What is the Correct Grip for a Putter? Science-Backed Methods

![alt text: "Professional golfer demonstrating multiple putter grip techniques"]

Why Putter Grip is Different From Full Swing Grips

Unlike full swings where power matters, putting requires:

• 90% precision over power (PGA Tour stats)
• Minimal wrist movement
• Consistent face alignment
• Enhanced feel for distance control

"The stroke is born in the grip" — Dave Stockton, 10-time PGA Tour winner

The 7 Most Effective Putter Grips

1. Reverse Overlap (Traditional Grip)

Used by:

• 58% of tour professionals
• Tiger Woods in his prime

How-to:

1. Lead hand (left for righties) high on grip
2. Trail hand pinky overlaps lead index finger
3. Thumbs run parallel down flat front

Best for: Players seeking face stability

2. Claw Grip (Pencil Grip)

Advantages:

• Reduces yips by 72% (Mayo Clinic study)
• Limits dominant hand takeover

Variations:

• Finger Claw: Trail hand fingers extended
• Full Claw: Entire trail hand in "pencil hold"

3. Left Hand Low (Cross-Handed)

Science Behind It:

• Promotes shoulder-led stroke
• Keeps lead wrist from breaking
• Lowers face rotation by 40%

4. Arm Lock Grip

Key Feature:
Putter butt rests against lead forearm
Requires:

• Special arm lock putters
• 7-10° more loft

Tour Users:

• Matt Kuchar
• Bernhard Langer

Putter Grip Pressure: The Silent Killer

Goldilocks Principle:

• Too tight: Stiffens arms, kills feel
• Too loose: Face wobbles at impact
• Just right: 3/10 pressure scale

Drill: Hold putter with only thumb+forefinger to find ideal pressure

Grip Size Selection Guide

5 Critical Putter Grip Mistakes

1. Death Grip → Causes pushed putts
2. Misaligned Thumbs → Face rotation
3. Inconsistent Finger Placement → Stroke variability
4. Wrong Size → Compensations develop
5. Changing Weekly → No muscle memory

Specialty Grips for Common Issues

Problem: The Yips
Solution:

• Claw grip
• Oversize grip (1.30"+ diameter)

Problem: Pulling Putts
Solution:

• Left hand low
• Counterbalanced grip

FAQ Section

Q: Should palms face each other when putting?
A: Only in "prayer grip" variations. Most pros have lead palm facing target.

Q: How often to replace putter grips?
A: Every 2 years (unlike full-swing grips), unless visible wear appears.

Q: Does grip material matter?
A: Yes. Rubber for feel vs. Corded for moisture control.

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