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How to Hold A Putter In Golf: Step-by-Step Guide

ByThe Golfer

← Golf Instruction & Improvement | Short Game Mastery


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Quick Answer

  • Grip the putter with your lead hand on top and your trail hand below, allowing for a relaxed but firm hold.
  • Ensure your hands are connected and work together as a unit to control the putter head.
  • Experiment with different grip styles to find what feels most natural and provides the best control.

Who This Is For

  • Beginner golfers seeking foundational putting technique.
  • Intermediate golfers looking to refine their grip for consistency.
  • Golfers experiencing inconsistent putting results due to grip issues.

What to Check First When Learning How to Hold a Putter

Before you even think about making a stroke, let’s dial in the foundation. A solid grip is the bedrock of good putting.

  • Putter Shaft Length: This is huge. If your putter is too long, you’ll be too upright, leading to a shaky stroke. Too short, and you’ll be hunched over, which ain’t comfortable. You want your arms to hang naturally from your shoulders when you set up. If you’re unsure, check the manual or verify with the manufacturer. A quick test is to stand up and hold the putter in front of you; the grip should come up to about your sternum.
  • Grip Type and Condition: Is your putter grip worn out and slick? Or maybe it’s one of those super skinny ones that makes your hands feel like they’re about to fall off? A good grip should have some tackiness to it and feel comfortable in your hands. Check for any tears or excessive wear. If it’s seen better days, a new grip is a cheap fix that can make a world of difference.
  • Your Current Putting Stance: How are you setting up to the ball? Your stance dictates how your arms hang and how your hands connect to the putter. You want to feel balanced and athletic, with a slight knee flex. Your eyes should be over the ball, or even slightly inside the target line. This allows your arms to swing freely.
  • Ball Position: Where the ball sits in your stance matters. For most golfers, the ball should be roughly in line with the lead heel or slightly behind it. This helps ensure a consistent angle of attack and prevents you from scooping or hitting down too hard.
  • Hand Dominance and Flexibility: Are you naturally right-handed or left-handed? This determines your lead and trail hands. Also, consider your wrist flexibility. Some grips accommodate less flexible wrists better than others.

Step-by-Step Plan: How to Hold a Putter in Golf

Alright, let’s get our hands on this thing. This is where the magic happens, or doesn’t, depending on how you do it. Remember, relaxed but firm is the name of the game.

1. Place Your Lead Hand on the Grip: For right-handed golfers, this is your left hand. For lefties, it’s your right.

  • What to look for: Position the grip so it rests in the lifeline of your palm. Your lead thumb should point straight down the shaft. You don’t want it wrapped around the side. Think of it as the “trigger finger” for your putting stroke.
  • Mistake to avoid: Squeezing the grip too tightly with your lead hand. This is a common beginner’s mistake. It creates tension that travels up your arm and into your shoulders, killing any chance of a smooth, pendulum-like stroke. Ease up, champ.

2. Add Your Trail Hand to the Grip: This is your right hand if you’re right-handed, and your left if you’re a lefty.

  • What to look for: Your trail hand should be placed directly below your lead hand. The fingers of your trail hand should cover the thumb of your lead hand. You’ve got a few options here:
  • Reverse Overlap: The most popular. Your lead index finger rests on top of the gap between your trail ring and pinky finger.
  • Interlocking Grip: Your trail pinky finger interlocks with your lead index finger.
  • Ten Finger (Baseball) Grip: All ten fingers are on the grip, like you’re holding a baseball bat.

Whatever you choose, make sure your hands feel connected. The heel pad of your trail hand should cover your lead thumb.

  • Mistake to avoid: Leaving a big space between your hands. This encourages your hands to work independently, which is the kiss of death for putting consistency. They need to act as one unit.

3. Connect Your Hands and Create a Unit: This is crucial for a stable stroke.

  • What to look for: Your hands should feel like they are fused together, working in unison. Your wrists should feel relatively stable, not independent and floppy. Imagine your hands are one big, functional unit. This connection allows for a more controlled and repeatable stroke.
  • Mistake to avoid: Letting your hands work independently. This is where you get one hand trying to steer the putter and the other just hanging along for the ride. That leads to all sorts of inconsistent face angles and distance control issues.

4. Check Your Grip Pressure: This is another area where less is more.

  • What to look for: Aim for a light, consistent pressure. Think of it like holding a tube of toothpaste without squeezing the paste out, or gently holding a baby bird. You want enough pressure to keep the putter from slipping, but not so much that you feel tension in your forearms and shoulders. A good benchmark is about a 3 or 4 on a scale of 1 to 10.
  • Mistake to avoid: Gripping the putter too hard. This is a major cause of tension. Tension restricts your natural arm swing and can lead to a jerky, inconsistent stroke. It also makes it harder to feel the putter head through impact.

5. Align Your Putter Face Squarely: Before you even think about swinging, make sure the putter face is aimed correctly.

  • What to look for: With your hands on the grip and your stance established, look down at the putter face. It should be perfectly square (90 degrees) to your intended target line. Many putters have alignment aids on top to help with this.
  • Mistake to avoid: Having the putter face open or closed at address. If it’s even a degree or two off, your putt will be off. This is a setup issue that can be easily fixed by paying attention at address.

