Putting, often described as the most individualized stroke in golf, holds immense significance in determining a player’s overall score. The connection between golfer and putter is deeply personal, with feel and comfort dictating the most effective approach. There exists a diverse array of putting grips, each offering unique advantages and disadvantages. This article will delve into five common putting grips, outlining their mechanics, benefits, and drawbacks, to help golfers make informed decisions about their putting technique.
Before exploring the individual grips, it’s crucial to recognize the fundamental principles underpinning successful putting. PGA Professional Gevin Allen, Director of Instruction and Player Development at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch, emphasizes the following cornerstones: a square clubface aligned to the intended target line, a consistent tempo throughout the stroke, a stable body position maintained until after impact, and forearms that remain parallel to the target line. These elements form the foundation for any effective putting grip. Let’s dive into the details of how to hold a putter.
1. Reverse Overlap Putting Grip: The Standard Bearer
The reverse overlap grip stands as the most widely taught and utilized putting grip, particularly prevalent on the PGA Tour. Its name derives from the reversed hand positioning compared to a conventional full swing grip. Instead of the right pinkie finger overlapping the left index finger (for right-handed golfers), the left index finger rests atop the right pinkie finger.
Subtle variations exist within the reverse overlap grip. The left index finger can be extended, pointing downwards towards the ground, or positioned parallel to the right pinkie finger. Regardless of the index finger’s specific placement, a key element remains consistent: the left thumb should lie flat along the top of the putter grip. This flat thumb provides crucial support and stability, aiding in maintaining a square clubface at impact. The right hand acts primarily as a "piston," controlling the stroke’s pace and power, while the left hand plays a critical role in dictating the putter face’s direction. Understanding how to hold a putter with this grip is paramount for many aspiring golfers.
Pros of the Reverse Overlap Putting Grip:
- Enhanced Stability: The flat left thumb provides a solid anchor, promoting a more stable and controlled putting stroke.
- Improved Face Control: The left hand’s prominent role in guiding the putter face can lead to greater accuracy and consistency.
- Reduced Wrist Action: The grip encourages a smoother, pendulum-like motion, minimizing unwanted wrist movement that can compromise accuracy.
- Widely Taught and Accepted: Its prevalence in instruction and on tour provides a wealth of resources and examples for learning and refinement.
Cons of the Reverse Overlap:
- Can Feel Unnatural Initially: Some golfers may find the reversed hand positioning awkward or uncomfortable at first.
- May Not Suit All Hand Sizes: Golfers with very small or large hands might find it challenging to achieve a comfortable and secure grip.
- Potential for Over-Reliance on Left Hand: Players must be mindful of not over-controlling the stroke with the left hand, potentially leading to a jerky or inconsistent motion.
2. Cross-Handed Putting Grip (Left-Hand Low): Taking Control
The cross-handed putting grip, also known as "left-hand low," involves positioning the left hand below the right hand on the putter grip (for right-handed golfers). This unconventional arrangement aims to promote a more stable and controlled putting stroke, particularly for players prone to wrist breakdown or excessive hand action.
Variations exist in how the hands connect. Some golfers prefer to interlock their fingers, while others keep them separated. Regardless of the specific hand connection, both thumbs should ideally rest on the top of the putter grip for enhanced stability. Learning how to hold a putter with this grip can be advantageous for those seeking to quiet their hands.
Pros of the Cross-Handed Grip:
- Minimizes Wrist Breakdown: The left-hand low position naturally inhibits wrist movement, promoting a more pendulum-like stroke.
- Enhanced Face Control: Placing the dominant hand lower on the grip can improve feel for the clubface and enhance directional control.
- Reduces Yips: For some golfers struggling with the yips (involuntary muscle spasms during putting), the cross-handed grip can provide a sense of stability and control, alleviating anxiety and improving performance.
Cons of the Cross-Handed Grip:
- Unconventional Feel: The grip can feel highly unnatural to golfers accustomed to conventional hand positioning.
- Reduced Power: Some players may find it difficult to generate adequate power, especially on longer putts.
