TECHNIK · GRIP

Grip Variations — Vardon, Interlock, Baseball in Senior Comparison.

Three classic grip variations compete in senior golf: Vardon (Overlap), Interlock, and Baseball (10-Finger). Which variation suits which senior type? What biomechanics really says—beyond tradition.

II switched from a Vardon grip to an interlocking grip at 65 after 40 years. Reason: my left hand developed arthritis, and the Vardon grip became painful. The interlocking grip relieved pressure on my left hand, and my score remained stable. Lesson: a grip is not a tradition but a biomechanical adaptation to the reality of your hands.

Three grip variations have become established in golf: Vardon (overlap, right pinky over left index finger), Interlock (right pinky between left index and middle finger), Baseball (all 10 fingers on the club). In senior age, tradition doesn't play the main role—rather hand size, joint mobility, and pain avoidance do.

Three grip variants in the senior comparison

Variant 1 — Vardon (Overlap)

✓ CLASSIC, BIG HANDS.

The Vardon grip is the traditional tour grip (Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy). Advantage: consistent hand movement. Disadvantage: puts more strain on the left hand. Optimal in senior years with healthy hands – often problematic with arthritis.

Variant 2 - Interlock

✓ SMALL HANDS, ARTHRITIS-FRIENDLY.

Interlock (Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods at times) interlocks the right and left hand. Advantage: strong hand-together play, good for small hands. In senior years with beginning arthritis, often the less painful option.

Variant 3 — Baseball (10-Finger)

✓ STRONG HAND PARTICIPATION.

The baseball grip (all 10 fingers on the bat) is often stigmatized as a beginner's grip—but it works very well for senior players with weak grip strength. Maximum hand pressure, simple feel. Score-neutral in comparison.

30 %

Senior golfers change their grip after the age of 60, mostly due to arthritis or grip strength.

MyTPI Senior Hand & Grip Analysis 2024

Grip changes are normal and often necessary in old age – not a taboo.

Three tips for choosing your senior grip

Tip 1 — Honestly assess your hand

✓ ARTHRITIS? PAIN?

Clarifying Hand Status Before Grip Decision: Pain When Gripping? Arthrosis Symptoms? Reduced Grip Strength? These Factors Decide, Not Tradition. With Arthrosis, Interlock Often Better, With Reduced Grip Strength, Baseball.

Tip 2 – Check grip strength

Thumb - Left vs. Right.

Grip strength (strong/neutral/weak) is just as important as grip variant. Senior players often benefit from a slightly stronger grip (V-shape between thumb and index finger points to the right shoulder).

Tip 3 - Have the grip size adjusted

✓ JUMBO GRIP FOR ARTHRITIS.

For osteoarthritis or reduced hand function: Jumbo grips (larger diameter) reduce the hand strength required to grip the club. Have them re-gripped by a PGA pro or at a pro shop—30–50 € per club.

There's no single right grip. There's the right grip for your hand size, your strength, and your joint health. Especially after 60, biomechanics trump tradition.

— Dr. Greg Rose, Co-founder Titleist Performance Institute

Three principles for grip decisions from age 60.

Biomechanics beats tradition

The Vardon Grip is not the „correct” grip. It's a grip—with pros and cons for different hands.

Diagnose hand status first

Pain, grip strength, mobility. These are the deciding factors, not the Tour trend.

Include equipment with grip

Grip size (standard, midsize, jumbo) and wrap thickness are part of the grip decision. Custom fitting is normal in senior age.

On this page

ON THIS PAGE

01 Three Grip Variations Compared

02 Three tips for choosing

03 What grip cannot replace

Mathias Struwe

PUBLISHER · HCP 31 · 68 YRS.

30 %

Senior golfers change their grip after 60.

REFERENCE

Lamontagne et al. (2021): Senior Golf Biomechanics. MyTPI (2020): The Golf Body. Rose, G. & Phillips, D. (2018): The Golf Body. Trackman Performance Database 2024. PGA Tour Stats 2014–2024.

What the grip choice doesn't replace

The right grip is a necessary prerequisite—but it doesn't replace setup discipline or swing mechanics. Senior golfers with a perfect grip but incorrect swing sequence are falling short of their potential. Grip is the foundation—the entire game is built upon it.

THREE FIRST STEPS

How to Find the Right Grip in 30 Days

Diagnose Hand Condition

With the PGA Pro or Orthopedic Surgeon: Hand mobility, grip strength, pain. A status report is the basis for the grip decision.

Test three variants

On the driving range: 10 balls with Vardon grip, 10 with interlock grip, 10 with baseball grip. Compare strike quality and hand comfort. Decide based on data.

Have the grip size adjusted

If the standard grip doesn't fit: Have your grip rewrapped with a midsize or jumbo grip at the Pro Shop. 30–50 € per club — lasting comfort.