What Is the Best Way to Hold a Putter in Golf?

AvatarByJeffrey Patton Golf Tips & Improvement

Mastering the art of putting is a crucial step toward lowering your golf score, and it all begins with how you hold the putter. Whether you’re a beginner eager to improve or an experienced player looking to refine your technique, understanding the fundamentals of a proper putter grip can dramatically enhance your control and confidence on the greens. The way you hold your putter influences everything from your stroke consistency to your ability to read the green, making it one of the most important aspects of your short game.

Grasping the putter correctly is more than just a matter of comfort; it’s about creating a stable, repeatable motion that allows for precision and smoothness. Many golfers underestimate the impact of grip style and pressure, yet these subtle factors can be the difference between sinking a crucial putt or missing it by inches. As you explore the nuances of holding a putter, you’ll discover techniques that promote better alignment, reduce wrist movement, and foster a natural pendulum stroke.

In the sections ahead, we’ll delve into various grip styles, common mistakes to avoid, and tips to help you find the grip that best suits your game. Whether you prefer a traditional approach or are open to experimenting with modern grips, understanding how to hold your putter properly will set the foundation

Grip Techniques for Holding a Putter

Selecting the right grip technique is essential to ensure control, consistency, and comfort when holding a putter. Different grips can influence the mechanics of your stroke and the feel of the clubhead through impact. Here are some of the most commonly used grips among golfers:

  • Reverse Overlap Grip: This is the most traditional and widely taught grip. The index finger of the top hand overlaps the fingers of the bottom hand, promoting unity between both hands and minimizing wrist breakdown during the stroke.
  • Cross-Handed Grip (Left Hand Low for Right-Handers): This grip places the left hand below the right hand on the shaft, which can help reduce wrist movement and keep the stroke more pendulum-like.
  • Claw Grip: The bottom hand is positioned in a claw-like manner, with the fingers pointing downward instead of wrapping around the grip. This can help reduce tension and wrist action.
  • Fingertip Grip: The hands hold the putter with the fingertips rather than the palms, increasing sensitivity and control over the clubface.

Each grip style affects the feel and control in different ways, so experimenting to find what suits your stroke is advisable.

Hand Placement and Alignment

Proper hand placement on the putter grip ensures stability and alignment throughout the putting stroke. Both hands should work together as a single unit, preventing excessive wrist movement or tension.

  • Position the grip primarily in the fingers rather than the palms. This allows for better control and prevents the wrists from breaking down during the stroke.
  • Align the V’s formed between the thumb and index finger of each hand so they point toward the trailing shoulder (right shoulder for right-handed golfers).
  • Maintain even pressure with both hands; gripping too tightly can cause tension, while too loose a grip reduces control.
  • The thumbs should rest slightly on the top of the grip, pointing down the shaft to promote a square face at impact.

Pressure and Tension in the Grip

Applying the correct amount of pressure when holding a putter is critical for smooth, consistent strokes. Excessive tension can lead to jerky movements, while too little grip pressure can cause instability.

  • Aim for a light to moderate grip pressure, often described as a “firm handshake” feel.
  • Relax the hands and forearms to maintain fluidity in the stroke.
  • Avoid squeezing the putter tightly; this can cause the wrists to tense and negatively affect the path and face angle.
  • The pressure should be consistent throughout the stroke, from takeaway to follow-through.

Comparison of Common Putter Grip Styles

Grip Style Hand Position Key Benefits Potential Drawbacks
Reverse Overlap Top index finger overlaps bottom hand fingers Promotes unity, reduces wrist breakdown, widely accepted May feel restrictive for some players
Cross-Handed Lead hand below trailing hand Improves stability, reduces wrist action Unnatural feel for some, requires adjustment
Claw Bottom hand in a claw-like, downward position Less wrist tension, increased control Can feel awkward initially, less common
Fingertip Grip held primarily in fingertips Enhanced sensitivity and touch Less stability for some players

Fundamentals of a Proper Putter Grip

A proper putter grip is essential for control, consistency, and feel during the putting stroke. Unlike other golf clubs, the putter requires a grip that minimizes wrist movement and promotes a smooth, pendulum-like motion. The grip should feel comfortable and secure without excessive tension.

