Golf Tips: How To Utilize The Baseball Grip For Power

The baseball grip has become a rare sight in golf, but could it still be a great power producer off the tee? The latest of our golf tips explains.

Two of the most popular grips in golf are the interlocking and overlap grips, but many seem to sleep on the baseball/ten finger grip.

The baseball grip was the first one I began using when I started playing. Over time, I started mostly using the interlocking grip but the baseball grip still has its uses.

Due to its instinctual feeling, the grip will likely be the first choice of those who start swinging before getting lessons, but it’s often still a great grip to use when hitting woods or drivers.

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If you would like to use the interlock or overlap grip on irons, then feel free. When swinging the big sticks, it might be a good idea to give ten fingers a try though.

The reason why it’s worth your while is that it helps you to generate more power. When all fingers are wrapped around the club, that’s more speed with your hands.

With an interlocking grip, your pinky and index finger are tangled up. With overlapping, your pinky is chilling out on top of your other hand.

This can slow down acceleration in the swing. It’s really amazing what using a couple more fingers can do to your distance overall.

Take a look at the man pictured, Tommy Gainey. He’s racked up nine professional wins in his career including one on the PGA Tour.

He was able to get those wins using the baseball grip. He also wears two gloves which makes him even more distinctive. Gainey uses the grip on all of his clubs. For you, I’d mostly recommend limiting it to the driver, as this is the club that we most often want to hit further.

Using the interlocking or overlapping grip on irons is good for adding more feel to you shots. That said, if you want to use the baseball grip for irons as well for added distance, then feel free.

It’s also good to note that having a thicker grip on your clubs may improve your performance with the baseball grip. These help eliminate stress in the hands, and help generate even more power.

Just remember to use the same setup you would any other time when swinging driver or wood. It may feel a little weird at first, but your swing will be faster and you’ll get used to it with practice.

In a way, look at like weightlifters in the Olympics. They aren’t leaving a pinky out when lifting right?

They use every finger they can to get that extra strength to lift. That’s how this grip is for golf as it uses every muscle in your hands.

Another little bonus tip while using this grip if you’re looking to really maximize power; don’t be shy when it comes to lifting your left heel (if you’re right handed) during the backswing.

John Daly became one of the longest hitters of all-time because of this. He also had the “grip it and rip it” backswing as well.

This is why you see baseball players lift their leg up when they’re about to swing. It helps them “charge up” and fire away at the baseball.

So using the baseball grip, and lifting your heel during your backswing can help you hit those bombs you want. It’s far from textbook and it may not work for everyone, but it’s something you can try in your own time.

Next: Golf Tip: Don’t Be Afraid To Use A “Chipper”

Don’t worry if it feels weird initially as you’ll get the hang of it, but ultimately, do what makes you feel most comfortable.

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