Luke is an avid weekend-warrior golfer from the East Coast who plays golf more than he cares to admit.
The perfect putting grip, or as we like to call it, the “put grip,” is the holy grail of golfers everywhere. It’s the one factor that can make or break your game on the green, directly affecting your scorecard. But with numerous grip styles and sizes to choose from, finding the perfect fit can be a daunting task. Fear not, fellow golfer, as we’ve got you covered! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into the world of put grips to help you find the one that works best for you and elevates your golf game to new heights.
From conventional to cross-handed put grips, we’ll explore the unique benefits of each style, discuss the importance of grip size, and provide tips for testing and adjusting grips to find the perfect fit. We’ll also delve into the world of putter grip accessories and maintenance, and introduce you to some popular putter grip brands to consider for your next purchase. So grab your putter and let’s get started on your journey to finding the ultimate putter shaft and grip!
Short Summary
- Understanding different putter grips is essential to finding the right one for improved performance.
- Experimenting with various grip styles, sizes and materials can help enhance putting performance.
- Popular brands such as SuperStroke Grips offer a variety of options to cater to all golfers’ needs and preferences.
Understanding Different Putter Grips
Putting grips come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each with their own unique advantages and disadvantages. Finding the right grip for your game is an essential part of maximizing your performance on the green. To help you make an informed decision, we’ll discuss some of the most common putting grips used by golfers worldwide and their distinctive benefits.
Whether you’re looking to improve your putting stroke, minimize wrist hinge, or simply find a more comfortable grip, there’s a putting grip style that’s perfect for you. In the following sections, we’ll delve into the details of conventional, cross-handed, claw, prayer, and arm lock grips, providing you with valuable insights to help you choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.
Conventional Grip (Reverse Overlap)
The conventional grip, also known as the reverse overlap grip, is widely used by professionals and amateurs alike, including golf legend Tiger Woods. It is one of the most common putting grips among golfers of all skill levels. This grip style involves placing the right hand at the bottom of the club, with the left hand’s pinky and ring fingers on the grip, and the dominant hand and middle and index fingers overlapping the right hand.
The reverse overlap putting grip requires the left thumb to sit flat on the putter grip. This is the claw putting grip its most important feature. The right hand (for right-handed golfers) is the primary source of power during the putting stroke and functions like a piston throughout the stroke.
This grip is beneficial for players with a neutral wrist position, as it facilitates a more consistent and repeatable putting stroke. However, it can prove challenging to perfect and may not be comfortable for certain golfers.
Cross-Handed Grip (Left Hand Low)
Also known as the normal grip or left hand low grip, the cross-handed grip is a technique wherein the left hand is positioned beneath the right hand for right-handed golfers. This grip style is most suitable for individuals with excessive wrist hinge or flipping, as it helps minimize these issues, leading to a more consistent and precise putting stroke.
The optimal hand positioning for the cross-handed grip is to have the left and right thumbs positioned on the top of the putter grip, providing additional stability and proper putting grip. By reducing wrist hinge and maintaining a more relaxed posture for the arms and shoulders, the cross-handed grip can significantly improve your putting performance and consistency on the green.
Claw Grip
The claw grip is a modern putting grip style that has gained popularity on the PGA Tour and is employed by professional golfers such as Justin Rose and Phil Mickelson. It is particularly advantageous for golfers who struggle with an overactive right hand during the putting stroke.
The claw grip reduces the number of components in the stroke, thus aiding in maintaining the putter-face square. The left arm and wrist is the primary force in the stroke, with the right hand able to hold the grip in a variety of manners.
The key to utilizing the claw grip effectively is to determine the number of fingers that provide maximum comfort while performing the stroke. Even if you don’t use the claw grip regularly, practicing with it can still be beneficial in developing a sense of a stationary right hand and wrist during the putting stroke.
Prayer Grip
The prayer grip is a unique putting grip style with hands positioned on both sides of the club, allowing for reduced grip pressure. For optimal use, hands should be placed in the center of the prayer putting grip, with thumbs resting down the center of the shaft and index fingers running down either side of the grip or wrapped underneath.
