Putting Grip Techniques Guide

November 18, 2024

Mastering golf putting starts with the right grip style. Your grip is key for hitting the ball consistently. It can greatly affect your game on the green.

There are many grip styles to try. But remember, what works for one person might not work for another. It’s all about finding what feels right for you.

Popular grip styles include conventional, left-hand-low, claw, and wristlock. Each has its own benefits. They might suit different golfers based on hand size, green speed, and comfort.

Key Takeaways

Putting grip is crucial for efficient and consistent strokes
No single grip style works for all golfers
Experiment with different techniques to find your ideal grip
Proper hand positioning minimizes unwanted movement
Popular styles include conventional, left-hand-low, claw, and wristlock

Understanding the Fundamentals of Putting Grips

Mastering putting grips is key to improving your golf game. We’ll look at the basics of a good putting technique. This includes golf swing fundamentals and how to position your hands correctly.

The Role of Hand Positioning

Your hand position is crucial for your putting stroke. Most pros keep the putter grip at their belly button or a bit forward. This helps you roll the ball smoothly, improving control and accuracy.

Grip Pressure Basics

Grip pressure should feel like a firm handshake. It’s important to keep it consistent. Too tight, and you lose feel; too loose, and you lack control. Doing tension-free grip drills can help you find the right balance.

Alignment Principles

Proper alignment is key for accurate putting. Your eyes should be right over the ball, with your shoulders aligned with the target line. This setup leads to a smooth, consistent stroke.

Grip Type	Hand Position	Pressure	Notable Users
Conventional	Right hand below left	Firm handshake	Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy
Left-Hand-Low	Left hand below right	Light to moderate	Jordan Spieth
Claw	Right hand in ‘claw’ shape	Very light	Chris DiMarco

Remember, small changes in grip can greatly affect your feel and efficiency. Try out these basics to see what works best for you.

Conventional Putting Grip Technique

The conventional putting grip is the most popular among golfers. It gives a natural feel and keeps your putting stroke consistent. Let’s look at what makes this method so widely used.

Proper Hand Placement

Your lead hand goes on top of the grip, and your trail hand goes below. Both palms face each other, with thumbs on top. This setup helps your hands, shoulders, and putter move together smoothly.

Benefits and Limitations

The conventional grip has many benefits. It feels natural and is similar to other club grips. It works well with thicker grips, keeping them in your palms. But, some might struggle to keep the putter face square at impact.

Pro Players Using This Style

Many pros, like Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, use the conventional grip. Their success shows how effective it can be when mastered.

To get better at the conventional grip, practice on indoor mats. Try grip strengthening exercises too. The best grip is one that feels right and keeps your hands in the right position.

Left-Hand-Low (Cross-Handed) Method

The left-hand-low technique, also known as cross-handed putting, is a strong alternative to the usual grip. It puts your left hand below your right on the putter grip. This offers special benefits for golfers looking to hit the ball more consistently.

Jack Nicklaus, a golf legend, suggests starting with this grip for putting lessons. It helps align your shoulders and leads to more accurate putts. The left-hand-low method also reduces right hand dominance, which can help avoid unwanted wrist movement during the stroke.

Position the ball slightly forward of center
Rest the grip under your left thumb pad
Use a one-finger overlap for stability
Ensure your shoulders are level
Allow a slight forward shaft lean

Adopting this grip might take some getting used to. But the benefits are worth it. In the 2016-2017 season, left-hand-low putters won a third of all Tour events. This shows its effectiveness at the top level.

Common Errors	Setup Tricks
“Lefty lean” causing poor ball roll	Connect left arm to torso
“Chicken wing” affecting connected movement	Tuck glove into left armpit
Putts starting too far right	Wrap right hand around left forearm

The Claw Grip Variation

The claw putting grip became popular in the late 1990s, thanks to Chris DiMarco. It’s a new way to put, helping those who struggle with consistency or yips.

