The Grip Debate: Are You Holding Your Putter Wrong

Few topics generate as much debate and experimentation as the putting grip, even as discussions often focus on the full swing. Recently, social media has been abuzz with golfers of all levels experimenting with new and unconventional putting grips in search of improved feel and consistency.

From tour professionals to social media influencers, there is a widespread reassessment of whether the traditional grip is indeed the most effective. What is driving this trend, and should you consider reevaluating your own putting grip?

For decades, the conventional reverse overlap grip reigned supreme. It’s tried, tested, and works for countless golfers. However, the pursuit of fewer putts has led many to explore alternatives, often shared and discussed heavily on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

A Few of our Favourites:

• The Claw Grip

  Perhaps the most visually distinctive. The idea? To take the wrists out of the stroke, promoting a more stable, pendulum-like motion and reducing unwanted hand action. Many pros, including Sergio Garcia, have had great success with it.

• Left Hand Low

  This grip simply reverses your hand placement, with your left hand (for a right-handed golfer) positioned below your right. Proponents believe it helps maintain a square putter face through impact and reduces the tendency to pull putts. It can create a feeling of more controlled clubface rotation.

• The Arm-Lock Grip

While not entirely new, its popularity has surged thanks to new putter designs and rules clarifications. This grip involves an extended putter handle that rests against your lead forearm, effectively "locking" the putter and minimizing wrist breakdown. It's designed for maximum stability and is often seen with longer putters.

• The Japanese

Less common but gaining traction, variations of this grip emphasize getting both palms facing each other directly on the grip, promoting an incredibly unified and stable feel between both hands, often leading to a very quiet and direct stroke.

A putting grip isn't just about holding the club; it's about connecting with the putter head and consistently delivering it squarely to the ball with the right speed. When a golfer struggles with consistency, pace, or alignment, the grip is often one of the first things they look to change. Social media, with its endless stream of tips, drills, and pro analyses, only fuels this experimentation. Seeing tour pros adopt unconventional methods gives everyday golfers the confidence to try something new themselves.

Should you make a change?

Before changing your grip, remember there's no universal solution in putting. The best grip enables you to:

• Feel comfortable and confident over the ball.

• Deliver the putter face square to your target line at impact.

• Minimize unwanted hand movement.

Do not hesitate to experiment, particularly if you are encountering difficulties on the greens. Take your putter and try various grips on the practice green to experience the differences. Feel how each grip influences your stroke path, face angle, and overall feel. While what works for a professional golfer may not be ideal for you, a minor adjustment could significantly boost your confidence in putting.

Ultimately, the aim is to increase your putting success. Therefore, if a popular grip provides you with an advantage, it is a trend worth considering.