This grip style facilitates a smooth stroke and prevents over-tightening of the club, which can lead to increased consistency and precision on the green. To consistently employ the prayer grip effectively, it is essential to ensure that the distance between the elbows (which should be slightly bent) remains constant throughout the backswing and follow-through.
Arm Lock Grip
The arm lock grip is a putting method that necessitates a longer shaft and involves pressing the ball forward, providing a sense of stability. This grip style is permissible under golf rules and offers outstanding stability, making it difficult to unintentionally close or open the clubface.
The arm lock grip requires the left hand to be in a slightly weaker position cross handed putting grip, with the putter handle running up the palm of the hand and pressing up against the left forearm. By offering enhanced stability and reduced hand movement during the stroke, the arm lock grip can significantly improve your putting performance and consistency on the green.
Choosing the Right Putter Grip Size
Grip size plays a crucial role in finding the perfect putting grip for your game. The thickness of the grip should be considered, as thicker grips provide increased stability and control, whereas thinner grips allow for more feel and feedback.
In the following sections, we’ll delve into the benefits of both thicker and thinner grips to help you find the one that best suits your needs and preferences.
Thicker Grips
Thicker grips, often referred to as “fat” grips, reduce unnecessary hand movements during the stroke, providing increased stability and control. By facilitating a smooth stroke and preventing the hands from becoming overly active, thicker grips can help to improve your overall putting performance.
When utilizing thicker grips, it is essential to ensure the grip is properly fitted to the player’s hands and to practice with the same grip, to become accustomed to the feel and control it provides. Thicker grips can be more challenging to manipulate, necessitating more strength and effort to grasp, and may be more uncomfortable for certain players, leading to hand fatigue.
Thinner Grips
Thinner grips provide more tactile feedback and vibrations from impact, enabling golfers to more accurately sense the side hold a putter and head and make more precise putts. Additionally, they offer improved control of the putter head, leading to more consistent putts.
However, thinner grips can be challenging to maintain control over due to the need for greater precision and accuracy from the player. They may also be uncomfortable for some players, as the smaller diameter can cause the grip to dig into the hands.
Players who desire increased feedback and control from their putter, as well as those with smaller hands, may find thinner grips advantageous.
Experimenting with Putter Grips
Try out different putter grips can be an enlightening experience, as it can lead to a smoother tempo, increased balance and stability, decreased grip pressure, a more closed face angle, and reduced wrist activity. By experimenting with various grip styles and sizes, you can find the most comfortable and effective way to achieve consistent speed and directional control when rolling putts.
In the following sections, we’ll provide tips for testing and adjusting putter grips to help you find the perfect fit.
Tips for Testing Grips
The most effective way to assess putter grips is to utilize them on the putter head that you intend to use. It’s crucial to test the grip under a variety of conditions, including wet and dry, hot and cold, and various types of terrain. Additionally, be sure to explore various grip styles, including conventional, cross-handed, claw, prayer, and arm lock putting grip.
Grip size and material adjustments are also essential considerations when testing putter grips. By experimenting with different sizes and materials, you can find the perfect combination of comfort and the distance control, that will enhance your putting performance on the green.
Making Adjustments
When testing putter grips, adjustments can be made to grip size, grip material, and counterbalance to ensure a perfect fit. Grip size adjustments involve altering the size of the grip to suit the size of the golfer’s hands, which can be done by using a thicker or thinner grip.
Grip material adjustments may be necessary to accommodate the golfer’s preference, which can be achieved by utilizing either a softer or firmer grip. Counterbalance adjustments involve altering the weight of the grip to suit the golfer’s preference, which can be achieved by using either a heavier or lighter grip.
Putter Grip Accessories and Maintenance
Proper maintenance of your putter grip is essential to ensure optimal performance on the green. In golf course in addition to trying out different putter grips, it’s crucial to regrip your putter regularly and clean it with warm water and a light detergent to maintain its integrity.
In the following sections, we’ll discuss the importance of regripping your putter and provide tips for using a glove while putting.
Regripping Your Putter
Regripping a putter involves replacing the grip of a golf club, which is necessary when the grip has become worn and is impacting the golfer’s game. It is recommended that a putter be replaced at least annually to ensure optimal performance and maintain the integrity of the grip, thus preventing wear and tear that could lead to an inconsistent feel and performance.
