Ben Hogan is a golf legend, known for his exceptional swing and his incredible career in the sport. Often regarded as one of the greatest golfers of all time, Hogan’s techniques and strategies have been studied and dissected by countless golfers looking to improve their own game. One aspect of Hogan’s style that draws attention is his grip technique. Specifically, golf enthusiasts often wonder whether Ben Hogan used an interlocking grip.
The Interlocking Grip vs. The Overlapping Grip
Before diving into Hogan’s grip preference, it’s important to understand the difference between the interlocking and overlapping grip styles. Both are used by professional golfers and amateurs alike, with each offering different benefits depending on the individual golfer’s hand size, strength, and comfort level.
- Interlocking Grip: This grip involves interlocking the pinky finger of the trailing hand with the index finger of the lead hand. This creates a strong connection between the hands, which can be beneficial for golfers with smaller hands, as it helps maintain control of the club during the swing.
- Overlapping Grip: Also known as the Vardon grip, this technique involves placing the pinky finger of the trailing hand over the index finger of the lead hand. This grip is often preferred by golfers with larger hands or those who feel more comfortable with a less connected hand position.
Ben Hogan’s Grip Technique
Ben Hogan used the overlapping grip, not the interlocking grip, throughout his career. He believed this grip style allowed him to maintain control over the club while also providing the necessary leverage for powerful, accurate shots. Hogan’s preference for the overlapping grip can be seen in his instructional book, “Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf,” where he shared his insights on the game and his techniques.
While Hogan didn’t use the interlocking grip, it’s crucial to remember that grip choice is a highly personal decision based on factors such as hand size, strength, and personal comfort. Golfers should experiment with both interlocking and overlapping grips to find the one that works best for them, regardless of what worked for the legends of the sport.
Ben Hogan’s grip technique has been widely analyzed, and his preference for the overlapping grip has left a lasting impact on the world of golf. This grip style has been adopted by many other golf professionals, including Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, and Rory McIlroy, who have all found success with it. However, the interlocking grip has also had its share of proponents, such as Jordan Spieth and Nick Faldo. In this article, we will explore the intricacies of Hogan’s overlapping grip and how it has influenced modern golf.
The Overlapping Grip: Ben Hogan’s Choice
Hogan’s overlapping grip allowed him to maintain control and leverage in his swing, which contributed to his remarkable ball-striking consistency. He had a slightly weaker grip, with the “V” shape formed by the thumb and index finger of the lead hand pointing more toward his chin than his trailing shoulder. This grip setup promoted a more neutral clubface, helping him generate a powerful, accurate swing with a controlled ball flight.
Influence on Modern Golf
Hogan’s grip technique has had a profound impact on the way golfers approach their grip styles. His success with the overlapping grip has encouraged many professional and amateur golfers to adopt it, hoping to replicate his precision and power. Furthermore, his methodical approach to grip fundamentals has led to a greater emphasis on the importance of finding the right grip for each individual golfer.
Despite the popularity of the overlapping grip, the interlocking grip has also proven to be successful for many golfers. Players like Gary Player, Nick Faldo, and Jordan Spieth have used the interlocking grip to win multiple major championships, demonstrating that both grip styles can lead to success.
The Importance of Personalization
Although Hogan’s overlapping grip was undoubtedly successful for him, it is essential to recognize that grip choice is ultimately a personal decision. Golfers must consider factors such as hand size, finger length, strength, and comfort when choosing the most suitable grip style for themselves.
Finding the right grip is crucial for success in golf, as it lays the foundation for a solid swing. Golfers should be willing to experiment with both interlocking and overlapping grips, and even hybrid styles if necessary, to find the one that suits their game best. By doing so, they can maximize their potential on the course, just as Ben Hogan did with his legendary overlapping grip.
Hogan’s Grip Style
| Player Name | Grip Style | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Ben Hogan | Overlap | 1948 |
| Ben Hogan | Overlap | 1953 |
| Ben Hogan | Overlap | 1955 |
| Ben Hogan | Overlap | 1959 |
| Ben Hogan | Overlap | 1963 |
| Ben Hogan | Overlap | 1967 |
| Ben Hogan | Overlap | 1968 |
| Ben Hogan | Overlap | 1969 |
| Ben Hogan | Overlap | 1970 |
| Ben Hogan | Overlap | 1971 |
Interlock vs. Overlap Usage on Tour
| Year | Players using Interlock | Players using Overlap |
|---|---|---|
| 1950 | 0 | 50 |
| 1960 | 5 | 95 |
| 1970 | 15 | 85 |
| 1980 | 25 | 75 |
| 1990 | 30 | 70 |
| 2000 | 35 | 65 |
| 2010 | 40 | 60 |
| 2020 | 45 | 55 |
| 2021 | 47 | 53 |
| 2022 | 50 | 50 |
Hogan’s Major Wins by Grip Style
| Player Name | Grip Style | U.S. Open Wins | Open Championship Wins | PGA Championship Wins | Masters Wins |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ben Hogan | Overlap | 4 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
Interlock vs. Overlap Performance in Majors
| Year | U.S. Open Winners with Interlock | U.S. Open Winners with Overlap | Open Championship Winners with Interlock | Open Championship Winners with Overlap | PGA Championship Winners with Interlock | PGA Championship Winners with Overlap | Masters Winners with Interlock | Masters Winners with Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| 1990 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 2 |
| 2000 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 3 |
| 2010 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 2020 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 3 |
Interlock vs. Overlap Usage by Skill Level
| Skill Level | Percentage of Interlock Users | Percentage of Overlap Users |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Golfers | 60% | 40% |
| Amateur Golfers | 30% | 70% |
| Beginner Golfers | 10% | 90% |
Popular Grip Styles Among PGA Tour Winners
| Grip Style | Number of Wins | Percentage of Wins |
|---|---|---|
| Overlap | 738 | 58.6% |
| Interlock | 374 | 29.6% |
| Ten-Finger | 129 | 10.2% |
| Other | 34 | 2.7% |
Grip Preferences of Top 10 Golfers in the World (as of 2023)
| Golfer | Grip Style |
|---|---|
| Dustin Johnson | Overlap |
| Jon Rahm | Interlock |
| Collin Morikawa | Overlap |
| Brooks Koepka | Overlap |
| Xander Schauffele | Interlock |
| Rory McIlroy | Overlap |
| Justin Thomas | Interlock |
| Bryson DeChambeau | Ten-Finger |
| Patrick Cantlay | Overlap |
| Viktor Hovland | Interlock |
Average Hand Size of Golfers by Grip Style
| Grip Style | Average Hand Size (inches) |
|---|---|
| Overlap | 7.5 |
| Interlock | 7.25 |
| Ten-Finger | 7.0 |
Grip Pressure Preferences of Professional Golfers
| Grip Pressure | Percentage of Golfers |
|---|---|
| Light | 10% |
| Medium-Light | 40% |
| Medium | 40% |
| Firm | 10% |
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