Putting is one of the most crucial aspects of golf. Having a solid grip on your putter is essential for improving your accuracy and consistency on the greens. The way you hold your putter can have a significant impact on your putting stroke, so it’s important to find a grip that works for you. In this guide, we will discuss different putting grips, their advantages, and how to successfully grip a putter to enhance your putting game.
Types of Putting Grips
There are several popular putting grips used by golfers of all levels. Each grip offers its own advantages, so it’s essential to experiment and find the grip that feels most comfortable and effective for you. Here are some of the most common putting grips:
1. Traditional Reverse Overlap Grip: This grip is the most commonly used putting grip among amateur golfers. To achieve this grip, place your left hand below your right hand on the handle of the putter, with the thumbs pointing down the shaft towards the clubhead.
2. Cross-Handed or Left Hand Low Grip: In this grip, the left hand is placed below the right hand on the handle of the putter. This grip is also known as the “claw” or “pencil” grip and is favored by many professional golfers for its stability and consistency.
3. The Claw Grip: The Claw Grip has gained popularity in recent years, especially among professional golfers. In this grip, the right hand is placed in a “claw-like” position on the handle of the putter, with the thumb and forefinger forming a claw shape. This grip helps to reduce wrist movement during the putting stroke.
4. Split Grip: In the Split Grip, the hands are separated on the handle of the putter, with the left hand placed farther down the shaft than the right hand. This grip is known for its stability and can help prevent the clubface from closing during the stroke.
How To Grip A Putter
Now that you are familiar with the different types of putting grips, let’s discuss how to grip a putter effectively. Here are some steps to help you grip your putter correctly:
1. Address the Ball:
– Stand comfortably over the ball with your feet shoulder-width apart.
– Position the putter head behind the ball, with your eyes over the target line.
– Make sure your grip pressure is light and relaxed to promote a smooth putting stroke.
2. Choose Your Grip:
– Experiment with different putting grips to find the one that feels most comfortable and effective for you.
– Practice with each grip to see which one helps you maintain a consistent putting stroke.
3. Position Your Hands:
– For a traditional grip, place your left hand (for right-handed golfers) above your right hand on the handle of the putter.
– Ensure that your palms are facing each other and the thumbs are pointing down the shaft towards the clubhead.
4. Maintain Proper Grip Pressure:
– Grip the putter with light to medium pressure to allow for a smooth stroke.
– Avoid gripping the putter too tightly, as this can lead to tension in your hands and arms.
5. Use Your Upper Body for the Stroke:
– Focus on using your shoulders and upper body to make a pendulum-like stroke.
– Keep your wrists firm and avoid excessive movement during the stroke.
6. Practice Consistently:
– Practice your putting grip and stroke regularly to build muscle memory and improve your consistency.
– Experiment with different grips and techniques to find what works best for you.
Benefits of a Proper Putting Grip
Having a proper putting grip can lead to several benefits, including:
1. Improved Accuracy: A solid putting grip can help you maintain a consistent and square clubface at impact, leading to improved accuracy on the greens.
2. Enhanced Feel: A proper grip allows you to have better control over the putter and feel the speed and line of your putts more effectively.
3. Increased Confidence: When you have a comfortable and effective putting grip, you will feel more confident over putts, leading to better performance on the greens.
Conclusion
Finding the right putting grip is a personal journey that may require some experimentation and practice. It’s essential to find a grip that feels comfortable and allows you to putt with confidence and consistency. Whether you prefer a traditional reverse overlap grip or a more unconventional grip like the claw, the key is to find what works best for you and stick with it. By following the steps outlined in this guide and practicing consistently, you can improve your putting game and lower your scores on the golf course. So, go out there, experiment with different grips, and find the one that helps you sink more putts!