The process of regripping a putter requires removal of the existing grip, cleaning of the shaft, and application of the new grip. This can be done independently or by a professional club fitter, depending on your level of comfort and expertise. Regular regripping helps maintain the grip’s effectiveness and ensures a consistent feel throughout your putting game.
Using a Glove While Putting
Using a golf glove while putting is a matter of personal preference. Some golfers find that removing their glove provides them with a better feel, while others prefer to keep it on for improved grip and to reduce sweat. Tour pros often believe that the glove acts as a barrier between their fingers and hands and the putter, inhibiting their feel and their capacity to sink challenging putts.
The advantages of using a glove while putting include improved grip and decreased perspiration, while the disadvantages include reduced tactile sensation and the possibility of diminishing the capacity to sink difficult putts. Ultimately, it is the prerogative of the golfer to determine whether or not to don a glove while putting.
Popular Putter Grip Brands
There are several popular putter grip brands available on the market, offering a wide range of options to suit the needs and preferences of every golfer.
In the following sections, we’ll introduce you to some of these renowned brands, including SuperStroke Grips and other notable brands, to help you find the perfect putting grip for your game.
SuperStroke Grips
SuperStroke is a leading putter grip brand, featuring an oversized, non-tapered design that has gained popularity among golfers of all skill levels. These grips are known for their thicker profile, which helps to reduce wrist action and provide a more stable and consistent putting stroke.
With a wide variety of target line of products available, SuperStroke grips cater to the needs of golfers seeking improved performance on the green.
Other Notable Brands
Apart from SuperStroke, there are several other notable putter grip brands to consider for your next purchase. Golf Pride is a renowned putter grip brand that provides a wide selection of styles and sizes. P2 is another well-known brand, renowned for its lightweight and ergonomic designs.
Flat Cat Golf offers a unique flat-sided design, providing enhanced feel and control. Rosemark is known for its superior materials and timeless designs, while Winn grips are celebrated for their exceptionally soft and tacky feel, as well as their superior durability.
Lamkin is another renowned putter grip brand, providing a wide selection of styles and sizes to meet the requirements of all golfers.
Summary
In conclusion, finding the perfect putting grip is a crucial aspect of improving your golf game. By understanding the different grip styles, experimenting with various sizes, and exploring popular brands, you can discover the ideal grip that offers the perfect balance of comfort, control, and consistency on the green. Remember, the perfect golf putting grip really is a personal choice, so don’t be afraid to test out different options until you find the one that feels just right for you.
So, whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just starting out on your golfing journey, take the time to explore the world of putting grips and find the one that unlocks your true potential on the green. With the right grip in hand, you’ll be sinking those challenging putts and lowering your scores in no time. Happy putting!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a putting grip?
The most common putting grip amongst golfers is the conventional reverse overlap, where the left index finger is placed across the adjacent fingers on the right hand. This grip provides a secure hold while putting green allowing for greater accuracy and precision when making your putts.
How should you grip a putter?
For the best results when putting, grip the putter with your left and right index finger resting on top of the right pinkie finger. This “reverse overlap” grip will allow you to keep your wrists relaxed while providing more control over the clubface and a smoother stroke.
This grip will help you to make a more consistent stroke and hit the ball with greater accuracy. It will also help you maintain a consistent tempo throughout your putting stroke, which is essential for good putting.
What is the traditional putting grip?
The traditional putting grip is a reverse overlap, where the left index finger is placed across the adjacent fingers on the right hand. This grip provides a secure and consistent hold on golf ball that can help improve your putting accuracy.
How hard should you grip a putter?
When it comes to gripping a putter, finding the right pressure for your swing is key. A light grip pressure can be effective, but if you’re looking for more control, aiming for a moderate or firm grip pressure is suggested.
Experiment and see what works best for you by rating your grip on a scale of 1-10.
Which kind of grip is best during putting?
For putting, the conventional reverse overlap grip is the preferred option among professional golfers. It allows for consistent hand positioning and helps maintain a controlled wrist hinge for a smooth stroke.
This kind of grip will help you achieve consistent results and ensure your putts travel in the right direction.
