Golfer Logic’s guide to golf grip training is split into 4 core sections. We’re not here to waste anybody’s time, so, skip to the section that sounds most like you:
- Golf grips trainers
- The correct golf grip in super simple terms [Videos]
- What grip strength should you choose?
- Overlap vs Interlink vs Baseball
The Best Golf grip training aids: our top picks for 2023
Each year, we spend time testing existing and new training aids. We’re looking for improvements in existing products, or golf training aids new to the market that might take their place.
And today, we’ve put together our opinions on the current grip trainers available on the market.
At a glance here is what we’ve tested:
- Links Golf Grip Trainer
- SKLZ Tempo & Grip Aid
- Golf & Wrist Trainer
If you plan to buy just one training aid, the Links Golf Trainer is what you need. A straight to the point training aid, specifically designed to improve grip, and actually the cheapest training aid on this list!
We’d certainly recommend using this alongside the Wrist Trainer which will help to amplify what you learn using the Links Grip Trainer (but this isn’t essential).
If your focus leans more towards grip & tempo, we’d go for this from SKLZ.
1. Links Golf Grip Trainer – fits both left handed and right handed clubs
4 out of 5 golfers grip their club incorrectly, and the Links Golf Grip Trainer aims to make sure you’re not in that 4.
We’ve used these types of grips before, and are big fans. The perfect training aid to improve muscle memory and grip positioning.
We picked this golf grip training aid over others for testing simply because:
- Lightweight – (around 25g), so won’t affect the weighting of your club
- Price – generally 20-30% cheaper than other grip trainers on the market
- Compatibility – It fits both right handed AND left handed clubs, although primarily is built for right handed clubs
- Fit – standard 58-60 grips, whether they are rounded or ribbed.
Put simply, the Links Golf Grip Trainer at under 20 bucks, is a no brainer. If you want a simple yet effective golf grip training aid, then this is the one you should buy.
2. SKLZ Golf Tempo & Grip Trainer
If you’re specifically looking to improve tempo alongside a developing consistent grip, you’ll want to head for the SKLZ Tempo & Grip training aid.
SKLZ use their own branded grip trainer (similar to the one above), but the package comes inclusive of a tempo trainer too.
Like the Links trainer above, you’ll be able to use this indoors or outdoors, and it promotes the correct grip consistently to a point where you develop muscle memory.
You’ll get two weight adjustments which simulates the difference between your wood and irons, so you’re developing both consistent grip and tempo across your whole game.
3. Grip & Wrist Trainer
If you plan to buy just one grip trainer for golf, make it #1 on our list; it’s as simple as that.
If you want to amplify your golf grip training to see consistent results every shot, then wrist positioning needs to be looked at.
Without proper wrist training and muscle memory, your hard work on using your grip trainer is kinda’, well, undone.
A fixed wrist position trainer like this one forces you to implement proper technique, being correct wrist hinge during backswing, and positioning for a powerful lag as you enter the downswing.
Whether you’re a beginner, mid handicapper, junior or senior, you need to be promoting the correct wrist position to ensure your golf grip trainer makes a difference.
The correct golf grip: in super simple terms (and/or) CRAZY detail
Shawn Clement has long been one of our favorite golf instructors. And one of the main reasons for that is his way of equating golf instruction (be that positions, or feels) with everyday tasks that we’re already familiar with.
In this video Shawn demonstrates how a proper golf grip isn’t as complex as you might think from reading a written description, or looking at a static image in a book. In fact, getting your left hand in the correct position on the grip is as simple as doing what you might do to pick up a suitcase…
We like Shawn’s approach. It’s easy to understand. And it works.
But if you’re someone who likes really digging into detail, then this video from Clay Ballard covers literally everything you need to know about how to grip a golf club correctly.
So whether you prefer simple feels, or want step-by-step instruction on exactly what to do with your hands, the above videos should have you covered.
What grip strength should you choose?
You’re probably already aware, but just in case you’re not, grip strength doesn’t refer to how tightly you hold the club. It mainly refers to how turned your lead hand is on the grip. Right hand also plays a role, but with a good grip (see the grip trainers below), its position is going to be dictated by the position of your lead hand.
Weak grip: your lead hand (left for most golfers) will be turned towards the right. The ‘V’ formed by your thumb and forefinger will point more towards your lead (again left for most golfers) shoulder.
Neutral grip: your lead hand will be more towards the center of the shaft, with the ‘V’ pointing towards your chest.
Strong grip: your lead hand will be turned under and to the right of the shaft, with the ‘V’ pointing towards your trail (right for most golfers) shoulder.
So which should you choose?
Well, Hogan said weak. But he fought a hook in his early career, and was always scared of ‘the big miss’ so his weak grip was partly a compensation.
Most pros go neutral, verging towards strong.
And Shawn Clement makes a good argument for strong in this video.
(By the way, if you like Shawn’s videos, check out his membership site Wisdom in Golf).
For most amateur golfers, who have trouble with the right side of the course, we agree with Shawn. A strong grip is going to help you turn the club over and help to eliminate (or at least control) your slice.
But really, grip strength is something you should experiment with to see which position gives you the best results. Ball flight is the only thing that matters at the end of the day.
And if, like Hogan, your miss is a hook, then a weaker grip might be the best fit for you.
Overlap vs Interlink vs Baseball
In layman’s terms… how should you connect (or when it comes to the baseball grip, not connect) your hands.
My opinion?
This is going to come down to personal preference and is not something you should sweat over too much.
Generally, you’ll want to go overlap (the grip taught by Hogan in 5 Lessons) or interlink (Jack Nicklaus’s modification on Hogan’s grip). But if you prefer a baseball grip and it works for you, then don’t fret it too much. You won’t see a ten-finger grip too often on the tour, but there are a few exceptions, and even some winners.
Here’s another video from Clay Ballard where he discusses the three styles and what impact they might have on your swing.
And if you want to know… I’m an interlinker.
In Summary: you CAN improve your golf grip!
Just like me, you’re probably a passionate amateur golfer. And just like me, you can improve your golf grip to add consistency to your game.
Whilst fundamentals are in play here, remember there is no right or wrong answer. As we’ve mentioned above, you won’t see a ten-finger grip too often on the tour, but it does happen. Start with fundamentals to give yourself a solid foundation. Then use trial, error and your time grip training to find exactly what works for you as a player.
To recap, if you want to start grip training right now with just one video, head for Shawn’s video covering knife grip. And if you want to invest a few bucks and buy a golf grip trainer? We’d recommend the Links Golf training aid.
