooth and more consistent . I feel its giving me more secure feel and better shaft lean

[@paulwilsongolf]

If you like it and it doesn't hurt your pinky then keep doing it.

[@benjaminnevins5211]

way more consistent

[@34muggsy34]

Started back playing this year after years off and YES, my pinky is so sore! I am going to try this as well as the "choking up on irons" tip. Thanks again!

[@paulwilsongolf]

Sore pinky is telling you to change. Doesn't take long.

[@34muggsy34]

@@paulwilsongolf Changed to overlap instead of interlocking and it helped. I have noticed the fingers on my right hand (I’m a righty) are sore after playing. Left hand is totally fine. My friend who plays 70+ rounds a year says it’s because we are getting old (55).

[@paulwilsongolf]

It's not cause you are getting old it's because you are holding on too tight and not hitting the center of the face. When you hit shots off center and your grip and wrist are tight there is nothing to absorb the shock so it twists a little in your hands. After a while they get sore. You need to follow this tip: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGmuZHqZqdCtbaM

[@markme3259]

…look Paul , I watch you and every video you post more than once , and do everything you tell me to do…when you say ‘overlap’ , I would never consider anything else…if you tell me I could hit 3 yards further by eating a Brillo pad, I would…all because with your system , I hit farther..

[@paulwilsongolf]

Very good. Glad you are following along. Keep at it.

[@newnoggin2]

The interlocking grip is getting more and more popular. As I watch golf on TV , it is incredible how many use this grip, especially the better players. Besides Jack and Tiger, the tournament I am watching has the following users of that grip, Rory, Jordan, Scottie, Bryson Dechambeau,Viktor Hovland, Morikawa, Schauffele and the list goes on. You have to get it right, but it is by far the best grip. Even Hogan modified the old overlapping grip to put his pinkie between fingers rather than overlapping. I think it will become the most popular grip in time. Too many great players have switched to interlocking and they should know. Tbe overlapping grip always felt insecure to me.

[@paulwilsongolf]

As you said, you need to do it right which is rare.

[@Seneale]

I played overlapping when I was younger with a pretty strong grip, when I changed to a neutral grip I had to go interlock because it felt like I was going to drop the club with the overlapping.

[@paulwilsongolf]

And that fine. If it doesn't hurt your finger and it's not strong then I am fine with it.

[@virawudthpachareonchai8716]

nice tips, thanks

[@paulwilsongolf]

Thanks. I appreciate it.

[@stevemajak2016]

I agree with your theory of the Interlocking Grip. Have you any advice with using the Ten Finger Baseball Grip. I use this now and find it better than the Interlocking grip only because I had a sore left Index finger from Interlocking it with the Right Pinky and started using it and got good results with it. Steve.

[@paulwilsongolf]

Same thing with the 10 finger. Just don't back it off into a strong position. I don't like it but it can be used. Dave Barr (Canadian pro) did that grip and won on tour with it so how can I say to not do it. Just need to do it right.

[@fhoste09]

I made the change a few months ago because i like to know my hands will be connected in the whole swing. But to do it properly is the best way

[@paulwilsongolf]

For sure. Glad you want to do it right. Not sure why everyone wouldn't be thinking that way. As my dad said "do it right or don't do it at all."

[@supercooloz13]

I’ve never had pinkie pain, nor a strong right hand always have had a neutral interlocking grip it works for me.

[@paulwilsongolf]

If you can do it the right way keep doing it. You are a rarity.

[@rudyrun6095]

Thank you Mr Wilson for all your videos, i have been working on the changes to my golf swing, and have seen great improvements. Can you do a video on your grip, i would like to try that, thanks again

[@paulwilsongolf]

Glad you like them. Thanks so much. Here is the grip video. Just follow along: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oIK9faNul6tgjdk

[@geneczap5614]

I've used both grips at times. I have long,slim fingers but my right pinky is small. To use the interlock, it feels like I need to jam it to the root of the left forefinger.This feels more solid than any other grip.

[@paulwilsongolf]

Just don't sacrifice the top V for comfort of the pinky (which is what most people do).

