Most golfers have tried a variation of their putting grip. Regardless of how good of a short game we have, trying new putting grips from time to time is a must. Over the years I have tried a few, but have always reverted back to my old faithful. Now, I do not even try new grips because I have confidence that what I use now is best for my game. Can you say the same?
After a bit of research, I found a video by Rick Shiels that explains seven possible putting grips. Each is unique and offers something different. As Shiels say, there is no right answer here and regardless of how you hold your putter, if it is good for your game, then use it!
I use the standard grip with my index fingers tucked into the grip. I find it most comfortable and have always reverted back to it if I tried something different. I personally have not tried all the different grips, but I have tried a few. I have tried the reverse grip and claw grip. The others felt too uncomfortable and never received much attention.
I tried different putting grips to see if my short game would improve. In the two other cases, it did not. I actually found that my ability to aim was hindered the most and that is never a good thing. This does not mean that they do not not work, they just do not work for me. My friend Serge uses a reverse grip and my friend Tim uses the claw grip effectively. Both are decent putters, so that is enough proof to me that there is no ‘must use’ putter grip.
On a side note, I use a midsized grip on my putter. I made the changes a few years back and found that it helps lock my wrists through the entire putting stroke. I am glad I made the change because if feel more confident on the greens.
Putting is a unique skill that requires a fair bit of effort to hone. Choosing the proper grip will definitely improve your game. If you are not sure if a change is needed, I recommend playing around with the various grips. You never know, you might find a new putting technique to lower your score a few strokes.
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
The Grateful Golfer 
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Jim, I use the standard reverse overlap. Last season I spent the majority of the time using the claw as I was trying to deactivate my right hand from tensing up on the downswing and pulling the putt. Now I just focus on keeping light but constant grip pressure in both hands. What’s made a real difference is the conversion to spot putting. I think you do this as well. Takes the guess work out of, “Am I aligned correctly?” Let’s you focus fully on pace.
Thanks,
Brian
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Brian,
I agree that grip pressure is very important. On long putts, my grip naturally tightens, but closer ones it is as if I am barely holding the club. My alignment is fixed by selecting a make (spot putting) about a 1/4 of the distance from my ball to the hole. It works best for my game for sure. Putting is a difficult unique skill that most players do not spend enough time developing at the beginning of their careers. The more experienced golfers become, the better understanding they have of its importance.
Cheers Jim
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I’m not sure I got this posted before so I’ll try once again and maybe add a little to it. My only thought right now with putters is it’s the only club in my bag that I didn’t get fitted for. And since it’s the one club I have to use most often, I feel silly for that. I do need to scratch that itch someday.
As for what grip I take, I’ve tried most but I’m finger down like I started. It’s what works for me. Just like the mid sized pistol grip from Winn is a staple now.
What I figure I might gain from a fitting is a better idea of what works with my eyes best, what lie angles and lofts are optimal for me. I figure that kind of thing might make a couple more putts drop each round.
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Kevin,
Fitting is never a bad idea. The only challenge is that once fitted, it is fitted for a particular swing motion. If you never change that or your grip, then go for it. I fitted myself for a putter and it worked very well and I am confident with the the flat stick all the time. It does not mean I sink all my putts, but three putting is a rare thing. https://thegratefulgolfer.com/2017/11/02/blade-or-mallet/
Cheers Jim
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I’m still wanting a putter fitting. I keep thinking it’s the one club used most often and the one club I’ve never had a fitting for and that just seems silly to me.
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Let me know if you do decide to be fitted for your putter. Tell us if it helps your game at all.
Cheers Jim
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