The Ten-Finger Golf Grip: How To Use It + The Pros and Cons
- Robbie Potesta
- Jul 12
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 13
Is your grip costing you power—or giving you a hidden edge? With so much advice flying around—from weekend warriors to YouTube tips to tour pros—it’s no wonder golfers feel overwhelmed trying to choose the right grip.
One of the most debated grips out there? The Ten-Finger Grip—aka the “Baseball Grip.” In this guide, we’ll break down how to use it, who it’s best for, and whether it’s the game-changer your swing’s been missing.
What is the Ten-Finger Golf Grip, Really?
Imagine gripping your club like a baseball bat—that’s the ten-finger grip. Every finger gets involved. All ten make full contact with the club, maximizing hand-to-club connection.
Why does that matter? More fingers = more leverage. More leverage = more power. And more power means one thing: distance.
This grip is especially intuitive—many beginners naturally default to it without even realizing. It's simple, direct, and gets your whole upper body engaged in the swing.
How to Set Up the Ten-Finger Grip (Step-by-Step)
Ready to give it a shot? Here’s how to do it properly:
Start with your lead hand (non-dominant) – Grip the club with your top hand, placing it near the end of the grip.
Add your trail hand (dominant) – Your bottom hand wraps just below the top hand, fingers snug with no overlap or interlock.
Thumbs up! – Your lead hand’s thumb should point down the shaft toward the clubhead. Your trail hand’s pinky should press lightly against the lead hand’s index finger.
Align your thumbs diagonally – Your lead thumb slightly to the right, your trail thumb slightly to the left.
Swing like a slugger – Think of turning your forearms just like you would swinging a bat.
Why the Ten-Finger Grip Packs a Punch
This grip isn’t just about simplicity—it’s about unleashing raw power. With every finger participating, your arms can generate serious clubhead speed. That means explosive contact at impact, especially with drivers and long irons.
Seniors or golfers with joint pain also tend to benefit, since it requires less grip pressure and spreads the workload evenly.
Power-Boosting Tips for a Killer Ten-Finger Grip
Want to really dial it in? Try these pro-approved tweaks:
Point your thumbs downward slightly—some find this more natural and stable.
Touch the index finger of your top hand to the pinky of your bottom hand for better control.
Lift your lead heel slightly on the backswing to create more torque and explosiveness.
Upgrade to a thicker grip—great for comfort and more space for all ten fingers.
Track your grip with Gears Golf Biomechanics—you’ll get precise swing feedback down to 0.2mm of movement.
Advantages of the Ten-Finger Grip
Here’s where this grip shines:
✅ Super beginner-friendly
✅ Natural and intuitive
✅ Excellent for juniors and seniors
✅ Maximizes distance potential
✅ Adds backspin—great for bunker escapes
✅ Gives you direct feel and clubface control
Disadvantages of the Ten-Finger Grip
But it’s not for everyone. Here’s what you might sacrifice:
❌ May create imbalance between hands, causing slices or hooks
❌ Can disrupt swing sequencing—especially for newer players
❌ Less precision on touch shots and fades
❌ Tends to generate too much spin in certain lies
How It Compares to Other Popular Grips
If the ten-finger grip isn’t quite your fit, these alternatives might be:
The Interlocking Grip
A favorite of legends like Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus, this grip interlocks the trail pinky with the lead index finger. It enhances unity between hands and improves control—perfect for players with smaller hands.
The Overlap Grip
Used by most pros, this grip places the trail pinky over the space between the lead index and middle finger. It gives elite-level control and touch, ideal for finesse shots, though it does sacrifice a bit of power.
Which Grip Should You Use?
There’s no one-size-fits-all here. Your ideal grip depends on your build, hand size, strength, and even swing tempo. The key? Experiment. Try each grip for a few practice sessions. Track your performance and comfort.
Better yet, book a session with a pro or visit a golf performance lab like Gears Golf. Their biomechanics tools can analyze your grip, swing path, and power output with pinpoint accuracy.
What Do the Pros Prefer?
Most tour players stick with the interlocking or overlap grip. Why? Because these grips encourage lighter pressure, smoother transitions, and better swing tempo. A light grip leads to effortless speed—and more consistent ball-striking.
But that doesn’t mean the ten-finger grip is wrong. Some pros have used it successfully, especially early in their careers. It’s a matter of finding what works for your swing.
Final Thoughts: Is the Ten-Finger Grip Your Secret Weapon?
If you’re new to the game, returning after injury, or just want to unleash some extra yardage—give the ten-finger grip a shot. It’s simple, it’s powerful, and it just might be the spark your
game needs.
Keep grinding, keep testing, and remember—the grip is where the swing starts. Get that right, and everything else can fall into place.
Want more swing tips, gear guides, and pro-level golf insights?Subscribe to External Focus Golf and level up your game—one grip at a time. 🏌️♂️🔥
Cheers,
Robbie Potesta
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