Go to the practice putting green before a round of golf and you
may see as many different putting grips as you do colors on golf
shirts. Putting is probably the area of the game that can have the
most personalization. There are several right ways to putt and if
the ball is going in the hole, then by all means that is the right
way for you to putt.
Go to the practice putting green before a round of golf and you may see as many different putting grips as you do colors on golf shirts. Putting is probably the area of the game that can have the most personalization. There are several right ways to putt and if the ball is going in the hole, then by all means that is the right way for you to putt.
The most popular putting grip is the reverse overlap, in which the first finger of the left hand overlaps the pinkie of the right hand. The entire right hand is on the club and this is where the stroke gets its stability. This is opposite of the overlap used in a swing grip.
The cross hand grip is also popular. This grip is sometimes called the “left hand low” grip because that is exactly where it is positioned on the grip. It is below the right hand. It is quite practical for those players who suffer from the “yips.” It prevents the breakdown of the wrists through the stroke and provides a smoother stroke through the ball.
The Chris DiMarco “claw” grip is being experimented with also. This puts the entire left hand on top of the club and places the right hand on the lower part squeezing the grip as if it were a pencil. This grip revived DiMarco’s career … can it do the same for you?
Remember a bit of advice that I tell all my students when it comes to putting. It is my “wheel” theory as it applies to putting and golf.
When you are over the ball use the grip that works for you and be relaxed. If you are relaxed you make a better stroke. When you make a better stroke the ball goes in more often. When the ball goes in more often you shoot lower scores. When you shoot lower scores you are happier and when you are happier you are relaxed.
To all you fathers out there, have a great Father’s Day. For all you sons or daughters, take your dad to the course and play some golf with him, you both will cherish the moments for a lifetime.
