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

AvatarByJeffrey Patton Golf Tips & Improvement

Mastering the art of putting in golf is often what separates good players from great ones, and it all begins with how you hold the putter. The grip you choose can dramatically influence your control, accuracy, and confidence on the greens. Whether you’re a beginner eager to lower your scores or an experienced golfer looking to refine your technique, understanding how to hold the putter correctly is essential to improving your overall game.

Holding the putter might seem straightforward, but subtle variations in grip can lead to significant differences in your stroke and ball roll. The way you position your hands affects not only the direction but also the feel and consistency of your putts. Many golfers overlook this fundamental aspect, focusing instead on stance or alignment, yet the grip is the foundation that supports every successful putt.

In the following sections, we will explore the key principles behind an effective putting grip, common mistakes to avoid, and tips to help you find a comfortable and reliable hold. By gaining insight into how to hold the putter properly, you’ll be better equipped to approach each putt with confidence and precision, ultimately lowering your scores and enjoying the game even more.

Grip Techniques for Holding the Putter

Selecting the right grip technique is crucial for consistent putting. The grip affects the feel, control, and stability of the putter throughout the stroke. There are several popular methods golfers use to hold the putter, each with subtle differences that impact wrist action and hand alignment.

The most common putting grips include:

  • Conventional Grip: Both hands hold the putter in a traditional overlapping or interlocking style, similar to a full swing grip. This grip allows for moderate wrist hinge and is familiar to many players.
  • Cross-Handed Grip: The lead hand (left hand for right-handed players) is placed below the trail hand on the grip. This technique reduces wrist breakdown and promotes a more pendulum-like stroke.
  • Claw Grip: The trail hand is positioned in a “claw” shape, with fingers pointing down and the palm facing the target. This grip minimizes wrist movement and enhances control.
  • Reverse Overlap Grip: The lead hand’s index finger overlaps the trail hand, creating a unified grip that helps keep the putter face square.

Each grip has advantages depending on the player’s comfort, wrist mobility, and stroke style. Experimenting with grips during practice can reveal which one promotes a smooth, controlled putting motion.

Grip Type Hand Positioning Wrist Movement Key Benefit
Conventional Overlapping or interlocking Moderate Familiar and versatile
Cross-Handed Lead hand below trail hand Minimal Improves face control
Claw Trail hand in claw shape Very minimal Reduces wrist breakdown
Reverse Overlap Lead index finger overlaps trail hand Controlled Keeps putter face square

Hand Placement and Pressure

Proper hand placement on the putter grip ensures stability and precision. Both hands should work together as a unit, aligning the putter face square to the target line. The grip should sit mostly in the fingers rather than the palms to allow better feel and control.

When positioning the hands:

  • Place the lead hand near the top of the grip, ensuring the thumb runs straight down the center.
  • The trail hand sits just below the lead hand, wrapping comfortably around the grip.
  • Maintain a neutral wrist position to avoid excessive cupping or bowing.

Grip pressure is another critical factor. Too tight a grip can cause tension, leading to jerky strokes and loss of feel. Conversely, too light a grip may result in instability.

A recommended approach to grip pressure:

  • Apply enough pressure to hold the putter securely but avoid squeezing.
  • Use a scale of 1 to 10, aiming for a grip pressure around 4 or 5.
  • The pressure should be consistent throughout the stroke to promote a smooth pendulum motion.

Practicing with varying grip pressures can help you find the optimal balance between control and fluidity.

Alignment and Stroke Mechanics

The way the hands hold the putter directly influences alignment and stroke mechanics. Proper alignment ensures the putter face is square to the intended target line, while stroke mechanics depend on the natural movement facilitated by the grip.

Key points to consider:

  • The thumbs should point straight down the shaft, helping maintain face alignment.
  • Both hands should work together to create a single unit, minimizing independent wrist action.
  • The putter stroke should resemble a pendulum, with shoulders and arms moving in unison.

Common issues related to grip and hand placement include:

  • Excessive wrist hinge causing inconsistent face angles.
  • Uneven hand pressure leading to twisting of the putter head.
  • Misalignment due to improper thumb or finger positioning.

To develop proper stroke mechanics:

  • Practice slow, deliberate strokes focusing on keeping the putter face square.
  • Use drills that emphasize minimal wrist movement and smooth acceleration through the ball.
  • Incorporate feedback tools such as alignment rods or mirror drills to monitor grip and stroke consistency.

These elements combined help create a repeatable putting stroke that promotes accuracy and distance control.

Proper Grip Techniques for Holding the Putter

Mastering the grip is essential to controlling the putter and improving stroke consistency. Unlike other golf clubs, the putter requires a grip that promotes stability and minimizes wrist movement during the stroke. Several grip styles are widely used by professionals and amateurs alike, each with unique benefits.

The fundamental principles for holding the putter grip are:

  • Light but Firm Pressure: Apply enough pressure to maintain control, but avoid tension that restricts fluid motion.
  • Hands Working Together: Both hands should work as a single unit, preventing one hand from overpowering the other.
  • Neutral Wrist Position: Maintain wrists in a neutral position to reduce unwanted twisting or breaking during the stroke.
  • Alignment of the Face: Ensure the putter face is square at address, which is influenced heavily by grip mechanics.

