Updated on June 22nd, 2023 at 04:55 pm
Is there such a thing as a proper putter grip? Does the way you hold the putter dictate whether the golf ball makes it into the hole?
Absolutely!
The proper putter grip is just as important as getting the right grip for your driver or your wedge shot. If you want to know whether the conventional putter grip or something a bit more unique is best for your game, we have the answers for you.
Proper way to grip a putter
The most common way to grip a putter is the reverse overlap grip. This is different than a conventional grip as it helps players to reduce grip pressure and get their putting stroke more on track. For right-handed golfers, the reverse overlap also does a good job of taking the right hand out of play and letting the left hand and left wrist lead.
However, the reverse overlap grip is not the only way to hold your putter. Sever different grip styles exist and finding something that is a perfect fit for your game is entirely possible.
Putter grip styles – (5 Options)
One of the most interesting things about putting grips is that you can get creative with them. If you find your left thumb or left index finger needs to move a little to the side or wrap around the club, you can do that. The key is to learn to develop a consistent stroke.
Reverse Overlap Putting Grip
The reverse overlap is just like the standard overlap with a slight variation. Take a look at your hands, where the right pinky usually overlaps the left index finger.
Now take the left index finger and put it on top of the right pinky, essentially reversing the overlap.
Reverse overlap is a really common method for golfers and my personal preference. I like that there is not much of a change from the grip I am used to throughout the rest of my bag; this makes it easy for consistent on the course.
Claw grip putting
The claw putting grip is great for golfers struggling with wrist breaks and inconsistency. Chris Dimarco made this popular on the PGA Tour, and it took off from there.
With the claw grip, your left hand (for the right-handed player) stays in position as it normally would with a traditional grip. The right hand, however, is made into the shape of a claw, and it sits either on the side of the club or over the top of the grip.
The claw is known for being very consistent with shorter putts. There are a few variations of the claw; some refer to it as the pencil grip.
Cross Handed Putting Grip (Left Hand Low, Left Below Right)
The Cross handed putting grip takes the left hand and places it below the right hand. The way the left and right-hand grip connect will be entirely up to the player. Left hand low is a popular grip for golfers that notice instability and inconsistency in their strokes.
With conventional grip styles like reverse overlap, there is still a chance for too much wrist hinge and wrist action in the stroke. Cross handed eliminates that possibility.
Arm Lock Putting Grip
The ark lock putting grip has come about after some advances in putter grip technology and the USGA changes with putter anchoring. The Armlock grip or arm lock method allows the left hand and arm to run down the length of the putter, where you can then take a natural grip with the right hand at the bottom of the grip. This usually uses a thicker Putter grip or midsize putter grip, and the putter grip itself is anchored to your arm. Bryson Dechambeau uses this type of grip. Obviously, he is an experienced golfer, but he also likes a precise method, which is one of those grip types.
Prayer Putting Grip
The prayer putting grips puts both hands together on the club as if your hands were in a prayer position. The prayer putting grip is not as common on the PGA Tour and with lower handicap golfers. However, you do see it quite often with the average players looking for more consistency in their golf game.
The prayer grip is a popular method for those that struggle with putter face angle and incorporating the larger muscles into the stroke.
Final thoughts
Your putting stroke largely impacts golf scores. If changing the position of your pinky finger or moving your left hand above your right can entirely change your game, isn’t it worth the attention? Always remember our only connection with the golf club is our grip. Put the time in, and you will notice the results on the golf course.
If you want to continue your search on AEC Info to improve your putting, be sure to check out our recent posts on Lag putting, how to incorporate the 10 finger golf grip into your putting, as well as Adding weight to putter head post. Both will surely help you improve your game on the greens.
