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Putting is a crucial aspect of the game of golf, and having a solid grip can greatly improve your accuracy and control on the green.
In this post, we will discuss the various putting grip styles used by professional golfers and how they can benefit your game.
Common types of putting grip styles include the interlocking, reverse overlap, left-hand low, and claw grip styles, as well as more unique ones like the cross hand, split hand, palm to palm, arm lock, and alternative reverse overlap.
What Is a Putting Grip?
A putting grip refers to how a golfer positions and holds their hands on the putter during a putting stroke.
In golf, the grip is one of the most fundamental aspects that can significantly influence the direction, speed, and overall control of the golf ball.
When it comes to putting, a proper grip is essential for maintaining a stable and controlled stroke, which can directly impact your scoring on the green.
Unlike the grip for full swing shots, a putting grip often requires a softer touch and a different hand placement, focusing more on feel and precision.
There are several types of putting grips, including the traditional Reverse Overlap Grip, the Cross-Handed or Left-Hand-Low Grip, and more unconventional ones like the Claw Grip or Arm-Lock Grip.
Each grip style offers unique benefits and can be chosen based on personal comfort and putting technique.
Experimenting with different putting grip styles can allow golfers to find the most comfortable and effective grip for their unique putting stroke, leading to improved performance on the greens.
8 Different Putting Grip Styles
Different putting grip styles offer unique benefits and can be chosen based on personal comfort and putting technique.
Reverse Overlap Grip
The Reverse Overlap Grip is the most traditional putting grip used by many professional golfers. With this grip, you place the index finger of your top hand (the left hand for right-handed golfers) over the fingers of your bottom hand.
This grip allows for a solid connection between the hands and the club, providing excellent control and stability. It helps to maintain a square clubface through impact, promoting accuracy in your putts.
Cross-Handed or Left-Hand-Low Grip
The Cross-Handed or Left-Hand-Low Grip is often used by golfers who struggle with wrist action or have a tendency to push putts.
By placing the left hand below the right hand (for right-handed golfers), it can help level out the shoulders and promote a straighter stroke. This grip can be particularly effective in reducing the influence of the dominant hand, allowing for a smoother and more controlled putting stroke.
Claw Grip
The Claw Grip, also known as the pencil grip, is a popular choice among golfers struggling with putting yips or excessive wrist action.
The top hand grips the club in a traditional manner, while the bottom hand is turned so the palm faces towards the target. This unique grip can help limit wrist movement during the stroke, promoting a smoother roll and improving consistency.
Palm-to-Palm Grip
In the Palm-to-Palm Grip, both palms face each other on the grip, creating a unified, flat hand position. This grip can help keep the putter face square to the target line and promote a better stroke path. It can also aid in reducing excessive wrist action, allowing for more consistent putts.
Split-Hand or Ten-Finger Grip
The Split-Hand or Ten-Finger Grip involves placing all ten fingers on the grip, similar to how you would hold a baseball bat.
This grip can provide a sense of increased control and power for some golfers, particularly those with weaker hands or wrists. However, it requires careful handling to maintain a smooth stroke and avoid pushing or pulling the putt off line.
Arm-Lock Grip
The Arm-Lock Grip is a relatively new style that’s gaining popularity, especially since the anchoring ban in professional golf. It involves extending the putter along the forearm of the lead arm and locking it in place during the stroke.
This grip can provide stability and consistency, especially for golfers who struggle with wrist movement or maintaining a steady stroke under pressure.
Prayer Grip
The Prayer Grip involves positioning both hands side-by-side on the grip, similar to a praying position. This grip can help keep the wrists firm and reduce unwanted rotation of the clubface.
It can aid in producing a straighter, more pendulum-like stroke, which can be beneficial for achieving consistent distance control on the greens.
Finger-Down Grip
The Finger-Down Grip involves extending the index finger of the bottom hand down the shaft. This grip can provide additional guidance during the stroke and help ensure the putter face stays square through impact.
It can be particularly effective for golfers who struggle with alignment or have a tendency to rotate the clubface during the stroke.
