Photo by Benny Hassum on Unsplash The PGA Championship is the second major of the calendar year, typically played in May. Organized by the PGA of America (distinct from the PGA Tour), it carries full major championship weight and a rich history that includes some of the sport's most dramatic finishes. Here's a complete guide to what the PGA Championship rewards, who historically performs best, and what to expect in upcoming editions. The PGA Championship's Unique Identity Among the four major championships, the PGA Championship is sometimes unfairly dismissed as the "fourth" major — the one that follows the Masters, US Open, and Open Championship in prestige. This is an undeserved reputation. The PGA Championship has produced some of the sport's greatest moments and is played at world-class venues on a rotating basis. What makes it distinct is its field composition: unlike the other majors, the PGA Championship traditionally includes the top 20 players from t...
The golf grip is the only point of contact between you and the club — everything that happens in your swing flows from it. Yet grip is one of the most misunderstood fundamentals in the game. There are three main grip styles, each with different benefits, and choosing the right one can have a meaningful impact on consistency and feel. Here at The Birdie Putt, we break down all three so you can find the grip that suits your hands and game.
The Vardon Overlap Grip
Named after legendary golfer Harry Vardon, the overlap grip is the most widely used in golf. The little finger of the trail hand (right hand for right-handers) sits in the groove between the index and middle fingers of the lead hand. The hands work closely together as a single unit, which promotes consistent clubface control through impact.
The Vardon grip suits golfers with medium to large hands and is the default teaching grip for most golf instructors. It's a natural starting point for beginners and the grip used by more professional golfers than any other style. If you've just started learning, this is where to begin.
The Interlocking Grip
In the interlocking grip, the little finger of the trail hand physically interlocks with the index finger of the lead hand, creating a more connected feel between the hands. Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus both used the interlocking grip throughout their careers — significant endorsements for its effectiveness.
The interlock is particularly well-suited to golfers with smaller hands or shorter fingers, where the overlap creates too much separation between the hands. Golfers who have always felt the Vardon grip to be unstable often find the interlock provides more security and a better sense of the two hands working together. Some golfers experience finger discomfort at the interlock point during extended play — if this happens, the overlap is the fix.
The Ten-Finger (Baseball) Grip
All ten fingers are on the club with no overlap or interlock — essentially the same way you'd hold a baseball bat. It sounds like the beginner option, but it's a legitimate choice for certain players. Golfers with arthritis, smaller hands, or grip strength issues often find the ten-finger grip far more comfortable and just as effective.
The potential downside: the hands have more independence in the ten-finger grip and can work against each other if technique isn't consistent. More disciplined hand synchronization is required. Experienced golfers who switch to the ten-finger grip for comfort reasons generally adapt without major issues; complete beginners should probably start with the Vardon first.
Strong, Neutral, and Weak Grip Positions
Beyond the connection style, grip strength (the rotational position of the hands) dramatically affects ball flight. A strong grip (hands rotated clockwise on the club for right-handers) closes the clubface at impact and promotes a draw or hook. A weak grip (hands rotated counter-clockwise) opens the face and promotes a fade or slice. A neutral grip produces a straighter ball flight for golfers with good path mechanics.
Most teachers recommend a neutral to slightly strong grip for beginners — strong enough to prevent an open face through impact but not so strong as to cause over-closing. As you develop, the ball flight your grip produces will tell you whether to strengthen or weaken your position.
Grip Pressure: The Most Overlooked Factor
Regardless of which grip style you choose, grip pressure should be consistent and light — roughly 4–5 on a scale of 1–10. Tightening the grip kills wrist hinge, reduces clubhead speed, and transfers tension through the arms into the shoulders. A relaxed grip allows the wrists to hinge naturally and releases energy efficiently through the ball. Check your grip pressure at the top of your backswing — if your knuckles are white, you're gripping too hard.
Try all three styles during a practice session and choose the one that feels most natural with a secure, consistent connection. Most golfers know within a few minutes which style works for their hands.
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