If you’ve been around the game of golf for any length of time, you are probably familiar with the overlapping grip (also known as the Vardon grip).
However, most folks have never heard of the double overlap grip, the overlapping grips cousin. Though it’s not as popular, there are a few golfers that feel like the double-overlap grip is the best grip for them.
There are several reasons why golfers adopt a double overlap grip. We describe the pros and cons of this grip here along with how it can help your game. After reading this, you’ll be able to decide if you want to try out the double overlap grip for yourself.
What is the Double Overlap Golf Grip?
As you might have guessed, the double overlap grip is similar to the Vardon grip. However, the double overlap grip takes things to a whole new level. Here is how it works:
Instead of simply resting the right pinkie on top of the left index finger like in the Vardon grip, with the double overlap grip, the right pinkie rests on top of the left middle finger. Also, the right ring finger laps over the top of the left index finger.
This grip may be uncomfortable at first but don’t give up on it too quickly. Dave Pelz, one of golf’s best short game instructors, recommends using the double overlap grip during pitching and chipping drills to get a better feel for it.
The Benefits of This Golf Grip
Now let’s review some of the benefits golfer’s notice when switching to this grip…
Makes the Golfer’s Hands Act As One
Many club golfers struggle with their dominant hand taking over the golf swing. Surprisingly, some golfers on the PGA Tour struggle with this same problem. The double overlap grip helps remedy this problem because it makes the hands act as one unit.
For example, if you are right-handed, your right hand may tend to take over your entire swing at times. With the double overlap grip, the right hand is forced to simply act as a guide for the left hand.
Gives the Golfer Better Feel
The double overlap grip gives the golfer a better feel and much more control at the top of the backswing. Since the golfer no longer has to worry about his dominant hand taking over, he is free to let the leading hand do its job.
The better feel and increased control lead to a more effortless, fluid golf swing. This is because the double overlap grip makes the golfer let the club do the work.
Fewer Hooks and Slices
The double overlap grip can be a great option for folks that have directional problems like hooks and slices. Those annoying duck hooks off the tee box are usually caused by the right hand taking over and flipping the golf club just before impact. Since the double overlap grip minimizes the right hand, this is less likely to happen.
Most of the time a slice is caused by overswinging and too much grip pressure. How many times have you tried to kill the golf ball and ended up slicing it into the next fairway? The double overlap grip makes you lighten your grip pressure, which may help straighten out your slice.
Pro Golfers Who Use The Double Overlap Grip
Curious which pro golfers actually use this grip? Here’s the list…
Jim Furyk
Furyk has used the double overlap grip his entire career and it has helped him achieve 17 PGA Tour wins, including the 2003 U.S. Open. Furyk’s nickname is “Mr. 58” since he is the only person to shoot a 58 in a PGA Tour event.
The double overlap grip gives Furyk a high amount of control over all his golf shots. Furyk, now 51, plays on both the PGA Tour and the PGA Tour Champions. His unique, figure-eight swing is highly entertaining to watch.
David Leadbetter
Leadbetter did not play on the PGA Tour but he did play professionally on both the European and South African Tour. Leadbetter is known as one of the best golf instructors in the world and he’s worked with some of the PGA Tour’s biggest stars like Nick Faldo, Ernie Els, and Greg Norman.
The 69-year old Englishman is a big proponent of the double overlap grip. He says the double overlap grip helps reduce tension in the wrists and hands, which leads to a more fundamentally sound golf swing.
Other Common Golf Grips
The double overlap grip style has a ton of benefits but it’s not for everyone. Some folks just aren’t able to get fully comfortable with the double overlap. Fortunately, there are several other golf grips that they can try.
Interlocking Grip
The interlocking grip was made famous by two PGA Tour megastars, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. With the interlocking grip, the right pinkie interlocks in between the left forefinger and left middle finger.
This keeps the hands together throughout the entire golf swing, which is why many golfers prefer it. The only downside of the interlocking grip is that it may not be very comfortable for golfers who have larger hands.
Baseball Grip
The baseball-grip, or ten-finger grip, is a good grip for kids or beginners. Those who are used to gripping a baseball bat will find the ten-finger grip comfortable.
With the baseball grip, the right pinkie and the left index finger touch, but there is no interlocking or overlapping. The main downside of this grip is that it makes it too easy for the golfer’s dominant hand to take over.
Reverse Overlap (Putting)
This is the most common putting grip in the game of golf. Lots of golfers feel this grip style gives them a ton of control of the putter. With the reverse overlap grip, the right index finger laps over the left pinkie.
Claw Grip (Putting)
Golfers who aren’t comfortable with the reverse overlap putting grip often switch to a claw grip. One of the main benefits of using a claw grip is that it makes the shoulders lead the putting stroke instead of the hands. This often results in better ball speed on the greens and more accurate putts.
Mike Noblin
Mike has been involved with sports for over 30 years. He’s been an avid golfer for more than 10 years and is obsessed with watching the Golf Channel and taking notes on a daily basis. He also holds a degree in Sports Psychology.