The Importance of a Proper Golf Grip for Beginners and Tips from Alex Paek

Starting golf can be exciting but also challenging. One of the most critical skills for beginners is mastering the golf grip. The way you hold your club affects your swing, control, and ultimately your score. Even top players like Scottie Scheffler focus on their grip to maintain consistency. In fact, Scottie uses a grip trainer on one of his clubs to remind himself where his hands should be during the swing. This simple tool helps him stay on track and improve his game.

In this post, we will explore why the golf grip matters so much for beginners, how it influences your swing, and practical tips to develop a strong grip. I will also introduce a training aid called the Velocity Grip, which I recommend for learning proper hand placement and release. You can find it through the training aid link in the bio of my Instagram page @ybp_golf.

Why the Golf Grip Matters for Beginners

The golf grip is your only physical connection to the club. It controls the clubface angle, swing path, and power transfer. A poor grip leads to inconsistent shots, slices, hooks, and frustration. Beginners often overlook grip because it feels natural to hold the club any way that’s comfortable. But comfort doesn’t always mean correct.

A proper grip helps you:

• Control the clubface: The angle of the clubface at impact determines ball direction. A good grip keeps the face square.

• Generate power: The right grip allows your wrists to hinge and release properly, adding distance.

• Improve accuracy: Consistent hand placement leads to repeatable swings and better shot precision.

• Prevent injury: A grip that’s too tight or awkward can cause tension and strain in your hands and forearms.

  
  

Getting your grip right early saves time and frustration later. It builds a solid foundation for all other parts of your swing.

Below are some key examples of different grips. If you’re a beginner, start with the neutral grip, then explore other variations as you build your swing.

How Scottie Scheffler Uses a Grip Trainer

Scottie Scheffler, currently one of the world’s top golfers, understands the importance of a consistent grip. Even with years of experience, he uses a grip trainer on one of his clubs during practice rounds. This device reminds him exactly where his hands should be, helping him maintain muscle memory and avoid slipping into bad habits.

This example shows that grip training isn’t just for beginners. Professionals use aids to fine-tune their technique and stay sharp. If Scottie finds it useful, beginners can benefit even more by building the right habits from the start.

Velocity Grip from Final Putt, Link in my bio under training aids.

Golf grip trainer attached to a club handle to guide proper hand placement

What Makes a Proper Golf Grip

A proper golf grip involves three key elements:

1. Hand Position

• The lead hand (left hand for right-handed players) should hold the club so the grip runs diagonally across the fingers, not the palm.

• The thumb of the lead hand should rest slightly on the top of the grip.

• The trail hand (right hand for right-handed players) wraps around the club with the palm facing the target.

• The V’s formed by the thumb and forefinger of both hands should point between your chin and right shoulder.

  
  

2. Grip Pressure

• Hold the club firmly but not tightly. Imagine holding a tube of toothpaste without squeezing any out.

• Too tight a grip causes tension and restricts wrist movement.

• Too loose a grip can cause the club to twist during the swing.

  
  

3. Grip Style

There are three common grip styles:

• Interlocking Grip: The pinky of the trail hand interlocks with the index finger of the lead hand. Good for players with smaller hands.

• Overlapping Grip: The pinky of the trail hand rests on top of the index finger of the lead hand. Most popular among pros.

• Ten-Finger Grip: All fingers touch the club without interlocking or overlapping. Easier for beginners or those with weaker hands.

  
  

Choose the style that feels comfortable but still allows control and proper wrist action.

How the Velocity Grip Helps Beginners

One training aid I recommend is the Velocity Grip. This grip trainer combines a specially designed grip with a built-in trainer that guides your hand placement and promotes a proper release through the swing.

Benefits of the Velocity Grip

• Teaches correct hand position: The grip trainer shows exactly where your hands should sit.

• Encourages proper release: Helps you learn how to release the clubhead through impact for more power and accuracy.

• Builds muscle memory: Repeated use trains your hands to naturally find the right grip.

• Easy to use: Simply replace the grip on one of your clubs and practice swings.

  
  

Using a tool like the Velocity Grip can speed up your learning curve and prevent bad habits from forming.

Tips for Beginners to Improve Their Golf Grip

Here are some practical tips to help you develop a strong golf grip:

• Practice with a grip trainer: Use aids like the Velocity Grip or similar devices to get consistent hand placement.

• Check your grip pressure: Hold the club with a medium grip pressure. Avoid gripping too tight or too loose.

• Use a mirror or video: Watch your grip in a mirror or record your swing to check hand position.

• Get professional feedback: A golf coach can spot grip issues and provide personalized advice.

• Practice regularly: Grip feels natural only after repeated practice. Spend time just holding the club correctly before swinging.

• Adjust for comfort: If a grip style feels uncomfortable, try another until you find one that works for you.

• Keep your wrists flexible: Avoid stiff wrists by relaxing your grip and allowing natural hinge and release.

  
  
  
  

Final Thoughts on Golf Grip for Beginners

The golf grip is the foundation of every good swing. Beginners who focus on developing a proper grip will see faster improvement, better control, and more enjoyment on the course. Scottie Scheffler’s use of a grip trainer shows that even the best players rely on tools to maintain consistency.

If you want to build a strong grip habit, consider trying the Velocity Grip. It’s a simple but effective training aid that guides your hand placement and helps you learn the proper release. You can find it through the training aid link in the bio of my Instagram page @ybp_golf.

Start with your grip, and the rest of your game will follow.