Which Putting Grip Style Is Right for You?

Instructors often advise golfers to experiment with different gripping techniques to determine which grip works best for you and also feels the most comfortable. The main goal is to be able to add direction and speed control to your putts on a consistent basis. Today, we’ll discuss the top 3 ways that 90% of all golfers grip their putter.

1. The Conventional or Reverse Overlap Grip

This is the most common golf putting grip among amateurs and pros and has the right hand below the left. It’s the one most golfers typically start with and usually stick with. Since it mirrors the grip for regular clubs, the conventional grip feels the most natural and comfortable of all putter grip styles.

The way it works is that you place the right hand in the bottom, with your thumb pointing straight down along the shaft. Then with the left hand, position the pinky, ring, and middle fingers around the shaft, meaning wrap the fingers around the back of the club shaft. Then place the index finger over the right-hand fingers holding your golf club.

Golfers with arc-style strokes like how the conventional grip lets them “release” the putter through impact with the blade squaring up before closing after contact.

2. The Cross-Handed (Left Hand Low) Grip

This style reverses the conventional putting grip, with the left hand below the right. This gripping strategy is the solution to common problems like overactive wrists and flipping the golf club with the hands.

When the left hand is placed lower, you’re automatically compelled to keep your right hand out of the picture as much as possible during your putting stroke. Your left hand is locked into position, and it leads your club during the backswing and follow-through. This can translate into much easier path and speed control.

3. The Claw Putting Grip 

While there are several variations of the claw, the basics are: left hand in the conventional top position, with the right hand holding the handle between the thumb and forefinger as the palm faces your waist. 

In this grip, the thumb of your left hand runs down along the center of the shaft. Next, place the right hand below, so the handle is now running through the thumb and index finger crevice. Pinch the handle gently during the swing. 

The biggest advantage here is that the claw grip resolves concerns such as overactive wrists and hands and closing or flaring open the clubface at impact. The claw-like practice ensures limited movement of parts during the stroke to keep that clubface square.

You can use any of the grip styles above on any Bloodline putter. Which putting grip style do you prefer?