Trevor Ng
There are many ways to hold a putter, and the right grip depends on what feels natural to the individual golfer. The most common grip taught by golf instructors and used on the PGA Tour 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 cross-handed (left-hand low), claw, arm lock, and prayer grips.
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Reverse overlap grip
The reverse overlap grip is a commonly used grip for putting that is used by many top professional golfers, including Jordan Spieth, Tiger Woods, and Rory McIlroy. With this grip, the putter runs down the palms of your hands rather than into the fingers, locking the hands out of the stroke. This means that the putting stroke action comes from the shoulders, providing more consistency.
To use the reverse overlap grip, the trail pinky finger rests over the cuticles of the lower hand, instead of overlapping or linking with the lead index finger. This is the opposite of the standard grip used for full swings, where the trail pinky finger overlaps or interlocks with the lead index finger.
The reverse overlap grip can help to cure the putting yips and improve distance control. When the putter is held too tightly and the wrists are used too much, the ball tends to skid and bounce before it starts rolling, slowing it down. By using the reverse overlap grip, the ball will glide across the green, rolling out for longer with less of a hit required.
This grip is particularly effective for golfers who struggle with their wrist action or who have a tendency to get "handsy". By taking the wrists out of the stroke, the reverse overlap grip can promote a straighter and more consistent stroke. However, it may take some time to get used to this new grip, so it is important to devote enough practice to it to see the desired results.
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Cross-handed (left-hand low)
One of the most common ways to hold a putter is the traditional right-hand-below-left grip. This is the grip that most golfers start off with and continue using successfully. However, there are many different ways to hold the putter, and the "best" grip depends on what feels natural and good to the individual golfer.
One alternative grip is the cross-handed (left-hand low) grip. This grip can be useful if you are struggling with the conventional grip. The left-hand-low style locks your hands and arms together, helping you to stroke your putts more solidly and consistently.
To use the left-hand low grip, place your left hand at the top in the conventional position. Then, with your right hand, hold the putter grip between your thumb and forefinger, with your palm facing your body. This grip can feel a little odd, and it may take a while for you to place your lower hand on the club in a way that feels comfortable.
Golf coaches recommend experimenting with different grips to find the one that feels the most coordinated and natural for you.
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Claw grip
The claw grip is a popular choice for many successful golfers, including World No.1 Scottie Scheffler. This technique is ideal for keeping the putter head square to the target line, but it can be challenging for golfers to feel the pace of the putts because the dominant hand is farther away from the putter head.
To use the claw grip, start by gripping the putter with your non-dominant hand (left hand for right-handed golfers) at the top of the grip, with your palm facing down and wrapping your fingers around the grip. This is similar to a conventional grip. Next, form a ""U" shape with your thumb and fingers on your dominant hand and grip the club inside the "U". You can place your fingers on the putter in whatever way feels most comfortable.
When using the claw grip, the left hand is towards the top of the grip, and the right hand is placed 2-4 inches away on the lower half of the grip with a claw shape. The right hand is in a passive position, which increases the grip pressure of the left hand. The grip pressure is stronger in the left hand, with the right acting as a guide. This helps to steady the hands and wrists during the stroke, improving accuracy and consistency.
The claw grip is particularly useful for golfers who struggle with putting issues such as the yips, as it can help to reduce tension in the hands, wrists, and forearms. It also promotes a lighter grip pressure, which can be helpful for golfers who tend to grip the putter too tightly.
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Arm-lock grip
The Arm-lock grip is a putting style that has gained popularity in recent years, with golfers like Matt Kuchar, Bryson DeChambeau, and Webb Simpson adopting this technique. This method involves anchoring the putter against the leading forearm, creating a fixed point for the stroke and minimising wrist involvement. Here's a step-by-step guide to executing the Arm-lock grip:
Firstly, you will need a longer shaft and a longer grip for this technique. The length depends on your height, and it is recommended to consult a club-fitting professional to determine the optimal setup. Most players require a grip length between 17" to 21".
Once you have the appropriate equipment, approach the ball and centre it in your stance. Position yourself with your eyes directly over the ball. This typically requires a more bent-over stance compared to traditional putting methods.
With your leading arm, extend it towards the heel of the putter head, positioning the grip end around 1 to 1.5" below your elbow level. The further down the shaft you hold the putter, the more counter-balanced the stroke will be. Ensure that the putter and grip are straight up and down or slightly forward, according to your preference.
Now, "lock" the putter shaft against your leading forearm. This creates stability and reduces unwanted wrist movements during the stroke. With your guiding hand, wrap your fingers around both the grip and your forearm, securing the club in place. The grip should stay firmly against your forearm throughout the swing.
Finally, look directly at the ball and execute your putt. Remember to keep your body relaxed, especially in the hands and wrists, as this will promote a smoother and more controlled stroke.
The Arm-lock grip is particularly beneficial for golfers who struggle with excessive wrist movement during putting. It simplifies your stroke by reducing tension between you and the club, allowing your body to move more uniformly.
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Prayer grip
The prayer grip is a unique golf putting technique that is becoming increasingly popular among pro and amateur golfers. It is also known as the palms-facing grip, as both palms face each other and neither hand is lower than the other.
To adopt this grip, it is recommended to use a larger grip, as it requires a greater surface area for the hands to sit. The palms of your hands are placed on either side of the grip, with your fingers pointing towards the putter head. Your thumbs should be placed side by side on the front of the grip, with your fingers wrapped around the back. You can either interlock your fingers or wrap them around each other.
The prayer grip creates a perfect triangle between the shoulders and arms, which improves the pendulum of the stroke. It automatically levels the shoulders, creating a simpler starting position to pivot the upper body. It also forces the golfer to grip the club looser in comparison to other styles.
While the prayer grip is a great option, it is important to remember that the most important thing is to find a grip that feels natural to you and promotes an efficient putting stroke by keeping the hands and wrists as quiet as possible.
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Frequently asked questions
The most common way to hold a putter is the traditional right-hand-below-left grip, also known as the reverse overlap grip. This is the grip most golfers start off with and continue to use successfully.
In this grip, the left index finger rests on top of the right pinkie finger (for right-handed golfers) instead of the normal overlap grip where the right pinkie finger is on top. The left thumb should rest flat on the top of the putter grip to provide additional support in keeping the putter face square at impact.
The claw grip is a less conventional but very effective method. The left hand is placed at the top in a traditional position, while the right hand holds the putter grip between the thumb and forefinger with the palm facing the body.
The arm-lock grip is where the handle of the putter locks against the inside of the left forearm (for right-handed golfers). This method keeps the hands ahead of the ball through impact and requires a putter with a minimum of 6 degrees of loft.