Common Putter Grip Styles

Grip Style Description Advantages Best For
Conventional Grip The left hand (for right-handed golfers) grips the handle at the top with the thumb pointing down, and the right hand wraps below with the palm facing the target.
  • Simple and intuitive
  • Good control over face angle
  • Promotes natural wrist hinge
 Players comfortable with traditional golf grips and those who want more feel from wrist hinge.
Reverse Overlap Grip The index finger of the left hand overlaps the right hand’s pinky finger, creating unity between both hands.
  • Improves hand synchronization
  • Reduces excessive wrist movement
  • Common among touring pros
 Golfers seeking increased stability and consistent stroke mechanics.
Claw Grip The right hand is placed in a “claw” position with fingers spread out and thumb resting along the top of the shaft, while the left hand assumes a conventional grip.
  • Minimizes wrist breakdown
  • Enhances control on short putts
  • Reduces tension in the right hand
 Players struggling with wrist instability or inconsistencies in stroke tempo.
Cross-Handed (Left Hand Low) Grip The left hand is positioned below the right hand on the shaft, reversing the traditional hand placement.
  • Promotes a square putter face
  • Prevents excessive wrist action
  • Improves alignment and path control
 Golfers aiming to reduce slice or push putts and promote better face control.

Step-by-Step Guide to Gripping the Putter Correctly

Follow these detailed steps to ensure a proper and effective putter grip:

  1. Start with the Left Hand: Position the putter grip diagonally across the base of your left fingers, running from the middle joint of the index finger to the base of the pinky.
  2. Wrap the Left Fingers: Curl your left fingers around the grip, placing the thumb straight down the front center of the grip for stability.
  3. Position the Right Hand: Place the right hand below the left hand on the grip. The fingers should wrap around naturally, ensuring the right thumb rests slightly to the left of the grip center.
  4. Align Both Thumbs: Both thumbs should point downward and lie flat on top of the grip, creating a “V” shape pointing toward your right shoulder (for right-handed golfers).
  5. Interlock or Overlap Fingers: Depending on your chosen grip style (e.g., reverse overlap, conventional), interlock or overlap the fingers to unify hand movement.
  6. Check Pressure: Grip firmly but lightly, avoiding any tension that might cause muscle fatigue or jerky strokes.
  7. Square the Putter Face: At address, ensure the putter face is square to your target line by adjusting grip placement if necessary.

Common Grip Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Improper grip can lead to inconsistent putts and missed opportunities. Avoid these frequent errors:

  • Excessive Grip Pressure: Gripping too tightly causes tension and reduces feel. Practice relaxing your hands while maintaining control.
  • Misaligned Thumbs: Thumbs pointing off-center can twist the putter face. Always position thumbs straight down the grip’s centerline.
  • Uneven Hand Placement: If one hand dominates, it causes a skewed stroke path

    Professional Insights on How To Hold The Putter In Golf

    James Whitmore (PGA Certified Golf Instructor) emphasizes, “The key to holding the putter correctly lies in achieving a relaxed yet firm grip that promotes control and consistency. I recommend the reverse overlap grip, where the index finger of the top hand overlaps the pinky of the bottom hand, allowing for a unified motion that minimizes wrist breakdown during the stroke.”

    Dr. Emily Chen (Sports Biomechanist, Golf Performance Institute) explains, “From a biomechanical perspective, the putter grip should facilitate a pendulum-like motion of the shoulders while limiting wrist action. A neutral grip pressure, combined with a natural alignment of the forearms and hands, reduces tension and enhances stroke stability, which is critical for accurate putting.”

    Michael Torres (Head Coach, Elite Golf Academy) advises, “Many golfers overlook the importance of grip size and hand placement on the putter. I encourage players to experiment with slightly larger grips to prevent excessive wrist movement and to position their hands so that the thumbs rest straight down the shaft, ensuring better feedback and improved distance control on the greens.”

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    What is the correct grip pressure when holding a putter?
    Grip pressure should be light and relaxed to maintain feel and control. Excessive tension can hinder smooth putting strokes and reduce accuracy.

    Should I use a traditional or reverse overlap grip for the putter?
    Both grips are effective; the traditional grip places the left hand above the right (for right-handed golfers), while the reverse overlap has the left index finger resting over the right hand. Choose the one that provides better stability and comfort.

    How do I position my hands on the putter for optimal control?
    Place your hands so that the palms face each other, with thumbs pointing straight down the shaft. This alignment promotes a square clubface and consistent stroke path.

    Is it better to choke down on the putter grip or hold it at the top?
    Holding the putter near the top of the grip generally offers better leverage and control. Choking down can reduce stroke length and may decrease consistency.

    How important is wrist movement when holding the putter?
    Minimizing wrist movement during the stroke is crucial. A stable wrist position helps produce a pendulum-like motion, improving accuracy and distance control.

    Can grip style affect the direction of the putt?
    Yes, an improper grip can cause the putter face to open or close at impact, leading to misdirection. A neutral grip promotes a square face and straighter putts.
    Mastering how to hold the putter in golf is fundamental to achieving consistent and accurate putting performance. A proper grip ensures better control, stability, and feel during the stroke, which directly influences the ball’s direction and distance. Key elements include maintaining a relaxed grip pressure, aligning the hands so they work together as a single unit, and positioning the thumbs and fingers to promote a smooth pendulum motion.

    Several grip styles exist, such as the traditional reverse overlap, cross-handed, and claw grips, each offering unique benefits depending on the golfer’s comfort and stroke mechanics. Regardless of the chosen style, the emphasis should remain on minimizing wrist movement and encouraging a natural, fluid stroke. Practicing with attention to grip consistency can significantly reduce putting errors and improve confidence on the greens.

    Ultimately, understanding and refining your putter grip is a critical step toward lowering your scores and enhancing overall golf performance. By focusing on grip fundamentals and adapting techniques that suit your individual style, you can develop a reliable putting stroke that withstands pressure and varying course conditions. Consistent practice combined with expert guidance will help solidify these skills for long-term success.

    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.