How To Improve Your Putting With The Right Grip
Improving putting with the right grip involves understanding different grip types, experimenting to find the one that suits your style, and practicing consistently for mastery.
Understand Different Grip Types
Different grip types offer unique benefits, and it is crucial to understand them. The Reverse Overlap Grip is a traditional choice that provides stability and control, while the Cross-Handed or Left-Hand-Low Grip can level out shoulders and promote a straighter stroke.
Unconventional grips like the Claw Grip or Arm-Lock Grip are also worth exploring as they might suit certain golfers better.
Experiment to Find Your Grip
Finding the right grip for you involves experimentation. Start by trying out the traditional grips, and then move on to the non-traditional ones.
Pay attention to how each grip feels and how it affects your control over the putter and the ball’s direction. Remember, there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ grip; what works best for you will depend on your comfort and technique.
Practice for Mastery
Once you’ve found a grip that feels comfortable and improves your putting, practice is key. Regular practice will help you get used to your chosen grip and enhance your muscle memory, leading to more consistent and accurate putts.
Try to practice in different conditions and on different greens to ensure you can adapt your putting to any situation.
Seek Professional Advice
If you’re struggling to find a grip that works for you, consider seeking advice from a golf professional.
They can provide personalised advice based on your technique and challenges, helping you find a grip that maximises your putting potential.
Finding The Best Putting Grip For You
Finding the best putting grip for you involves understanding the different types of grips, assessing your own putting style and comfort, and then experimenting and practising with various grip styles.
Understanding Different Types of Grips
There are several types of putting grips used by both beginners and advanced golfers. The conventional reverse overlap grip is the most common, used by a majority of players on the PGA Tour.
Other popular grips include the cross-handed or left-hand-low grip, claw grip, arm-lock grip, and palm-to-palm grip. Each grip offers unique benefits and can affect the direction, speed, and control of the putt.
Assessing Your Putting Style and Comfort
Your putting style and comfort play a significant role in determining the best grip for you. If you have a straight-back-straight-through stroke, a grip that promotes stability like the reverse overlap or palm-to-palm grip may work well.
If you have an arced stroke, a grip that encourages a slight wrist hinge like the arm-lock grip could be beneficial. Comfort is also key – the grip should feel natural and comfortable in your hands.
Experimenting with Various Grip Styles
Experimentation is crucial when finding the best putting grip. Try out various grip styles and pay attention to how each one affects your putt. Does it improve your control over the direction and speed?
Does it feel comfortable and natural? It’s important to note that what works for one golfer may not work for another – finding the best grip is a personal process.
Practising Consistently
Once you’ve found a grip that feels right and improves your putting, consistent practice is key.
The more you practice with your chosen grip, the more comfortable it will become, and the better your muscle memory will be. This can lead to improved consistency, accuracy, and confidence on the greens.
FAQs
Q: How important is the putting grip?
A: The putting grip is crucial in determining the golfer’s control and feel during the putting stroke.
Q: What is the conventional putting grip?
A: The conventional putting grip is the most common style, where the golfer’s dominant hand is placed below the non-dominant hand on the putter grip.
Q: How can the putting grip improve your putting?
A: The putting grip can enhance control, stability, and consistency in your putting stroke, leading to improved performance on the greens.
Q: Does the size of the putter grip matter?
A: Yes, the size of the putter grip can impact the golfer’s feel and control during the putting stroke. It is recommended to find the right grip size that suits your hand size and preference.
Q: How does the reverse overlap grip work?
A: The reverse overlap grip involves placing the little finger of the non-dominant hand over the index finger of the dominant hand, creating a connected grip for better control and stability.
Q: What are the benefits of using different putting grips?
A: Different putting grips allow golfers to find a grip style that suits their preference and enhances their performance on the greens, improving their chances of sinking putts.
In Conclusion
Different putting grip highlights styles ranging from the traditional reverse overlap and interlocking grips to more unique approaches like the claw and prayer grips.
The central message is that by understanding and experimenting with these different styles, golfers can find a grip that enhances their comfort, control, and consistency on the course, ultimately improving their game.
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