Your putting grip can make or break your performance on the greens. Whether you’re aiming for better accuracy, consistency, or control, finding the right grip is key. This guide covers four popular styles – conventional, left-hand low, claw, and prayer – each with its own strengths and challenges. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Conventional: Familiar and easy to pick up, this grip suits players with arc-style strokes and prioritizes stability.
- Left-Hand Low: Reduces wrist movement and provides better alignment, ideal for those struggling with hand action.
- Claw: Limits wrist tension and encourages a shoulder-driven stroke, great for players battling the yips.
- Prayer: Balances both hands for a steady motion but may take longer to get used to.
Choosing the right grip depends on your stroke style, hand control, and comfort level. Experiment with these options to find what works best for you.
9 Putting Grips in 10 Minutes (Find YOUR Best One)
1. Conventional Grip
The conventional grip, often referred to as the traditional or reverse overlap grip, is the go-to choice for many golfers. It feels natural because it mirrors the grip used for regular golf shots, making it an easy transition when you pick up a putter.
Hand Position
In this grip, your left hand rests above your right hand (for right-handed players) on the putter’s handle. The key feature is the reverse overlap, where the index finger of your left hand overlaps the fingers of your right hand. This creates a unified grip and maintains a familiar hand placement.
Your palms should face each other, and your thumbs should point straight down the shaft. This alignment ensures the putter face stays square during your stroke, which is critical for controlling the ball’s direction. By keeping your hands steady and aligned, this grip promotes a stable and consistent putting motion.
Stability
The conventional grip is designed for stability. Its familiar hand positioning helps limit excessive wrist hinge and rotation, keeping the putter face square at impact. Applying light grip pressure further enhances control and reduces tension.
This grip is trusted by many top professionals because it naturally supports a stroke driven by shoulder movement rather than wrist action. This shoulder-led motion minimizes errors caused by wrist movement, helping you maintain precision and accuracy on the greens.
Adaptation Period
One of the biggest advantages of the conventional grip is its minimal learning curve. Since it closely resembles the grip for full-swing shots, beginners can quickly adapt and focus on refining other aspects of their putting technique.
Player Suitability
The conventional grip is particularly effective for golfers with arc-style putting strokes, as it promotes a smooth release through impact. Its natural feel and simplicity make it a great option for beginners and players who prefer consistency.
This grip’s design mirrors full-swing mechanics, reinforcing a reliable putting stroke. The reverse overlap variation adds extra stability, reduces hand movement, and provides greater control. If you’re looking for a grip that emphasizes reliability and precision, the conventional grip is a solid choice for steady performance on the greens.
2. Left-Hand Low (Cross-Handed) Grip
The left-hand low grip, often called the cross-handed grip, flips the traditional hand placement by positioning the left hand beneath the right on the putter handle. This grip has gained popularity among professional golfers, with stars like Jordan Spieth, Dustin Johnson, Ricky Fowler, Billy Horschel, and Nelly Korda using it on the greens.
Hand Position
For right-handed golfers, this grip involves placing the right hand at the top and the left hand lower on the putter. The midpoint of the grip should rest under the left thumb pad, allowing the left arm to extend naturally. Some players prefer a single finger overlap, while others opt for a double overlap to ensure a secure connection. Additionally, align your shoulders, hips, and feet in a straight line. With this grip, you might notice your right shoulder feels slightly tucked back compared to a conventional grip. This setup promotes a more stable stroke.
Stability
One of the key benefits of the left-hand low grip is its ability to reduce hand and wrist movement, providing greater stability. By deactivating the right hand and keeping the left wrist from breaking down, this grip helps maintain control throughout the stroke.
"There aren’t any [disadvantages]. The only disadvantage is if it doesn’t work for you."
– Monte Scheinblum, Golf Instructor
Even golf legend Jack Nicklaus has praised this grip, saying:
"If I had to teach someone how to putt from scratch, I would start them off with cross handed putting"
With locked wrists and minimal movement, this grip enhances consistency, especially on short putts.
Adaptation Period
Although the reversed hand positioning may feel awkward at first, the left-hand low grip generally requires less time to adapt to compared to other techniques. When practicing, focus on applying light grip pressure and keeping your wrists locked throughout the stroke. Spend time working on both short and long putts to fine-tune your distance control, as lag putts can feel different with this grip.