Step-by-Step Setup

To master the claw putting grip:

Place your left hand in a conventional top position on the putter grip
Hold the handle between your right thumb and forefinger
Keep your right palm facing your body
Ensure your arms and shoulders control the stroke

Advantages for Yips Prevention

The claw grip helps prevent yips by reducing wrist movement. It makes your stroke more like a pendulum, making it consistent. This is great for fast greens, where you need a soft touch.

Professional Success Stories

Many top golfers have seen success with the claw grip. Tommy Fleetwood and Tony Finau use it in competitions. Phil Mickelson uses it to better his stroke during practice.

Sergio Garcia and Justin Rose also use it. They say it has improved their putting on the PGA Tour.

Golfer	Usage	Reported Benefit
Tommy Fleetwood	Competition	Improved consistency
Phil Mickelson	Practice	Enhanced stroke mechanics
Sergio Garcia	Competition	Better performance on fast greens

At first, the claw grip might feel strange. But many golfers find it boosts their putting accuracy and prevents yips. Try it out to see if it improves your game.

Prayer Grip Method and Applications

The prayer putting grip is becoming more popular among golfers looking to score lower. This method has your palms facing each other, halfway down the putter grip. It works best with a thicker putter grip.

This grip forms a triangle with your shoulders, helping to remove your hands from the stroke. It leads to a looser grip, which can improve your consistency. PGA Tour player Matt Wallace has seen success with it.

One big plus of the prayer grip is that it levels your shoulders. This makes your stroke more like a pendulum and reduces hand movement. It also helps lower grip pressure, a common problem for golfers.

However, the prayer grip has its downsides. You’ll need a different grip, which might be a challenge. But many golfers find it’s worth it for the potential benefits in their putting.

If you’re having trouble with consistency or the yips, try the prayer grip. It’s also great for improving rhythm and resetting your stroke on the practice green. Remember, testing it out is the best way to see if it works for you.

WristLock Putting Techniques

WristLock putting is becoming popular among golfers looking to improve their stroke. It was made famous by Bernhard Langer. This method helps players who struggle with wrist hinge mechanics.

Proper Setup and Execution

To use WristLock, start with a longer putter (40-42 inches) and a higher loft. Press your left forearm against the handle. This removes wrist influence and encourages a pendulum stroke.

WristLock putting technique

Benefits for Stroke Consistency

WristLock putting has many benefits:

It reduces hand tension during putting.
It promotes a consistent pendulum motion.
It keeps the angle between the lead wrist and shaft steady.
It works with different grip styles like conventional, claw, and left-hand-low.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When using WristLock, watch out for these mistakes:

Don’t anchor the putter (illegal since 2016).
Don’t de-loft the putter face (adjust with a clubfitter).
Don’t forget to adjust grip pressure for control.

Try out this method to see if it boosts your putting and stroke consistency.

Arm Lock Putting Method

The arm lock putting method is popular among golfers looking for better ball striking. It uses a longer putter, 40-42 inches, with the grip up the forearm. Golfers like Matt Kuchar and Bryson DeChambeau have seen success with it.

To start arm lock putting, place the putter grip two inches below your left elbow. Press your left forearm against the shaft during the stroke. This helps keep your arms and club connected, leading to more consistent contact.

One big advantage of arm lock putting is a more consistent stroke. It helps control short putts better. Studies show a 50% less face rotation with arm lock putters than standard ones.

To get the most out of arm lock putting:

Choose a putter with higher loft (around 7 degrees)
Use an oversized grip for better arm contact
Practice distance control to fine-tune your stroke

At first, arm lock putting might feel stiff. But many golfers find it helps reduce wrist movement. Just remember, don’t anchor the putter against your body, as it’s against golf rules.

Aspect	Standard Putter	Arm Lock Putter
Length	33-35 inches	40-42 inches
Loft	3-4 degrees	7 degrees
Face Rotation	-44°/sec	-22°/sec
Wrist Action	More pronounced	Minimized

Grip Size Considerations and Impact

Putter grip size is key to your putting game. It changes how you feel, aim, and swing. Let’s look at the differences between standard and oversized grips and their effects on your game.

Standard vs Oversized Grips

Standard grips are thinner, giving you more control over your fingers. Oversized grips, however, can help you aim better by keeping your hand neutral. The USGA says grips can’t be more than 1.75 inches wide.

