How to Grip a Putter
Few aspects of golf are more important than how you grip the putter, yet many amateurs overlook this crucial element of their putting stroke.
While driving the ball 300 yards might impress your friends, your proficiency on the greens ultimately determines your final score.
But the good news is finding the right putting grip can transform your performance on the greens almost overnight.
Whether you’re fighting the yips or simply seeking more consistency, understanding the various putting grip styles and their benefits is your first step toward dropping more putts and shooting lower scores.
In this article, we’ll explore the most effective ways to hold your putter and how you can quickly sink more putts.
Understanding Putter Grip Fundamentals
The foundation of a successful putting game lies in mastering the fundamentals of your putter grip.
A proper grip serves as the crucial connection point between your body and the club, ultimately determining the accuracy and consistency of your putts.
Think of your putter grip as the steering wheel of a precision instrument – it must feel natural and comfortable while providing the control needed for accurate direction and speed control.
The primary purpose of a well-executed putter grip is to create a stable platform that promotes a smooth, pendulum-like motion.
Unlike full swings, where power and wrist action play significant roles, putting requires minimal hand and wrist movement on shorter putts.
This controlled approach ensures greater consistency and reduces the likelihood of pulled or pushed putts caused by excessive hand action.
However, even the most precise read becomes meaningless if your grip prevents you from executing the intended stroke.
A proper grip should feel like a natural extension of your arms, allowing you to focus on the target rather than considering hand placement.
Choosing the Right Putter Grip Style
Various putter grips offer options, helping each golfer with its unique advantages and characteristics.
Here are the four most popular putting grips for golfers today and how to implement them on your next trip to the practice green.
Conventional Putting Grip
A conventional putting grip is where the right hand (for right-handed golfers) is placed below the left on the putter grip, with fingers wrapping around and the thumbs pointing straight down the shaft.
The left hand sits on top with all fingers wrapped around the grip.
This grip provides a good feel and control through the stroke while allowing the hands to work together as a unit. Most beginners start with this grip, which feels natural and mimics a regular full-swing grip on a golf club.
Reverse Overlap Putting Grip
The reverse overlap grip is the most popular choice among professional golfers. With this grip, the left index finger extends down the grip between the right hand’s pinky and ring fingers instead of wrapping around.
This “reverse” of the typical overlap creates more stability by linking the hands together. The grip helps minimize wrist action and promotes a pendulum-like stroke powered by the shoulders.
It provides an excellent feel while reducing the chances of the dominant hand taking over.
Claw Putting Grip
A modern grip style where the right hand is rotated to a more vertical position, resembling a claw shape. Instead of wrapping around the grip normally, the right palm faces the target with fingers running down the side of the grip.
This severely limits wrist action and hand manipulation through the stroke. Though it may feel awkward at first, the claw grip can help golfers who struggle with consistency or tend to get “handsy” with their putting stroke.
Cross-Handed (Left-Hand Low) Grip
Also known as “left-hand low,” this grip reverses the traditional hand positions by placing the left hand below the right on the grip. This setup helps square the shoulders and promotes a more natural pendulum motion.
The lower position of the lead hand helps prevent left wrist breaking and can improve consistency for players who struggle with pushing or pulling putts.
While unconventional, many PGA Tour professionals, including Jordan Spieth, have succeeded with this method.
Key Elements of a Successful Putter Grip
Certain fundamental elements remain crucial for success regardless of your grip style. The grip pressure should remain consistent throughout the stroke.
With it being firm enough to maintain control but light enough to preserve feel. Many instructors suggest a pressure level of 4-5 on a scale of 1-10, allowing for both control and sensitivity.
Positioning the left thumb (for right-handed golfers) is crucial in maintaining stability. It should rest comfortably on top of the putting grip, creating a stable platform for the stroke.
The left forearm and left wrist should maintain a slightly broken position, helping to prevent unwanted manipulation of the putter head through impact.
The right hand’s role varies depending on your grip style, but it should generally provide support while allowing the left hand to guide the stroke.
The index fingers should wrap naturally around the grip, maintaining consistent pressure without dominating the motion.
Tips for Optimizing Your Putting Grip
Developing an effective putting grip requires experimentation and practice. Start by trying different grip styles on the practice green, paying attention to how each affects your stroke’s consistency and feel.
Remember which methods provide the best results and feel when conventional grip feels most natural.
Focus mainly on your left thumb, forearm, and wrist positions, as these elements often determine the success of your stroke.
Practice maintaining these positions throughout the putting motion, ensuring they remain stable from start to finish.
Regular practice sessions dedicated to grip work will help develop muscle memory. Consider starting each practice session with a few minutes of grip-focused exercises, ensuring your hand positions and pressure remain consistent throughout.
Common Challenges and Solutions
One frequent challenge golfers face is finding the right grip pressure. Too tight a grip creates tension, reducing feel and causing pushed or pulled putts.
Conversely, too loose a grip can result in inconsistent contact and poor distance control. The solution lies in finding your sweet spot through systematic experimentation with many different pressure levels.
Another common issue involves excessive wrist and hand action during the stroke. This often stems from a grip that allows too much manipulation of the putter head.
If you’re struggling with this, consider trying the reverse overlap or claw grip styles. These styles naturally restrict the right elbow and wrist movement and promote a more pendulum swing-like motion.
Maintaining and Adjusting Your Putter Grip
Regular maintenance of your putting grip technique is essential for consistent performance. Schedule periodic check-ups of your conventional putting grip fundamentals through self-assessment or with a qualified instructor.
Pay attention to any subtle changes that may have crept into your technique over time.
Remember that as your game evolves, your optimal grip style may change. Stay open to making adjustments based on your performance and comfort level.
Many successful golfers have modified their golf putting grips throughout their careers, always seeking the perfect balance of control and consistency.
Working with a golf instructor can provide valuable feedback and instruction to help identify any grip-related issues before they become ingrained habits.
They can offer personalized advice based on your specific putting stroke and tendencies, helping you optimize your technique for maximum effectiveness on the greens.