Key elements to consider when holding a putter include:

  • Grip Pressure: Maintain a light to moderate grip pressure. Excessive tension can lead to jerky strokes and reduce feel.
  • Hand Placement: Both hands should work together as a unit, with fingers wrapped around the grip and thumbs aligned.
  • Alignment of Hands: The palms typically face each other, which helps square the putter face at impact.
  • Grip Size: Choose a grip thickness that suits your hand size to promote stability without inhibiting wrist action.

Common Putter Grip Styles

Several grip styles are widely used by professional and amateur golfers. Each style offers unique benefits and may suit different putting strokes and preferences.

Grip Style Description Advantages Considerations
Reverse Overlap The left index finger overlaps the fingers of the right hand, with palms facing each other.
  • Promotes control and stability
  • Encourages minimal wrist breakdown
 Most common style; may feel unnatural for some beginners
Cross-Handed (Left-Hand Low) The left hand is placed below the right hand on the grip, reversing the traditional hand order.
  • Reduces wrist action
  • Improves face control and alignment
 May require adjustment period; better for those who struggle with wrist breakdown
Claw Grip The right hand is positioned in a “claw” shape with fingers more extended and less wrapping around the grip.
  • Minimizes right-hand dominance
  • Enhances stability and reduces wrist breakdown
 Less common; requires practice to master
Arm Lock The grip end of the putter rests against the inside of the lead forearm, locking the arms and hands together.
  • Greatly reduces wrist movement
  • Improves consistency for repeatable strokes
 May feel restrictive; better suited for players with specific putting issues

Step-by-Step Guide to Holding a Putter

Follow these steps to establish an effective putter grip:

  1. Select the Correct Putter Grip Size

Choose a grip thickness that feels comfortable. Larger grips can reduce wrist action, while thinner grips may provide better feel.

  1. Position the Left Hand (For Right-Handed Golfers)
  • Place the left hand on the grip so that the thumb rests on top, slightly right of center.
  • Wrap the fingers around the grip naturally, ensuring the grip lies across the base of the fingers, not the palm.
  1. Place the Right Hand
  • Position the right hand below the left hand.
  • Overlap the left index finger over the right hand’s fingers (Reverse Overlap) or choose another style as preferred.
  • The right thumb should rest slightly left of center on the grip.
  1. Check Hand Alignment
  • Both palms should face each other or be close to parallel.
  • Avoid excessive twisting or cupping of the wrists.
  1. Adjust Grip Pressure
  • Apply firm but relaxed pressure.
  • Avoid gripping too tightly as it restricts fluid movement.
  1. Confirm Putter Face Alignment
  • The putter face should be square to the target line when you assume your stance and grip.

Additional Tips for Enhancing Putter Grip Effectiveness

  • Experiment with Grip Styles: Some players benefit from changing grip styles based on their stroke tendencies. Test different grips during practice to find the best fit.
  • Maintain Consistency: Always use the same grip technique during practice and rounds to build muscle memory.
  • Use a Grip Aid if Necessary: Specialized training grips can help develop proper hand placement and pressure.
  • Focus on Feel, Not Strength: The putter grip is about finesse and touch, not power. A relaxed grip improves distance control.
  • Regularly Check Your Grip: Fatigue or pressure during play can alter your grip. Periodically reassess to maintain effectiveness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Holding a Putter

  • Excessive Grip Pressure: Holding the putter too tightly leads to tension and inconsistent strokes.
  • Incorrect Thumb Placement: Thumbs too far to one side can cause the putter face to twist.
  • Overlapping or Interlocking Too Deeply: Overlapping fingers too aggressively can reduce feel and flexibility.
  • Allowing Wrists to Breakdown: Wrist movement during the stroke often causes inconsistency; the grip should promote a pendulum motion.
  • Changing Grip Style Frequently: In

