Ava Romero
There are several ways to hold a golf putter, and the best grip for you will depend on what feels natural and comfortable. The most common grip taught by golf instructors is the reverse overlap grip, where the left index finger rests on top of the right pinkie finger for right-handed golfers. Other grips include the claw grip, the pencil grip, the cross-handed grip, the arm-lock grip, and the prayer grip. Ultimately, the right grip for you will be the one that helps you wield the club effectively and get the results you want on the green.
Explore related products
Reverse overlap grip
The reverse overlap grip is a commonly used grip for putting, but not many golfers know about it. It is the reverse of the standard overlap grip, where the right pinkie finger rests on top of the left index finger. In the reverse overlap grip, the left index finger rests on top of the right pinkie finger for right-handed golfers.
The reverse overlap grip is a good option for golfers who want to achieve better consistency and a smoother putting action. It is also beneficial for those seeking a more secure grip. This grip is similar to a standard overlap grip used on full shots, which helps maintain a consistent feel from full shots through putts.
When using the reverse overlap grip, the putter runs down the palms of the hands rather than into the fingers. This locks the hands out of the putting stroke, giving the golfer a more hands-free feeling. The left thumb rests flat on the top of the putter grip, providing additional support in keeping the putter face square at impact. The right hand (for right-handed golfers) is the dominant hand during the putting stroke and acts like a piston, while the left hand determines the direction of the face.
It is important to remember that the perfect golf grip with the putter is unique to each individual. Golfers should experiment with different grips to find the one that suits their natural stroke, feel, and comfort.
Golf's Winningest Player: Who's Taken the Most Trophies?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Cross-handed (left-hand low)
Cross-handed putting, also known as left-hand low, is a variation of the classical putting grip. In this style, the left hand sits lower than the right hand for a right-handed player. This grip style is particularly effective at combating the "yips".
The key to mastering this style of putting is the position of the left hand. The putter should run up the lifeline of the left hand, in between the two pads. When this is achieved, you will notice a straight line formed between the putter shaft and your lead arm. This is a common feature in many great putting styles, not just left-hand low putting.
The cross-handed putting method changes the dynamics of the traditional putting stroke. By positioning the left hand below the right, this grip style encourages a more shoulder-driven stroke, reducing the impact of wrist action and promoting a smoother, more pendulum-like motion. This can help to improve consistency and control in your putting stroke.
It is important to note that any change of grip will take time. Use some practice putting drills to develop your feel for pace control. The more putts you hit, the better your instinctive feel for distance control will become.
Understanding Stimp: Golf's Speed Secret
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$16.14 $16.99
Claw grip
The claw grip is a popular choice for many professional golfers, including World No.1 Scottie Scheffler, who used this technique to win seven PGA Tour titles. The claw grip is designed to take the right hand out of play, allowing the left hand to be the driving force of the stroke.
To use the claw grip, start by gripping the putter with your left hand only (for a right-handed golfer). Place your left hand at the top of the grip, in the lifelines on the palm of your hand, with your palm facing down. Your thumb should rest flat on top of the putter grip.
Next, form a "U" shape with your right hand and grip the club inside that "U". Your right hand should be placed 2-4 inches lower than your left hand, with your fingers pointing towards the target side. Your right hand should be in a passive position, acting as a guide rather than influencing the stroke.
The claw grip can help to steady the hands and wrists during the putting stroke, leading to improved accuracy and consistency. It can also reduce tension in the hands, wrists, and forearms, promoting a lighter grip pressure.
Golfer Murray's Untimely Death: What Happened?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Arm lock grip
The Arm Lock putting grip is a style where the grip of the putter runs up the inside of the lead arm (usually the left arm for right-handed golfers). This grip makes the left arm an extension of the putter, with the putter becoming an extension of the left-hand side of the triangle formed by the golfer's arms. This grip helps create a more natural rhythm during the stroke by making the shoulders the power driver for the club.
To use the Arm Lock grip, golfers will need a longer putter and putter grip. The putter should be between 40 to 43 inches long, and the grip should be between 17 and 21 inches long. The exact length depends on the golfer's height and preference. The longer grip allows golfers to rest the grip against their forearm, which is a fundamental characteristic of the Arm Lock grip.
When holding the putter with the Arm Lock grip, golfers should first grasp the putter firmly with their left hand near the bottom of the grip. The top of the grip should not extend past the elbow joint. Then, golfers can place their right hand anywhere on the grip that is comfortable for them. The right hand should not be used to keep the putter grip against the left forearm. During the putt, golfers should ensure that the putter handle remains locked against the forearm throughout the stroke.
The Arm Lock grip is not for everyone. It may cause discomfort for golfers who need to adopt a more bent-over stance to use this grip. Additionally, the Arm Lock grip requires the putter head to have a higher loft than usual to prevent negative loft at impact.
Book Torrey Pines Golf: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Prayer grip
The prayer grip is a unique way to hold a golf putter. It is also known as the palms-facing grip, as the palms face each other, and the thumbs are placed next to each other. The right and left fingers can be wrapped around each other or interlocked.
To set up the grip, place your palms on either side of the putter grip, with your fingers pointing towards the putter head. This will look like a praying position, hence the name. From here, place your thumbs on the front of the grip, side by side, and wrap your fingers around the back.
The prayer grip creates a triangle with the shoulders, which helps to take the hands out of the putting stroke. It also automatically levels the shoulders, creating a simpler starting position to pivot the upper body.
The prayer grip is best used with a thicker grip on the putter, as it requires a greater surface area for the hands to sit. It is also important to note that the grip pressure should be just enough to stop the clubface from twisting. Too much grip pressure will reduce your feel and add tension to your forearms and upper body.
Golfing Glory: Olympic Golf's Round Structure
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Some common grips include the reverse overlap grip, cross-handed (left-hand low), claw, arm lock, and prayer grips.
In this grip, the left index finger rests on top of the right pinkie finger for right-handed golfers. This is the most common grip taught by golf instructors and used on the PGA Tour.
The claw grip is considered a radical method but is very effective for those who master it. The left hand is placed at the top in a conventional position, and the right hand holds the putter grip between the thumb and forefinger with the palm facing the body.
In this grip, the handle of the putter locks against the inside of the left forearm for right-handed golfers. The golfer can use any putting grip with this method as long as they maintain a forward angle with the putter through the stroke.
The pencil grip mirrors the way you would hold a pencil, giving you a lighter grip in your right hand. This helps to take unwanted hand action out of the stroke and promotes a more consistent stroke.