[@MarkStephenson2]

Great grip lesson Paul. And I just finished a video on your tips for hitting a 3 wood off the deck. And wow! What a difference it made! Don’t try to kill it! My question. Is there any difference to how you should approach the 3 wood shot if it’s teed up vs if it’s off the deck? Don’t see if you ever touched on this topic. And thanks for all you do! 🙏

[@paulwilsongolf]

Glad you liked it. Thanks. Ahhh, my 3 wood tip. That is a great one. No real difference it's just teed up a little. Don't tee it too high.

[@markpoppe8681]

Mark, I hit it best when it's just off the ground no more than a quarter inch. I don't have to think about changing my ball position or stance that way...and I swing easy.

[@markpoppe8681]

Paul, did you happen to notice how many putts Rory missed this last tournament? I keep thinking about your putting tip on the backswing and how badly he needs it. Rory put so many putts under the hole that I was calling it in advance! Sorry to hijack your comments but it pertains to an earlier video you did. Keep the great content coming sir!! Thank you!

[@paulwilsongolf]

I didn't watch it. Was this with his new putter? Changing putters is also the sign someone thinking about their stroke. This will make people putt well for about a month. Yep, I could literally fix him in minutes. He doesn't know the numbers and he is now tinkering which will never work. He should be absolutely dominating right now. Well, maybe not now because he blew out his back. Says he did that around the house. Doubt it. Once a back issue starts it is the start of the decline. I love Rory and hope that's not the case but from my point of view anytime I have heard of someone with a back issue the decline is soon to follow.

[@stoysrus]

Great video as always. Thank u. Can you do a tutorial on the 40 to 60 yd shot. That’s my nightmare!!

[@paulwilsongolf]

Glad you like it. Thanks. I don't have a ton of short game tips posted. It's a fine line with what I give away. I have a membership site where people pay for access so it's not really fair to them if I give everything away. Plus, I do a short game tip and no one watches it (crazy). Here are the short game tips I've done so far: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5-nmWSDrqqnZ7s kzbin.info/www/bejne/ioexipSLesxkl9U kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2mzeGWMbZ55o5Y kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3zWXqxnfK2sidE kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5_LgKB7fNSHiKM kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHa1g5uLYq-tbck kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIiWi3ZphtyEm80 kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3ycfqyEaNKXqpo kzbin.info/www/bejne/fX_an59sr6qJeJY kzbin.info/www/bejne/l6W8nmNqYr5_oaM

[@stoysrus]

Thnx Paul. Understand. Thanks so much.

[@charlesmataraza8569]

I switched very early from interlock to Vardon. Long fingers felt very uncomfortable with interlock. Interesting you should bring this up.🙂

[@paulwilsongolf]

Very good. Yes, I brought it up because so many people do it wrong. If so many doing it wrong then someone needs to tell everyone.

[@zero2herogolf]

Yup, I switched to Bobby Jones' hand positions, but interlocking. So lead hand is neutral-ish, maybe a little strong and the trail hand is neutral or slightly weak. Made a huge difference in the snappiness of the wrists.

[@paulwilsongolf]

For sure. I didn't noticed anything with your grip so I think you are good to go.

[@paulwilsongolf]

Just letting you know that I have my own section on this major magazine now. I am posting 2 tips per day. Lots of work. I will continue to do tips on KZbin with more to come in the spring. www.mensjournal.com/pursuits/golf-tips/

[@zero2herogolf]

@@paulwilsongolf Wow, nice going Paul. May you have great success in 2024! Now we just need a a few PGA players coming to you as their regular coach. That would launch your brand into orbit!

[@paulwilsongolf]

Thanks so much. No need for tour players. I have student going to qualify for the Waste Management in early Feb. If he doesn't make it he will keep trying other events until he does. He will be #1 in the world (remember this day I said this). Got the couple kids I teach but they are 7 or so years away from getting there. Other than that I don't want to teach tour players. Exciting times coming soon.

[@simont9984]

I ended up going with the overlapping grip because i couldn't seem to get the interlocking grip to work for me. Now i know why. Probably wont switch back, but thanks for the great tip anyways!

[@paulwilsongolf]

As I said in the tip, I don't like or teach and interlocking grip. I teach an overlapping grip. So if you are doing that we are on the same page. Keep at it.

