Putting grip.

Just started golfing again after a 20 year break. I have my driver and iron interlock grip down cold. I'm having a lot of trouble with my putting grip. I'm trying to use the reverse overlap grip but I think I'm doing something wrong. My left wrist doesn't really feel locked. I've just been using the interlock grip for now but I want to learn the proper putting grip. Any tips on putting grips would be appreciated.

that is all

There are a myriad variations on the putting grip but they all aim to do the same thing and that's to prevent wrist-break so that the arms produce that smooth, pendulum-like swing.

To be honest, I don't know what the reverse overlap grip is but a grip that a teaching professional showed me is one that I've adopted and really like.

For a right-handed golfer it works like this:

1. Grip the putter with the right hand like any other club with the thumb running down the top of the grip.
2. Now place the left hand above the right, also with the thumb down the top of the grip.
3. Butt the hands together until the tip of the left thumb is underneath the base of the right
4. Open the left index finger and then close it over the fingertips of the right hand

This grip looks the hands together very nicely so that they operate as a single unit. I find it's almost impossible to induce any wrist-break using this grip unless I do it intentionally.

If you can't lock your left wrist, you can try gripping down the putter, so that the top of the club rests against your forearm. Then keep that contact throughout the stroke.

But there are soooo many putting grips to try - overlap, reverse overlap, crosshanded, the claw... I even know a guy who plays right and putts left.

Thanks,


I will try gripping down on the putter. Gripping down also makes the putter feel a little lighter which I like.

PH, I've tried running my left index finger over my right fingers and it doesn't work for me. The reverse overlap is basically what you described. The only difference is the right pinky finger overlaps the left index and middle finger. Or if you run the left index finger down the right fingers the pinky only overlaps the left middle finger only.

I have pretty long fingers and I think this is hindering my putting grip. I'll keep working on it until I find something I can work with.

Dan

If you think your hand size is problematic, take your club and get it regripped with a bigger grip.

I think the putting action is more import than the grip. If you can't move the putter head smoothly along a straight line it doesn't matter how you hold the club.

Hi Dan,

I agree with paul, the stroke is more important, as long as the putter goes back and thorough with a good rhythm. To obtain a good rhythm it is wise to hold the putter as light as you can this will also give you a open and closing clubface during the stroke.

Also it is advisable to get a putter that fits you, for example mine is 31 inches because I like my arms to be straight not bent, everyone is different so go for whats best for you, bearing in mind cutting and regripping your present or new putter can be done in less than 10 minutes and give you a life time of golf.


Ian.

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Once you learn the swing, your next step is mastering golf psychology................

Its not the grip. Try arching your wrists a little outward with the reverse overlap
this will keep the wrist stiff and keep the putter head on line. When you do it correctly the heel of the putter may even be up a little and your body will be a little more upright.

You should not be "gripping" the putter like you do your other clubs. The putter should lock in to the palm of your left hand (If you are right handed). If you grip it with your fingers, you are inviting all kinds of wrist action.

There are many standard putting grips and a few bespoke ones. It's important to find one that feels comfortable and one you feel comfortable using.

Ph,
I've tried this grip and it is working for me! My problem before was getting too much finger action. I've figured out how to use your grip and get my palms more around the grip. I'm also running my left index finger down the right fingertips and it is locking much better. My putts are going where I want them to go now. Also incorporated MPLAV's advice of arching my wrists a little bit. This further reduces wrist break.

Dan

Thanks for the tip,
I tried your grip (since I've never had anyone explain it to me). It makes a lot of sense and seems to work great...
Thanks again,
Joe

I use the exact same grip as any other club except I have my right index finger running vertically down the right side of the club.

As funny as it might seem, look up Nancy Lopez's grip, and putting stroke. It is as pure, and nuetral as any grip out there. BTW, she does not mind if one of the male persuasion uses it. LOL......GJS

My putting sucks bad... Grip and all..