- Learning Curve: Mastering the cross-handed grip requires dedicated practice and adjustment, as it alters the feel and mechanics of the putting stroke significantly.
3. The Claw Putting Grip: Eliminating Wrist Action
The claw grip has gained popularity in recent years, with an increasing number of professional golfers adopting this unorthodox technique. The defining feature of the claw is the unique positioning of the right hand (for right-handed golfers), which typically involves a light, almost detached grip on the putter.
While variations exist in the specific placement of the right hand, the left hand generally maintains a standard grip, with the thumb resting flat on top of the putter grip. The right hand is typically positioned 2-4 inches away from the left.
Pros of the Claw Grip:
- Virtually Eliminates Wrist Action: The detached right-hand position makes it extremely difficult to break down the wrists during the putting stroke.
- Promotes a Shoulder-Driven Stroke: The grip encourages a more stable, shoulder-driven motion, leading to greater consistency.
- Can Improve Distance Control: By minimizing hand involvement, the claw grip can enhance feel for distance and pace.
Cons of the Claw Grip:
- Unconventional and Awkward: The grip can feel extremely strange and unnatural to golfers unfamiliar with the technique.
- Reduced Feel: The detached right-hand position can diminish feel for the putter head and the ball.
- Requires Significant Adjustment: Adapting to the claw grip requires considerable practice and patience, as it fundamentally alters the mechanics of the putting stroke.
4. Arm-Lock Putting Grip: Anchored Stability
The arm-lock putting grip involves locking the putter shaft against the inside of the left forearm (for right-handed golfers). This union should remain constant throughout the stroke. Importantly, this technique is legal under Rule 14-1b, as it does not constitute anchoring, which is prohibited.
With the arm-lock method, players can utilize various putting grips, provided they maintain the forward press of the putter throughout the stroke. This technique prioritizes stability and minimizes wrist involvement.
Pros of the Arm-Lock Grip:
- Exceptional Stability: The locked-in position of the putter against the forearm provides exceptional stability and minimizes unwanted movement.
- Promotes a Consistent Stroke: The technique encourages a more pendulum-like motion, leading to greater stroke consistency.
- Reduced Wrist Break: The arm-lock grip virtually eliminates wrist breakdown during the stroke, enhancing accuracy.
Cons of the Arm-Lock Grip:
- Requires a Specialized Putter: Arm-lock putting typically requires a longer putter with a specific bend to accommodate the arm-lock position.
- Can Feel Restrictive: Some players may find the locked-in position uncomfortable or restrictive.
- Learning Curve: Adapting to the arm-lock grip requires practice and adjustment to find the optimal forearm pressure and stroke path.
5. Prayer Putting Grip (Palms-Facing): A Unified Approach
The prayer putting grip, also referred to as the palms-facing grip, involves positioning the palms to face each other with the thumbs aligned side-by-side. Golfers can opt to place the right fingers atop the left or vice versa. This symmetrical arrangement aims to promote a unified and balanced putting stroke.
Pros of the Prayer Grip:
- Promotes Symmetry and Balance: The palms-facing position encourages a more balanced and symmetrical putting stroke.
- Can Improve Feel: Some players find that the grip enhances feel for the putter head and the ball.
- Simple and Natural: The grip can feel relatively simple and natural for some golfers.
Cons of the Prayer Grip:
- Limited Stability: The grip may lack the stability of other techniques, particularly for players prone to wrist breakdown.
- Can Be Difficult to Control Distance: Some players may find it challenging to control distance accurately with this grip.
- Not Widely Used: The prayer grip is less common than other techniques, limiting the availability of resources and examples.
Ultimately, the "best" putting grip is the one that feels most comfortable and allows you to consistently roll the ball on your intended line. Experiment with different grips, paying close attention to your feel, stability, and distance control. Practice is key to mastering any putting grip and improving your overall putting performance.
The "How to Hold a Putter" is crucial for golf performance. The "How to Hold a Putter" is a fundamental skill.