6. Establish Your Putting Posture: Now that your hands are on the club, get into your comfortable putting stance.

  • What to look for: Your arms should hang naturally from your shoulders, with a slight bend in your elbows. Your spine should be relatively straight, with a slight forward tilt from the hips. Your eyes should be directly over the ball or slightly inside the target line. This athletic posture allows for a free-flowing stroke.
  • Mistake to avoid: Slouching over the ball or standing too stiff. Both extremes create tension and limit your ability to make a smooth, repeatable stroke. Find a balanced, comfortable position.

7. Make a Practice Stroke with Your Grip: Before hitting any balls, take a few practice strokes.

  • What to look for: Feel how the putter moves. Does it feel smooth and controlled? Are your wrists staying relatively quiet? Does the grip feel comfortable and secure? This is your chance to make minor adjustments.
  • Mistake to avoid: Rushing through the process. Take your time and feel the grip in your hands. If something feels off, adjust it now. It’s much easier to fix before you start hitting balls.

Common Mistakes When Learning How to Hold a Putter

We all make ’em. But knowing what to look out for can save you a ton of frustration on the greens.

  • Gripping Too Tightly — Creates tension and restricts wrist action, leading to jerky strokes. — Relax your grip to a light, consistent pressure. Think about holding a delicate flower, not a hammer.
  • Hands Too Far Apart — Leads to independent hand movement and inconsistency. Your hands should be stacked closely together to promote a unified stroke. — Ensure your hands are connected and work as a unit, with minimal space between them.
  • Lead Thumb Not Aligned Properly — Can cause the putter face to open or close during the stroke, leading to off-line putts. — Position your lead thumb pointing down the shaft. This helps keep the putter face stable.
  • Trail Hand Too Active — The trail hand can overpower the stroke, causing inconsistency and loss of control over the putter head. — Keep the trail hand passive and let it follow the lead hand’s motion. It’s there to support, not to lead.
  • Grip Too High or Low on the Putter — Affects the arc of your swing and consistency. Placing your hands too high can lead to a steeper arc, while too low can make it flatter. — Ensure your hands are placed comfortably where they feel balanced, usually in the lower half of the grip, allowing your arms to hang naturally.
  • Ignoring Grip Variations — Sticking to one grip style without exploring others might mean you’re missing out on a grip that suits you better. — Experiment with different grip styles like the reverse overlap, interlocking, or even the claw grip to see what feels most comfortable and effective for your stroke.
  • Not Checking Grip Condition Regularly — A worn-out grip can lead to slippage and loss of control, especially in humid conditions. — Regularly inspect your grip for wear and tear. Replace it when it starts to feel slick or lose its tackiness.

FAQ

  • What is the most common way to hold a putter in golf?

The most common grip is the reverse overlap. In this grip, the index finger of your lead hand rests on top of the gap between the ring and pinky finger of your trail hand. This is a solid, widely adopted method for many golfers because it helps keep the wrists quiet and promotes a smooth stroke.

  • Should my hands be close together or far apart when holding a putter?

Your hands should be close together, stacked directly on top of each other. This connection is vital for ensuring your hands and arms work as a single unit during the putting stroke. Keeping them close together prevents independent wrist action and promotes a more stable, repeatable motion.

  • How much pressure should I apply when holding a putter?

You should apply very light pressure. A common analogy is holding a tube of toothpaste without squeezing the paste out, or holding a small bird gently. Aim for a pressure of about 3 or 4 on a scale of 1 to 10. Too much pressure creates tension, which is detrimental to a smooth, flowing putting stroke.

  • Does the type of putter grip matter?

Yes, absolutely. Putter grips come in various shapes, sizes, and textures. Oversized grips, for example, can help reduce wrist action and are popular with players who struggle with too much hand movement. Pistol grips are more traditional. The right grip can significantly improve feel and control. It’s worth trying different types to see what feels best for your hands and stroke.

  • Can a bad grip affect my entire golf game?

Definitely. Putting is a huge part of golf, and struggling on the greens can severely impact your confidence and score. If your grip is consistently causing poor putts, it can lead to frustration that spills over into your driving, iron play, and chipping. A solid putting grip is foundational for good performance on the course.

  • What is the claw grip, and is it a good way to hold a putter?

The claw grip, also known as the palm-to-palm grip, is where your lead hand is positioned in a more neutral, palm-down fashion, and your trail hand cups over it, with the fingers of your trail hand pointing more downwards. Many players use it to keep their wrists extremely quiet and promote a pendulum-like stroke. It’s a valid option, especially for those who tend to manipulate the putter face with their hands. It’s worth experimenting with if traditional grips aren’t working for you.

  • How often should I check my putting grip?

You should check your putting grip regularly, especially at the start of a practice session or before a round. Look for signs of wear, such as a shiny or slick surface. If the grip feels loose, hard, or uncomfortable, it’s time to consider replacing it. A good grip is a small investment that pays big dividends in putting consistency.

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