Finding The Best Putting Grip For Your Game

← Golf Instruction & Improvement | Swing Mechanics & Fundamentals

BLOCKQUOTE_0

Quick Answer: What is the Best Putting Grip?

• The “best” putting grip is the one that feels most natural, stable, and repeatable for your swing.
• Don’t chase trends; focus on a grip that promotes a consistent, pendulum-like stroke and helps you make more putts.
• Experimentation is key – try different styles until you find your sweet spot.

Who This Putting Grip Guide Is For

• Golfers who are tired of inconsistent putting and want to shave strokes off their game.
• Players looking to build a solid foundation for their short game and improve their confidence on the greens.

What to Check First For Your Putting Grip

• Current Grip Pressure: Seriously, how tight are you holding that thing? Squeeze it like you’re holding a baby bird, not trying to crush a soda can. Too much pressure kills feel.
• Wrist Action: Watch your wrists during your practice strokes. Are they breaking down and flapping around independently? That’s a red flag for stroke consistency.
• Hand Placement: Where do your hands sit relative to each other on the grip? Are they too close together, too far apart, or in a position that feels awkward? This impacts your entire stroke.
• Overall Feel and Comfort: Does your current setup feel natural and relaxed, or are you forcing it? If it feels weird, it’s probably not the right grip for you.

Step-by-Step Plan for Finding Your Best Putting Grip

1. Dial Down the Grip Pressure.

• Action: Loosen your grip significantly. Imagine holding a delicate flower – you don’t want to bruise it. Your hands should feel relaxed, not tense.
• What to look for: A smooth, uninhibited pendulum motion in your arms and shoulders. You should feel the weight of the putter head.
• Mistake: Gripping the putter too tightly. This is the number one culprit for jerky strokes and loss of feel. It’s like trying to play guitar with boxing gloves on.

2. Explore the Reverse Overlap.

• Action: Place your lead hand on the grip as you normally would. Then, place your trail hand with the index finger of that hand resting down over the pinky finger of your lead hand.
• What to look for: A comfortable, secure connection that allows both hands to work together without one dominating. It should feel balanced and controlled.
• Mistake: Forcing this grip if it feels unnatural. Just because it’s popular doesn’t mean it’s your ticket to putting stardom.

3. Consider the Cross-Handed (Left-Hand Low) Grip.

• Action: Position your right hand on the grip, then place your left hand on top of your right hand. Your left hand will be the “lead” hand in this setup.
• What to look for: A noticeable reduction in wrist breakdown and a more stable, unified stroke. Many players find this helps them keep the putter face square.
• Mistake: Dismissing it after one quick try. This grip can feel foreign initially. Give it a solid practice session or two to see if it clicks.

4. Test the Claw Grip.

• Action: Place your lead hand on the grip normally. Then, tuck your trail index finger down along the side of the grip, with your other trail fingers resting on top, forming a “claw” shape.
• What to look for: A significant decrease in unwanted wrist movement. This grip often promotes a more stable, body-driven stroke.
• Mistake: Letting the “look” of the grip deter you. Who cares if it looks a little funny if it sinks more putts? Function over form, always.

5. Evaluate the Arm Lock Grip.

• Action: This involves a longer putter where the shaft is braced against your lead forearm, with your hands typically placed in a conventional position higher up the grip.
• What to look for: Extreme stability and a pendulum-like stroke that minimizes wrist and body manipulation. It’s like having a built-in stabilizer.
• Mistake: Thinking you need a specialized putter immediately. While arm lock putters exist, you can experiment with the concept using your current putter by adjusting your setup and grip position.

6. Try the Split Grip.

• Action: Place your hands further apart on the grip than you normally would, creating a wider stance with your hands.
• What to look for: A feeling of greater separation between your hands, which can help keep your wrists quiet and promote a smoother, more controlled stroke.
• Mistake: Making the gap between your hands too extreme. Find a comfortable separation that aids your stroke, not hinders it.

7. Focus on Repetition and Feel.

• Action: Once you’ve identified a grip that feels promising, practice it relentlessly. Make putts of varying lengths on the practice green.
• What to look for: A repeatable stroke that feels consistent every time. Can you replicate the motion without thinking too hard?
• Mistake: Constantly switching grips. You need time to let a new grip become second nature. Commit to one for a while before making another change.

Common Mistakes in Putting Grip

• Gripping Too Tightly — Why it matters: This is the silent killer of good putting. It restricts feel, creates tension in your arms and shoulders, and leads to a jerky, inconsistent stroke. — Fix: Consciously relax your grip. Use the “toothpaste” or “baby bird” analogy. If you can see the white of your knuckles, you’re too tight.
• Inconsistent Hand Placement — Why it matters: If your hands aren’t in the same spot every time, your stroke mechanics will change, leading to wildly different results. — Fix: Use a permanent marker to draw lines or dots on your grip where your hands should be. This provides a visual guide for consistent setup.
• Over-reliance on One Grip Style — Why it matters: The greens and conditions on the course change. Sticking rigidly to one grip might not be optimal for every situation. — Fix: Be open to experimenting with variations. What works on a fast, firm green might differ from a slow, wet one.
• Ignoring Feel for “The Right Way” — Why it matters: There’s no single “right” putting grip that works for everyone. What works for a tour pro might feel terrible for you. — Fix: Prioritize what feels natural, comfortable, and most importantly, produces consistent results for you. Trust your instincts.
• Not Allowing Enough Practice Time — Why it matters: You won’t truly know if a new grip is effective if you only try it for five minutes. Your brain and body need time to adapt. — Fix: Commit to a new grip for at least a full practice session or a round before deciding it doesn’t work. Give it a fair shot.
• Thinking Grip is the Only Solution — Why it matters: While grip is crucial, it’s only one piece of the putting puzzle. Alignment, stance, tempo, and green reading are equally important. — Fix: Don’t blame your misses solely on your grip. Work on all aspects of your putting game.

FAQ About Putting Grips

• What is considered a standard putting grip?

The most commonly taught is the reverse overlap, where the index finger of your lead hand rests over the pinky finger of your trail hand. However, many golfers find success with variations like the cross-handed, claw, or even a split grip.

• How can I tell if my putting grip is too tight?

You’ll likely feel tension in your hands, wrists, and forearms. Your stroke might feel restricted or jerky, and you’ll have a hard time feeling the speed of the putt. If your knuckles are white, loosen up!

• Should I change my putting grip if I’m missing putts?

Not necessarily. Missing putts can stem from many issues: alignment, stroke path, tempo, green reading, or even mental pressure. However, if your grip feels uncomfortable, causes tension, or leads to inconsistent face control, it’s definitely worth exploring.

• Does the thickness or material of a putter grip matter?

Absolutely. Thicker grips can help dampen wrist action and reduce tension, while thinner grips might offer more feel. The texture and material also affect how the grip feels in your hands. What feels best is highly personal.

• Is it okay to use a putting grip that looks unconventional?

Of course! If a grip like the claw or arm lock helps you achieve a more stable and repeatable stroke, then it’s the right grip for you, regardless of how it looks. Performance trumps aesthetics on the golf course.

• How far apart should my hands be on the grip?

This varies greatly. A standard grip has hands relatively close. A split grip places them further apart. The goal is to find a distance that promotes stability and allows your arms to swing freely. Experiment to find what feels balanced and controllable.