To the untrained or beginner golfer, there is no apparent difference between driver grip vs iron grip. However, for the seasoned golfer, each club necessitates a different approach, particularly in the grip, to maximize performance.
The differences come down to how to implement these grips based on club head speed, length of the club, posture, and hand orientation. In this article, we will dive into the details of the driver grip and iron grip, highlighting their characteristics, differences, and optimal uses.
Table of Contents
- What is the main difference between a driver grip vs iron grip?
- Similarities Between Driver Grip and Iron Grip
- Key Differences Between Driver Grip and Iron Grip
- Iron Grip vs Driver Grip: Which is Better for What?
- Concluding Driver Grip vs Iron Grip: Which one is better?
- Can I use the same grip for both the driver and irons?
- How does grip pressure differ between the driver and iron grip?
- Why do I need a different grip for the driver and the irons?
- What are some common grip styles I can use for both the driver and irons?
- How does the grip impact ball flight in golf?
- What grip is best for holding a driver?
- How hard should you grip a driver?
- How should I grip my irons?
What is the main difference between a driver grip vs iron grip?

The main difference lies in the grip’s purpose and hand placement. A driver grip aims to facilitate power and speed for maximum distance, with the hands positioned lower on the handle. Whereas, an iron grip emphasizes control and accuracy, with the hands placed slightly higher on the handle for better control.
Here is a complete guide on driver grip and iron grip similarities and differences. Also, I have shared a guide on how to adjust these grips according to your desired shots. So, dive right in for more.
What is a Driver Grip?
So, let’s start this article with the driver grip. The good thing about driver grip is that it can be changed according to the move you are going for. All you need to do is adjust the swing based on how you are going to hit the ball.
And all the credit for this goes to the length. Drivers are considerably longer than any other piece of the club in your golf set, which is why you can set it for hooks and slices. This is something missing in irons.
Hence, it would be safe to say that you can get a weak, medium, and soft grip with a driver by twisting in whatever direction (right or left) you want. Practicing with a driver can help you with accuracy and control over time, even with other clubs in your set.
If you are still starting out with drivers and don’t know how to get a grip on it, don’t worry. Here is how you can use different grips with a driver.
- You can adjust the grip for a weak or strong grip if the shots are getting either left or right.
- You can get the right direction for the shots by changing the grip of your driver.
- A weak grip with a driver can help you avoid hooks.
- A strong grip with a driver can help you avoid slicing.
What is Iron Grip?
Unlike driver grips, iron grips are always the same. They can’t be adjusted and are designed to be used at a straight angle. If you get any twist from this setup, this would only be from your hand and not from the iron, which is why they can’t be used for slicing or hooking.
So, the most common way you can handle an iron is through a neutral grip. So, what is a neutral grip? In simple words, it is when your hands are aligned in a straight position, with your hands toward your shoulders and your palms facing each other (making a V).
This is the most comfortable way you can use the iron, partly because it promotes balance and accuracy. This grip also helps you have more power over the shots, as the arms and shoulders are free to move. The key to the right iron grip is your wrist and shoulder alignment.
Similarities Between Driver Grip and Iron Grip
The way you handle the driver and iron while playing golf is pretty similar. And the only apparent thing different is the placement of hands and the club. So, before we dive right into the differences, let us discuss the three types of grips that are the same for both driver and iron grip.
3 Types of Grips that are Similar for Driver and Iron Grip

1. Overlapping Grip
Overlapping grip is when you place your left hand on the club and the right hand just below it.
2. Baseball Grip
A baseball grip is when you grip the club as though you are carrying a baseball bat.
3. Interlocking Grip
An interlocking grip is when you have an overlapping grip but with the dominant pinky overlocked under the pointer finger.
Note: The change in hand positioning is different for these three grips, for the club and driver. Yet, the adjustments come naturally to golfers, and they are pretty easy.
Key Differences Between Driver Grip and Iron Grip
The only apparent difference between the driver and iron grip is how you are using these clubs to your benefit. In the end, it all comes down to our hand’s position and the length of the club.
Here are some key differences you will find between a driver grip and an iron grip.