[@simont9984]

@@paulwilsongolf thanks for the videos with all your advise! Helps alot.

[@reidmathews2569]

Paul, thanks so much for your great tips! I have always used the overlap grip. The interlock hurt my pinky just like you. Why do you think so many pros use the interlock though? Scottie, Rory, Spieth, JT, Keith Mitchell, Morikawa, etc? I’ve thought about switching to the interlock just because of them, but just like you my pinky hurts so I can’t do it but am just curious why so many pros use the interlock? Thanks for all your help!

[@paulwilsongolf]

Well, if you learned as a kid (which they all did) it may have giving their smaller hands a more secure grip on the club. Then as they got older they made it more neutral. I am not saying people can't do it it's just they rarely ever do it right. You left off Tiger and Jack.

[@johnmcgreevey2851]

I’ve been doing this grip for many years, I need to work on this.

[@paulwilsongolf]

Yes, please work on it. The grip is vital.

[@paulwinsor4599]

Thanks Paul that has solved a problem

[@paulwilsongolf]

Very good.

[@paulwinsor4599]

@@paulwilsongolf I could not figure out where the hooks were coming from, Thankyou

[@paulwilsongolf]

Easy to fix hooks. This is 5 mins or less. Glad you see it was your grip. Watch this one for the future : kzbin.info/www/bejne/fIClapqbd8esfKM

[@erniecortes5453]

I switched to interlocking grip on the fly. It was uncomfortable initially but After two rounds it became natural ie no more conscious effort..

[@paulwilsongolf]

You can do the interlocking grip just be careful you don't wedge in your pinky too deep. It's rare if I ever see anyone do this grip right.

[@dretoosmooth]

What would be the issue with a baseball grip?

[@paulwilsongolf]

Well it puts the typically stronger hand in a strong position. Most how I've see do it have it too strong. If you have to do this grip make sure it's in the fingers. I just don't prefer this grip but pros have won with it.

[@geneczap5614]

I play with a plus 2 occasionally and his right hand is exactly where you say NOT to put it,, virtually underneath the shaft. A slim guy, he power draws almost every shot. Also, I notice Xander Shaffle today had his left thumb on top of the shaft while his right hand was interlocked and turned almost outside his right shoulder. His lines didn't match at all. I tried jamming my left forefiger against my little sliding my right hand under and it seemed to allow me to draw the ball more easily. Is it possible to learn to play like that successfully?

[@paulwilsongolf]

Did your +2 start golf as a kid? Did he practice a ton and does he still? Xander is a pro. He started as a kid. He probably did this strong grip from day 1 and has hit hundreds of thousands of balls with this grip if not over 1 million plus. Do you practice a lot? Did you start as a kid or an adult? How old are you? Anyone can do any grip they want. I would not recommend a strong grip. If you have a strong grip and loose wrists you will hook every ball you hit. Because you keep hooking it, you will then add another flaw/compensation along with this strong grip to try to straighten out your shots. Now you have 2 flaws/compensations that you must time perfectly to hit your shots on target. If you want to hit tons of balls daily then go ahead. Most people maybe practice once a week. How are they going to time this perfectly? This is why they get hot and cold. One of the main flaws/compensations people do is tighten the wrists to stop it hooking too much. If you are older this will never give you any power because you are basing your swing on physical strength. If you have loose wrists you can generate decent power for life. Watch me put nothing into it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5CviGqkopmmqc0 So why not just have loose wrists? It gives you a ton of power with no effort. Plus, you don't hit the ball off the planet when you release it too much. You also, don't have to practice it much to hit amazing shots and when you get it you have a swing for life. If you want to hit a draw I have other tips that will teach you how to do it without doing a strong grip. Watch: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6GbfqWfgb9nqck kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5rGl3ifpMt9n9U These may help too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKHcmGaGoNd0oc0 kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZ-0Y3mcmbZ1etE kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqPSkGSEjrWXbsU kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYG0lYpuopl3nMU

[@ravenwda007]

You just confirmed my grip has been correct for 27 years haha. I always took care to remain neutral with the v

[@paulwilsongolf]

It all starts with the grip. You are one of the few that understood that. 99% don't which is truly mind boggling.

