In my opinion, the grip is the most important fundamental of the golf swing.  Ben Hogan once said, "Good golf shots begin with a good grip."  Bobby Jones stated " a correct grip is a fundamental necessity in the golf swing."  The grip serves as the only connection between you and the golf club.  Therefore, your grip must blend the proper amount of control, freedom, and flexibility.  
 
There are three types of grips to choose from, based on personal choice, performance, and feel:
 
1. The Vardon overlap grip (Fig 1) is used by a majority of good players.  I recommend this grip for golfers with long fingers and big hands.  This grip tends to promote soft feel and encourages the hands to work as one unit with some flexibility.  The little finger of the right hand (left hand for lefties) rests in the ridge between the forefinger and the middle finger of the left hand (right hand for lefties).

 
2. The interlock grip (Fig 2) used by many great players such as Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus, tends to keep the hands more secure and unified during the swing.  This grip is also used by golfers with small fingers and hands.  I recommend this grip for players who tend to separate their hands from the club or use too much hand action during the swing.  The little finger of the right hand (left hand for lefties) is entwined or "interlocked" with the forefinger of the left hand (right hand for lefties).

3. The ten finger or more commonly referred to as the Baseball grip (Fig3) is often recommended to young golfers and older golfers who have trouble generating club head speed.  All ten fingers wrap separately but together around the handle of the club.

 
Positioning your hands on the club correctly is very important in producing good golf shots.  Establish your grip by placing your left hand on the club.  The grip of the club should fit diagonally in your hand over the first joint of the forefinger and under the heel pad (Fig 4).  The fingers wrap around the shaft and the thumb will rest on top and slightly to the right of center.  The "V" that is formed between your left thumb and forefinger should be fairly narrow and pointing up to a point between your chin and right ear.  One to two knuckles should be visible on the back of your left hand.

In placing your right hand on the club, wrap the two middle fingers around the club (Fig 5) and the club will rest just to the left of the knuckle line.  Your left thumb will fit into the life line of the right palm.  Done properly, the hands will fit together like two pieces of a puzzle.  The right thumb should rest down the left side of the grip.  When you wrap your forefinger of the right hand, create a slight "trigger" by separating it from your middle finger.

Grip pressure is very important in hitting solid golf shots.  The correct amount of grip pressure allows you to feel the club head, allowing the hands to work together as one unit in harmony with the club head.  Your grip should be light enough to feel the hinging of the wrists and release of the club head, and firm enough to maintain control of the club, not allowing the club to twist or turn in the hands.
 
There are many different variations of the three grips and their features.  Tip submitted by Bob Bellesi, PGA Director of Instruction.  Check with any one of the instructors at the Del Mar Golf Center to see how these ideas can apply to you and your golf swing.