1. Hands in Vertical Position on Club
People have different ways of holding golf clubs. Some people tend to utilize the top of the club, while others prefer a little lower. Here, the vertical position of the hands on the golf club is different for both the drivers’ and irons’ grip.
When it comes to drivers, there are more reasons as to why it is easy to choke up. This is partly because the grip affects how the driver performs. So, while you are handling a driver, your hands should be at the top of the club in a vertical position.
This will give you the maximum advantage over the driver in terms of covering the distance. Hence, it is also easier for you to hit the ball straight.
With irons, it is a bit different. Players are expected to hold the iron a little down than usual to get more control and generate power over the shot. This will help the players in placing the shot correctly.
2. Pressure of the Grip
If you are a beginner, I can bet on the fact that you often confuse grip pressure with power when it comes to swings. And the only thing to figure this out is to know how you feel holding the club. If it feels like you are squeezing it too hard, this is not the right pressure.
It is quite the opposite. You need to feel comfortable with the grip. One more thing, the grip pressure remains the same throughout the game.
Now, whether you are using the driver or iron, you will be changing the pressure as you swing. And the principle of change is also the same with both these clubs. The only difference is how you are holding it, and not with how much pressure you are holding it.
When it comes to drivers, it can be really hard to get the right grip. Because of the length, golfers feel that squeezing it too hard will provide them with distance. However, it is not true, and only power can determine the distance of the shot. So, the key to getting the right grip is to handle the driver lightly.
As an entry level golfer, you may also want to know are PXG clubs good for beginners
3. Choice of the Grip
With both drivers and irons, you can get the three most basic grips in the game, including interlock, overlap, and the ten-finger grip. Hence, it is ideal for players to choose the right between these three based on their game and the size of the hand. That said, the placement of each grip is different for the driver and iron.
The good thing, however, is that the change in these grip styles for multiple clubs is easier than it seems. Partly, it all comes down to how your hands are placed on the grip, so the adjustments are pretty basic.
4. Position of Left Hand
Another most apparent difference between a driver’s and an iron’s grip is the position of your left hand. In the initial years, most golfers do not have the skill to release the ball straight, especially with slicing.
Hence, given its length, a driver is not the most suitable option for golfers who are struggling with control. So what they do is they change their swing and change the position of their left hand to get a straight shot.
So, let’s start with how you can hook the ball with a driver. The basic logic is that while you are using a driver for slicing, you need a weaker grip. And it is done by keeping your left hand on the left side of your thumb to the top of the grip. Likewise, a weaker grip means better impact with an open clubface.
In contrast, if you are a golfer who likes to slice the ball, you need to position the left hand towards the right of the club. This will help you in turning over the driver and get the desired impact position.
Secondly, when it comes to golf irons, using them for straight shots is pretty easy. So, if you apply the same rule of grip with the iron, you may get a really far distance. However, with this, the ball may get far too left. Hence, golfers tend to adjust their hands at the moment while switching from the driver to the iron.
Note: You may have to practice this with the iron, or else it will make your shots inconsistent.
Iron Grip vs Driver Grip: Which is Better for What?
Which grip is best for drivers?
A neutral grip always works best for drivers. This allows them to get enough control and power to hit the ball straighter and to a considerable distance. However, if you feel like you are experiencing ball velocity and club head speed, try a stronger grip with an iron. This will provide you with an open clubface impact.
Note: There is no one-size-fits-all. So, if you have been playing for a long time and have figured out an alternative method that is working for you, it is just okay.
Which grip is best for irons?
Like the driver, I would advise you to use a neutral grip for iron. This will help you reduce the chances of countering hooks or slices, which is usually not an issue with the driver’s grip. However, with this, it is ideal that you tighten the grip and twist it anti-clockwise, closer to the clubface. This will help you with speed and forgiveness.
On the contrary, if you want to hit fades with the iron, it is advised that you try out a weak grip and move it a little left to your hand by rotating it clockwise. Make sure not to rotate it too much, or else it can result in slices or hooks.
For Fading
Fading is quite the opposite of drawing. A fade always requires a weaker grip that helps you with a straight swing. With this, you will also notice a slice across the ball in the left trajectory. All in all, it demands practice and skill to master the art of fading.
For Drawing
If you intend to hit a draw with your club, it is ideal that you try a stronger grip. This helps golfers with a fast clubface impact. However, it is important to maintain a balance and not squeeze the grip too hard, as it can easily result in a snap hook.
Concluding Driver Grip vs Iron Grip: Which one is better?
Gripping a driver or iron doesn’t come naturally to golfers, and it requires a lot of patience and practice. Are you in the starting days of your game and don’t know how to grip your drivers or iron? Well, let me tell you, both these clubs use the same grip.
However, the way they are handled is different and comes down to things like your posture, adjustments, swing direction, and clubhead speed. Finally, I hope you have figured out what are the differences between driver grip and iron grip and which one works best for your requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the same grip for both the driver and irons?
While you can use the same grip, it’s typically advantageous to adjust your grip depending on the club you’re using. This is because each club is designed for different uses and requires a distinct approach to maximize its performance.
How does grip pressure differ between the driver and iron grip?
In a driver grip, the pressure tends to be light to moderate, allowing the wrists to hinge freely to generate more speed. In an iron grip, the pressure is firmer, providing better control over the clubface for accurate shots.
Why do I need a different grip for the driver and the irons?
Each club in golf has a specific purpose and requires a tailored approach. The driver is designed for distance and thus requires a grip that promotes a wide, powerful swing. In contrast, irons are designed for precision and control, demanding a grip that aids in maintaining a square clubface through the downswing and impact.
What are some common grip styles I can use for both the driver and irons?
The three most common grip styles are the interlocking, overlapping, and baseball (or ten-finger) grip. The interlocking grip helps secure the hands together, the overlapping grip promotes wrist flexibility, and the baseball grip provides a straightforward, simple grip style.
How does the grip impact ball flight in golf?
Your grip significantly affects your swing path and consequently, the ball flight. A strong grip can close the clubface and create a draw, while a weak grip can leave the clubface open, causing a fade.
What grip is best for holding a driver?
A neutral grip is a great way to ensure control and power for a consistent golf shot. It can also be adjusted according to your swing direction.
How hard should you grip a driver?
You should never grip your driver too hard. The pressure on the grip but neither too light nor too hard for you to feel overwhelmed. The only way to figure this out is to hold it firm enough that it feels comfortable.
How should I grip my irons?
There is no one size for all golfers, and it all comes down to what you feel comfortable with. That said, a neutral grip works best for golf irons. This is because it reduces the chances of hooks and slices.

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