Lesson Notes: Modifying the Interlock Grip for Smaller Hands
The Goal: To maintain a secure, effective interlocking grip without letting your hands slip into an unsupportive position underneath the golf club.
The Problem with Small Hands and Interlocking
- The Web-to-Web Trap: Golfers with smaller hands often try to interlock their fingers completely all the way down to the webbing.
- The Negative Result: Jamming the fingers too deep forces both hands into a position that sits way too far underneath the club.
- The Golden Rule: If you currently use this grip and hit your shots consistently straight, leave your grip alone. However, if your contact is suffering, an adjustment is needed.
How to Correct Your Interlocking Grip
- Do Not Interlock Fully: You can link your fingers without forcing them to touch web-to-web. Keep a bit of shallow space between the base of the fingers.
- Set the Lead Hand First: Secure your lead hand onto the handle in a strong, correct position first. Once it is set, do not move or shift it at all.
- Bring the Trail Hand from the Side: Slide your trail hand onto the club slightly more from the side rather than coming up from underneath. This ensures your trail palm cleanly covers your lead thumb.
FAQ
Q: Why does getting both hands too far “under the club” cause issues in the swing?
A: When your hands slip into a position too far underneath the handle, it restricts your natural wrist hinge and makes it difficult to control the clubface. This weak alignment often leads to a lack of power and highly inconsistent clubface angles at impact.
Q: Do I need to switch to a ten-finger or overlap grip if my hands are tiny?
A: Not necessarily. If you prefer the unified feel of an interlocking grip, you can absolutely keep it. The key is simply avoiding a deep interlock. Letting the fingers link up more shallowly allows your palms to face each other correctly on the side of the handle.