[@paulwilfridhunt]

Thank you Paul

[@paulwilsongolf]

You're welcome.

[@paulwilfridhunt]

@@paulwilsongolf 👍😊❤️

[@paulwilfridhunt]

@@paulwilsongolf 😊❤️🍀

[@randyunderwood2894]

i did that 30yrs ago. like you it hurt like hell

[@paulwilsongolf]

Glad you stopped doing it.

[@randyunderwood2894]

@@paulwilsongolf It didn’t take long

[@josephhaller8321]

The size of your hands matter? Smaller hands require interlock grip?

[@paulwilsongolf]

Smaller hands don't need to do the interlock. Try it as I explained it first. If you don't like it then try the overlap. It is all about placement of the bottom hand. Follow the steps here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oIK9faNul6tgjdk

[@duanenichols2703]

Good as I and most have an overlapping grip

[@paulwilsongolf]

I really don't mind which people do it's just 99% of everyone I see doing that interlock is doing it as I said in the tip. Glad you found the grip that works for you.

[@discgolfprofessor]

Good Ol’Harry Vardon (Overlapping Grip) or Vardon Grip

[@paulwilsongolf]

For sure.

[@timgodfrey2362]

If the interlock grip is good enough for Tiger AND Scottie it’s good enough for me. Not unlike the golf swing it’s whatever works for YOU.

[@paulwilsongolf]

Did you not watch the tip. No one is saying you can't do it. If you're going to do it do it right.

[@bobmac004]

Not only does Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods use the grip you don't promote, the current world no. 1, 2 ,3,4 and 5 also interlock.

[@paulwilsongolf]

Didn't say you couldn't do it. Said when people do it they do it wrong. Nice try.

[@bobmac004]

@@paulwilsongolf I know what you said. I was just pointing out the greatest golfers of all time use the interlock grip that you don't promote. So some are doing it right. It is just as easy to have a strong right hand no matter what grip you use, especially if the grip is too much in the palm of the hand. Besides the ball doesn't care how you hold the club.

[@paulwilsongolf]

Keep in mind that when people actually move the right hand into a neutral position with the interlocking grip it can hurt the right pinky which is what happened to my when I tried it year ago (other commenters too). So if this hurts people would just keep it in this strong position to avoid the pain which is what I was pointing out in this tip. The ball may not care but I care what grip you have. Think about it. Even if you want to hit a draw you only need the face maybe 1-2 degrees closed to the path. You back this hand off and potentially have a strong left hand too and the face is upwards of 45 degrees shut at the top. So you only need 1-2 yet you are 45 degrees shut. So what are you going to do? You will lock your wrists to stop it hooking and literally hit the ball nowhere. So to be able to loosen your wrists you need more of a neutral grip.

[@bobmac004]

@@paulwilsongolf Maybe your grip was too tight or you have big hands, who knows. I didn't care how my students held the club as long as they could return the club to the ball consistently square. To discourage a student from using the interlock because you had problems with it I think is not good, especially as the top 5 in the world interlock. Just my opinion of course

[@paulwilsongolf]

99% of everyone I see doing an interlocking grip is doing it wrong. I put it in the right position and they either don't like it or it hurts. So I don't promote the interlocking grip. I don't say you can't do it. If anyone wants to go right ahead but do it right.

[@richmel6245]

I wish I could, but I have Dupuytren's,makes it impossible.

[@paulwilsongolf]

Well, you need to do what you can do. I would also seek out deep massage to try to stretch those fibers.

[@patricksnyder3446]

What about a baseball grip??

[@paulwilsongolf]

I don't like it but same thing. Those doing a baseball grip back the hand off too much. So same bottom hand placement with this grip as I explained with the other. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oIK9faNul6tgjdk

[@larryjones8928]

It hurts my fingers

[@paulwilsongolf]

Just as I said in the tip. I guarantee you are not the only one.

[@Toronto_Golfer]

I wish I had somebody tell me this a couple of months ago upon picking up golfing as a hobby. My right-hand pinky finger is now forever in pain.

[@paulwilsongolf]

Well, now that you are no longer doing that grip the pinky may heel. Give it time.