Player Suitability
This grip is particularly effective for golfers who struggle with excessive hand action or left wrist breakdown during their stroke. It’s also a great option if you tend to rely too much on your hands for control.
Coach Erik Schjolberg from Swing Yard highlights the grip’s benefits, calling it "just so stable" and his preferred technique when his putting stroke isn’t working. He also notes its widespread use on the PGA Tour, describing it as a "very good putting stroke".
While the left-hand low grip offers improved stability and consistency, some players might find it reduces feel and creates a slightly larger swing arc, which can make distance control on longer putts more challenging.
3. Claw Grip
The claw grip brings a fresh perspective to putting, offering a distinctive method that’s gaining traction among top players. Even World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler has embraced this grip for its unique benefits. It’s a favorite among professionals because it transforms how your hands engage with the putter, making it a game-changer for many.
Hand Position
The claw grip gets its name from the way your right hand interacts with the putter. Instead of wrapping your fingers around the handle like in a traditional grip, your right hand forms a “claw” shape, with your thumb and index finger resting along the side of the putter. Meanwhile, your left hand stays in a standard position at the top of the grip. This setup encourages a putting stroke powered more by your shoulders than by your hands, reducing unwanted hand action.
Stability
One of the standout benefits of the claw grip is its ability to promote a smooth, shoulder-driven motion. PGA professionals Alex Elliott and Katie Dawkins emphasize that this grip is especially helpful for taming an overactive right hand. Dawkins notes that it "puts the shoulders in charge" and minimizes the risk of your right hand taking over, which can throw off the putter face. This shoulder-led approach is particularly useful on fast greens, where too much hand movement can send putts speeding past the hole.
Adaptation Period
Switching to the claw grip can feel awkward at first, as it requires developing new muscle memory. However, with consistent practice and focused drills, most golfers adjust quickly and begin to see the benefits of a more stable, shoulder-driven stroke.
Player Suitability
The claw grip is a solid choice for golfers who struggle with an overactive right hand or face the frustration of the putting yips. It’s also ideal for achieving a smoother stroke on fast greens. However, if putting is already one of your strengths, you might want to stick with your current grip. Additionally, the claw grip can be challenging on slower greens, as it limits hand release, which can make controlling distance on longer putts more difficult. If you’re unsure whether this grip is right for you, consider working with a PGA professional to assess its fit for your game. While the claw grip offers excellent stability, it’s important to weigh its potential drawbacks based on the conditions you play in and your personal putting style.
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4. Prayer Grip
The prayer grip stands out as an unconventional putting method, earning its name from the way it mirrors the position of praying hands. Unlike the claw grip, which relies heavily on a shoulder-led motion, this grip introduces a symmetrical approach that challenges traditional techniques.
Hand Position
To use the prayer grip, place your palms facing each other on either side of the putter. Your thumbs should point downward, while your fingers wrap around the handle from opposite sides. This setup creates a neutral and balanced stance, allowing both arms to work together in a pendulum-like motion. The symmetry of this position helps minimize the influence of a dominant hand.
Stability
Thanks to its symmetrical design, the prayer grip promotes a steady and balanced stroke. By reducing the chances of one hand overpowering the other, it helps maintain a square putter face throughout the stroke. This grip also minimizes wrist movement, ensuring the putter face stays aligned at impact, which is key for a straight-back, straight-through motion.
Adaptation Period
Switching to the prayer grip can feel awkward at first. It requires time and practice to build the muscle memory needed for consistent performance. Early on, focus on keeping your hand positioning consistent before fine-tuning your overall stroke. While the adjustment period may be longer compared to other grips, golfers who stick with it often find it well worth the effort.
Player Suitability
The prayer grip is ideal for golfers who struggle with dominant-hand interference. However, it may pose challenges for players with smaller hands or those who rely heavily on feel for distance control. In some cases, adjusting the putter grip size can help improve comfort and control. This grip is particularly appealing for players who haven’t found success with other alternative methods, as it offers a completely fresh approach to putting mechanics.
