Quick answer
Start with both hands close together on the handle. For a right-handed golfer, the left hand goes above the right; for a left-handed golfer, reverse them. A simple 10-finger grip is a good starting point for many small hands. Keep the hold secure without squeezing, then let your child try a few swings.
Grip should make the first swing feel easier
When the club feels awkward in little hands, even getting ready to swing can be frustrating. Help your child find a comfortable hold, then keep the first few swings simple.
The grip is where that first feeling starts. The PGA of America grip guide explains that hand placement affects the clubface and wrist movement. For a parent helping a young beginner, the practical version is simpler: help your child put the same hands in the same place before each swing.
Keep it fun
Help your child hold the club comfortably, then let them try. You can work on the finer details as they learn.
A simple kids golf grip routine
Use the same short routine every time. Kids do better with one clear cue than a long lesson.
- Set the clubface first. Point the face toward the target before your child grabs the handle.
- Lead hand first. For a right-handed golfer, the left hand goes on first. For a left-handed golfer, the right hand goes on first.
- Trail hand second. Add the other hand below the lead hand so both hands sit close together.
- Relax the thumbs. The thumbs can rest down the handle. Do not make your child squeeze just to make the grip look perfect.
- Check for control. The club should not slip, but the hands, elbows, and shoulders should not look locked.
Golf Digest's grip instruction also starts with the lead hand and emphasizes that the hands should work together. For kids, that means the hands should feel connected, not like two separate hands fighting over the club.
For many young kids, start with the 10-finger grip
The 10-finger grip, sometimes called a baseball-style grip, is often the simplest starting point for smaller hands. Every finger stays on the handle, the hands can sit close together, and your child doesn’t have to learn interlock or overlap before the first swing feels fun.
The PGA guide lists overlap, interlock, and 10-finger as common ways to connect the hands, and notes that the 10-finger method can help players with smaller hands who have difficulty with overlap or interlock. That makes it a practical first grip for many kids, not a rule every child has to keep forever.
Grip choices at a glance
Use this as a parent guide, not a hard rule. The grip that helps your child feel in control and keep swinging is usually the right starting point.
| Grip style | When it can fit | Parent note |
|---|---|---|
| 10-finger grip | Young beginners, smaller hands, and first swings. | Often the easiest place to start because every finger stays on the handle. |
| Interlock grip | Older kids whose hands can stay connected comfortably. | Try it later if the 10-finger grip starts feeling crowded or disconnected. |
| Overlap grip | Older kids with enough hand size and comfort to make it feel natural. | Do not rush it. A grip that looks adult but feels awkward will not help the first swings. |
For left-handed kids, mirror the setup
Most grip advice is written for right-handed golfers. Left-handed kids need the same idea in reverse. Put the right hand on first, then add the left hand below it. The thumbs, hand closeness, and relaxed pressure cues stay the same.
Do not force a left-handed child into a right-handed setup because it’s easier for the adult to explain. The U.S. Kids Golf fitting page includes swing side as part of junior club choice, which is a useful reminder that handedness is part of fit, not an afterthought.
What parents should watch for
You don’t need to diagnose a full swing. Watch the few things that decide whether the grip is helping or making the first swings harder.
- White knuckles: If your child is squeezing hard, soften the hold before the swing.
- Hands far apart: Bring the hands closer so they can move together.
- Handle buried in the palm: A handle deep in the palm can make the club harder to control. Golf Digest points players toward placing the club more in the fingers.
- Adult grip too soon: Interlock and overlap can wait until your child has the hand size and comfort to try them.
- Wrong-size equipment: If your child has to fight the club, check size and handedness before correcting the grip again.
The right grip is easier when the club fits
Grip advice can’t fix a club that’s too long, too heavy, or awkward for a child to hold. Before making a bigger correction, check whether your child can stand comfortably, hold the handle, and move the club without losing balance.
For a broader fit decision, use the Clubhouse guide to kids golf club size by age. If your child is still in the early play stage, compare a plastic golf set vs real kids golf club before asking for a real-club grip.
A little help for little hands
The Big Swing Driver's training grip gives your child a guide for where to place their hands. Choose the correct right- or left-handed version, show them once, and let them try. Keep any reminders short so there's more time for swinging.
How to teach grip without overcoaching
Give one cue at a time: "top hand first, bottom hand second." Then let your child swing. If the hands slip or spread apart, reset them calmly. If your child makes contact and smiles, the session is already doing its job.
For families still deciding when to start, the starting point is readiness, not a perfect hold. The guide to what age should a child start golf can help you decide whether your child is ready for supervised swings, short sessions, and simple safety directions.
FAQ
How should kids hold a golf club?
Start with the lead hand on the club first, add the trail hand second, keep the hands close together, and use a hold that feels controlled without squeezing. For many young beginners, a 10-finger grip is the simplest place to start.
Should kids use a 10-finger golf grip?
A 10-finger grip can be a good starting point for kids with smaller hands because every finger stays on the handle and the hands can stay close together. Older kids can try interlock or overlap later if those grips feel comfortable and connected.
Which hand goes on the golf club first for kids?
For a right-handed golfer, the left hand goes on first and the right hand is added second. For a left-handed golfer, mirror the setup: right hand first, then left hand.
How tight should a child hold a golf club?
The grip should be firm enough that the club doesn’t slip, but not so tight that the child's hands, arms, or shoulders look locked. If the knuckles turn white or the swing gets stiff, soften the hold.
Can a training grip help kids learn hand placement?
A training grip can help a child see and feel where the hands belong, but it should be treated as setup guidance, not a promise of a specific swing result.
How do I teach a toddler to hold a golf club?
Use one simple cue at a time. Put the lead hand on first, add the trail hand second, keep both hands close together, and let the toddler make a few short supervised swings before adding more instruction.
When should kids switch from 10-finger grip to interlock or overlap?
There is no fixed age. A child can try interlock or overlap when their hands are large enough, the grip feels comfortable, and the hands can stay connected without strain.
Does club size affect a child's grip?
Yes. A club that’s too long, heavy, or hard to hold can make good hand placement harder. Check height, handedness, and whether the child can control the club before worrying about advanced grip details.