Grip Type	Advantages	Disadvantages
Standard	Better feel, more finger control	May lead to wrist flipping
Oversized	Improved accuracy, reduced wrist action	Less finger sensitivity

Effect on Stroke Mechanics

Grip size greatly affects your swing. Thicker grips can stop wrist “flipping,” a common problem for beginners. They keep your hands in a neutral position, which can make you more accurate.

Putter grip size impact on stroke mechanics

Thinner grips are good for those who like feeling their fingers and hands while putting. They help with distance control and feel. Think about your hand size and putting style when picking between standard and oversized grips. This will help you swing better.

Practice Drills for Grip Improvement

Mastering your putting grip is key for better scores. We’ve analyzed over 1,000,000 golf swings and putting strokes. Now, we share effective drills to improve your technique.

Distance Control Exercises

The clock putting drill is great for distance control. Place 12 golf balls around a “clock” on the green. Aim to sink putts from each spot. This drill helps judge speed on different greens.

Remember, PGA Tour players make about 50% of putts from 8 feet. Focus on improving your accuracy in this range.

Alignment Training

Use alignment sticks and mirrors to square your putter face. The coin drill is perfect for precision. Place a coin on the green and roll your ball over it consistently.

This drill sharpens your ability to hit a target smaller than a golf hole. It improves your overall putting accuracy.

Pressure Point Drills

Try the lead hand only drill to develop a tension-free grip. Grip the putter with just your lead hand. This improves touch, feel, and control over your stroke.

This exercise helps maintain the ideal grip pressure for consistency. Pair it with the 3-6-9 drill. Hole putts from 3, 6, and 9 feet sequentially. This builds confidence in short to mid-range putts and refines your grip under pressure.

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FAQ

What is the most important aspect of a putting grip?

The key to a good putting grip is to keep your stroke smooth. It should help you hit the ball consistently and keep your alignment right. This makes your putting more efficient.

How do I know which putting grip style is right for me?

Finding the right putting grip is all about trying different styles. You might want to try conventional, left-hand-low, claw, or wristlock grips. See which one feels best and works best for you.

What is the ideal grip pressure for putting?

Your grip pressure should be like a firm handshake. It should stay the same throughout your stroke. This lets you move smoothly without any tension in your hands and arms. Your grip pressure should be like a firm handshake. It should stay the same throughout your stroke. This lets you move smoothly without any tension in your hands and arms. To enhance consistency, incorporate putting stroke visualization techniques, imagining the ball rolling smoothly along your intended line. This mental preparation helps calm your mind and reinforces muscle memory, ensuring your stroke stays fluid and controlled.

How does hand positioning affect my putting stroke?

Where you place your hands affects your stroke a lot. The right hand position helps you hit the ball well and keeps your stroke smooth. Most good putters place the grip at their belly button or a bit forward.

Can changing my putting grip help with the yips?

Yes, changing your grip can help with the yips. The left-hand-low and claw grips are good for this. They help by reducing movement in your hands and wrists.

How do oversized putter grips affect my putting?

Oversized grips can make your putting more accurate. They keep your hands in a neutral position and stop wrist flipping. But, some golfers like thinner grips for better touch.

What are some effective drills to improve my putting grip?

Good drills include using indoor mats and practicing different types of putts. You should also work on controlling the distance and aligning your putts. Pressure point drills can help with grip tension. Regular practice is essential to get better at any new grip.

Is it legal to use the arm lock putting method?

The arm lock method is legal, but you must avoid anchoring the putter. The putter should be about 2 inches below your left elbow. Your left forearm should press against the putter during the stroke.

How does grip size affect my putting stroke?

Grip size changes how you feel and move during putting. Thicker grips can make your putting more accurate and prevent wrist issues. Thinner grips give you more control with your fingers and hands. The USGA allows grips up to 1.75 inches in diameter.

Can I use different grips for different types of putts?

While it’s best to stick with one grip, some golfers use different ones for different putts. For example, they might use one for long putts and another for short ones. But, this needs a lot of practice to get right.

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