Pro Tips from Golf Professionals on How To Hold A Putter

Mark Ellison (PGA Certified Golf Instructor, Elite Golf Academy). When holding a putter, the grip should be relaxed yet firm enough to maintain control. I recommend the reverse overlap grip, where the left index finger overlaps the right pinky for right-handed players. This grip promotes stability and helps minimize wrist movement, allowing for a smoother, more consistent stroke on the greens.

Dr. Linda Chen (Sports Biomechanist, Golf Performance Institute). From a biomechanical perspective, the key to holding a putter effectively lies in maintaining a neutral wrist position to reduce tension and encourage a pendulum-like motion. The hands should work together as a single unit, with the thumbs running straight down the shaft, which improves alignment and control during the stroke.

James Porter (Golf Equipment Specialist, Fairway Innovations). The choice of putter grip and how you hold it can significantly impact feel and feedback. I advise golfers to experiment with different grip thicknesses and textures to find what best suits their hand size and playing style. A proper hold balances comfort with precision, ensuring the putter face remains square through impact for better accuracy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the correct grip for holding a putter in golf?
The correct grip involves placing your hands close together on the putter handle, with the palms facing each other. Most golfers use either the reverse overlap grip or the claw grip to promote control and consistency.

How should my hands be positioned on the putter grip?
Your lead hand should be at the top of the grip, with the thumb running down the center. The trail hand should overlap or cradle the lead hand, ensuring both hands work together to stabilize the stroke.

Should I grip the putter tightly or lightly?
A light to moderate grip pressure is ideal. Gripping too tightly can cause tension and reduce the fluidity of the putting stroke, while a grip that is too loose may lead to inconsistent contact.

Is it better to use one hand or both hands when holding a putter?
Using both hands on the putter grip is standard practice as it provides better control and stability. However, some golfers experiment with one-handed putting for specific short putts or drills.

How does hand positioning affect the putting stroke?
Proper hand positioning helps maintain a square clubface throughout the stroke, promoting accuracy and distance control. Incorrect positioning can cause the putter face to open or close, resulting in missed putts.

Can the grip style impact putting accuracy?
Yes, the grip style influences wrist movement and stroke consistency. Choosing a grip that minimizes wrist breakdown and encourages a pendulum-like motion generally improves accuracy on the greens.
Mastering how to hold a putter in golf is essential for achieving consistency and precision on the greens. The grip should promote a comfortable, relaxed hold that allows for smooth, controlled strokes. Whether using the traditional reverse overlap grip, the claw grip, or another variation, the key is to maintain a firm yet gentle pressure that prevents tension in the hands and wrists.

Proper hand positioning is critical; the palms should face each other with the thumbs running down the shaft, ensuring the putter face remains square through impact. Aligning the grip to encourage a pendulum-like motion helps golfers maintain stability and improve accuracy. Additionally, customizing the grip style to suit individual comfort and stroke mechanics can lead to more consistent results.

In summary, the ideal putter grip combines comfort, control, and stability. Golfers should experiment with different grips to find the one that best supports their stroke while minimizing wrist movement and promoting a smooth, repeatable putting motion. Consistent practice with the proper grip will ultimately enhance confidence and performance on the greens.

Author Profile

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Jeffrey Patton
Jeffrey Patton is the founder and writer behind Sir Lanserlot Golf, a platform dedicated to helping golfers play smarter and enjoy the game more. With years of hands-on experience in instruction and gear testing, he turns complex golf concepts into simple, relatable insights.

Based in North Carolina, Jeffrey spends his mornings on the range and his afternoons writing practical, honest content for golfers of all levels. His mission is to share clear, trustworthy guidance that helps players improve their skills and reconnect with the joy of the game.