Brooks Koepka Grip

Pros and Cons of Every Golf Grip Style

Best Grip? Overlapping vs Interlocking

Grip style: Interlocking

Hand position: strong

Putting grip style / hand position: Reverse overlap / neutral

Strong and stronger. That’s Brooks Koepka’s grip in a nutshell.

Brooks who, you ask? Sorry, forgot the introduction. As of January 2015, Koepka (pronounced KEP-ka) is still a relative unknown among golf fans. That doesn’t figure to last, though, as the powerful Florida State alum is considered one of golf’s most promising young players.

Now, on to that grip. With his left hand, Koepka displays a mildly strong position – turned just far enough to his right so that the “V” between thumb and index finger aligns approximately with his right collarbone when addressing the driver.

His right hand, however, is in a considerably stronger spot. The “V” points straight up the right arm while the back of his hand aligns with the wrist; little or no “cupping” is visible.

Koepka relies on this grip to pound drives averaging well over 300 yards. He doesn’t hold back, either, telling Golf Digest, “The harder I swing, the straighter it goes.” Must be nice.

While his putting isn’t quite at the level of his long game, it’s not bad, either. Brooks Koepka’s grip with his classic, blade-style putter is beautifully relaxed. His right index finger is extended, rather than curled around the handle, with virtually no tension in his arms. He stands quite close to the ball, putting his eyes directly over the line. This is a good thing. Putting instructors teach students to align the eyes either directly above or slightly inside the ball.

Update:

Brooks Koepka, a professional golfer and multiple major championship winner, utilizes a grip that is commonly referred to as the “strong grip.” This grip is known for promoting a powerful release and generating a lot of clubhead speed. Here's how you can adopt a similar grip:

Begin by placing your lead hand (left hand for right-handed golfers, right hand for left-handed golfers) on the club. Position the grip diagonally across the base of your fingers, so it runs from the heel pad of your hand, across the base of your fingers, and toward the first joint of your index finger.
Make sure that your lead hand's “V” formed by the thumb and index finger points more toward your trail shoulder (right shoulder for right-handed golfers, left shoulder for left-handed golfers) or even slightly behind it.
Once your lead hand is in position, wrap your trail hand (right hand for right-handed golfers, left hand for left-handed golfers) around the grip so that the pinky finger rests directly on top of the lead hand's index finger.
Make sure that the trail hand's palm is facing more toward the target, giving it a strong grip appearance.
Maintain a relaxed grip pressure, avoiding excessive tension in your hands and wrists.

It's worth noting that the strong grip, like any grip, may not suit everyone's swing style or feel comfortable for all golfers. Experimenting with different grip variations and finding what works best for you is essential. Working with a golf instructor or professional can provide personalized guidance to help you find the optimal grip for your game.

Player Profile

Golf Grip Terms

Note: All descriptions are for right-handed golfers.

Vardon / Overlapping Grip: Method of holding the club by placing the right pinky finger on top of the crease between the left index and middle fingers. Named for British golf legend Harry Vardon.

Interlocking Grip: Method of holding the club by wedging or locking the right pinky finger between the left index and middle fingers.

Neutral: Position in which the hands are directly aligned with the clubface. The golfer with a neutral grip can typically see two full knuckles on the back of the left hand when addressing the ball.

Weak: Position in which the hands are rotated left (toward the target) on the club’s handle. The golfer with a weak grip can typically see one full knuckle on the back of the left hand when addressing the ball.

Strong: Position in which the hands are rotated right (away from the target) on the club’s handle. The golfer with a strong grip can typically see more than two full knuckles on the back of the left hand when addressing the ball.

Reverse Overlap Putting Grip: Conventional putting grip style with the left hand above the right and the left index finger extending downward, on top of the fingers of the right hand.

Cross-Handed / Left Hand Low Putting Grip: The right hand is placed at the top of the handle, above the left hand, the opposite of a conventional grip.

Claw Putting Grip: The left hand is placed in the conventional position, at the top of the handle, with the right hand lower on the handle and holding the club between the thumb (on the grip’s underside) and fingers.