A Guide to Properly Gripping a Golf Club

The creator of the BREATHE relaxation technique, John M. Kennedy, MD, is a renowned cardiologist who has written dozens of publications and earned several awards for his work. Outside of his role as the CEO of Encardia Wellness, John M. Kennedy, MD, loves playing golf with friends.

During a round of golf, most players grip their club between 70 and 100 times. For this reason, the grip is often the first thing instructors teach their students.

To hold a golf club properly, take the club in your right hand, and hold it out in front of you at a 45-degree angle. Place the grip between the top of the palm and the first knuckles of your left hand, and curl your pinkie, ring finger, and middle finger around the grip. Finally, roll the thumb onto the right side of the grip so that the fleshy part under the thumb presses directly on the handle, and the index finger is curled around under the grip.

At this point, you can check that the positioning is correct. There should be an inch between the end of the club and the top of the grip. Further, the grip should run diagonally along the top of the palm to ensure you have freedom to move your wrist.

Now, it’s time to get your right hand into position. Rest the grip between the palm and first knuckle, and move your right hand toward your left hand. Curl the right pinkie around the index and middle fingers of the left hand, while the right middle and ring fingers curve around the grip. Again, the thumb should be rolled over the left thumb. Both hands should place a comfortable amount of pressure on the club such that there is no tension in the forearms.