Pros and Cons Summary
Every putter grip style comes with its own set of advantages and challenges, making it essential to find one that aligns with your personal preferences and putting technique. By understanding these differences, you can make a more informed choice to enhance your performance on the greens.
| Grip Style | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional | Feels natural, easy to learn, provides good distance control, works with various putter designs | Can be affected by dominant-hand interference, may cause wrist strain under pressure, alignment can vary | Beginners, golfers with strong hand-eye coordination, and those who prioritize feel |
| Left-Hand Low | Reduces dominant-hand interference, promotes a shoulder-driven stroke, improves alignment and short-putt control | May feel awkward initially, requires adjustment for distance control | Right-handed players seeking better balance or dealing with alignment issues |
| Claw | Limits wrist movement, encourages a consistent stroke path, reduces tension in high-pressure situations | Offers less distance feedback, can feel unnatural, challenging for longer putts | Golfers dealing with wrist tension or looking for a more controlled, stable stroke |
| Prayer | Balances hand positioning, reduces dominant-hand influence, supports a steady pendulum motion | Longer learning curve, may not suit smaller hands, provides less feedback on distance | Players exploring alternatives or seeking a neutral grip with balanced hand placement |
These insights highlight the importance of tailoring your grip to suit your needs. While the conventional grip offers familiarity and adaptability, it can feel less stable under pressure. On the other hand, styles like left-hand low or prayer often provide greater control and balance, while the claw grip offers a middle ground by enhancing stability without sacrificing too much feedback.
Choosing the right grip can significantly impact your putting consistency and control. If you’re struggling with tension, alignment, or even hand size, experimenting with different grip styles could be the key to improvement. Additionally, pairing your grip choice with a compatible putter design can further fine-tune your game. Use this guide to explore options and find the grip that fits your style and addresses your unique challenges.
Conclusion
Choosing the right putter grip style can make a noticeable difference in your performance on the greens. But here’s the thing – there’s no universal grip that works for everyone.
Based on the grip styles discussed earlier, think about your specific putting challenges. If you struggle with wrist tension or have trouble maintaining consistent strokes, the claw grip might give you the extra stability you need. Golfers who deal with alignment issues or dominant-hand interference often benefit from the left-hand low grip. If you’re after a more balanced and neutral feel, the prayer grip could be worth trying. And for beginners or those focused on distance control, the conventional grip is a solid choice.
Keep in mind that factors like hand size and overall comfort are just as important as technique. A grip that feels natural during practice swings should help you feel more confident when it’s time to sink that crucial putt. Take your time experimenting with different styles before settling on one.
It’s worth noting that switching grips might come with a short adjustment period, and your distance control might dip slightly at first. That’s completely normal – stick with it.
For golfers looking to take their putting to the next level, resources like the Precision Putting Video Course ($49) and the How To Break 80 eBook ($29) from How To Break 80 can help fine-tune your skills.
FAQs
How do I choose the right putter grip style for my putting stroke and challenges?
Finding the Right Putter Grip Style
Choosing the best putter grip starts with understanding your own putting stroke. Is your stroke straight, does it have a slight arc, or does it feature a strong arc? The answer can guide you toward a grip that feels natural and enhances your performance. For instance, if your stroke has a slight arc, you might find that a grip suited for moderate toe hang complements your motion.
Trying out various grips is essential to pinpoint what feels most comfortable and gives you the best control. If you’re feeling unsure, a putting instructor or professional fitter can analyze your stroke and suggest a grip that matches your technique. Dialing in the right grip style could make a noticeable difference in your putting consistency and overall game.
How can I smoothly adjust to a new putter grip style, and how long does it usually take?
Getting used to a new putter grip style isn’t something that happens overnight – it takes patience and steady practice. Begin by experimenting with grips until you find one that feels natural and comfortable in your hands. Spend time practicing short putts first, as they help you develop control and build confidence before tackling longer putts.
How long it takes to adjust depends on a few factors, like your experience and how different the new grip is from your old one. For most golfers, it can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to feel completely at ease. Stick with it, practice consistently, and let your muscle memory adapt at its own pace.
Do certain putter designs work better with specific grip styles to enhance performance on the greens?
Yes, the design of your putter plays a big role in how well it works with different grip styles. Smaller grips are often a better match for putters with toe flow, as they complement an arcing stroke. Meanwhile, larger grips are typically better suited for face-balanced putters, which are designed for a square-to-square stroke.
Other factors, like the putter’s moment of inertia (MOI) and head shape, also influence how well it pairs with certain grips. Finding the right combination can make a noticeable difference in your comfort, control, and overall performance on the greens.
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