Tiger Woods once said about his putting routine, “A pre-putt routine helps you stay nice and relaxed so you can make the best stroke possible.” Even the greats need to maintain a consistent routine and program when it comes to their putting. Putting is an art form that no one ever really masters. Instead, we learn to stay consistent with our style, routine, mindset, and attitude… and then hope for good greens!
What are the different ways to grip a putter? Putter grip can vary in several ways. You can cross fingers, overlap hand, or spread the hands out. There are five distinct ways to hold a putter. The most common is called the conventional or reverse overlap, and the least common is the broomstick.
When looking at different ways to change up your putting grip, it is essential to compare what you are doing to what the most successful are doing. There are advantages and disadvantages to all putting grips that you need to consider along with what is comfortable for you. This article will lay out the most common to the rarest, putting grips, give you the benefits and negatives of each, and clue you into the pros who use each grip.
Why Are Some Putting Grips More Common Than Others?
The conventional putting grip, also known as the reverse overlap grip, is used the most in the PG and among novice golfers. The reverse overlap is a tremendous all-around secure grip. It combines the steady standard grip you use throughout your whole game and makes it a bit more slide through the wrists.
Compared to the conventional reverse overlap putting grip, the broomstick is in a whole other category. The hands are spread just about a wide as you can get, and the security you have with the locked tightness of the reverse overlap is entirely replaced by a sense of security in the balance of the legs.
The truth is, some putting grips are more common than others because they are very close to what the golfer uses for all of their other shots. Changing up a grip from what a player does on the fairway can really make it hard to have consistency throughout a whole round.
What Are The Best Putting Grips?
In a post on Instagram by the putting company Smartline Putting, the Top 70 FedEx Cup finishers on the PGA Tour in 2019 were separated into groups based on their putting grips.
Out of the 75 top finishers, the Conventional or Reverse Overlap grip was used by 48 players or 68.5%, The Left-Hand Low grip was used by nine players or 12.9%, The Claw was used by six players or 8.6%, The Arm-Lock was used by four players or 5.6%, The Arm-Lock With The Claw was used by two players or 2.8%, and the Broomstick was used by one player or 1.4% of the top finishers in the 2019 FedEx cup.
#1 Most Used Putting Grip In The 2019 FedEx Cup: Conventional, Reverse Overlap
The conventional putter grip is also known by the configuration of the hands-on the club, which is in a reverse overlap position. This is the most common grip in the game and was in the 2019 FedEx cup by far.
The conventional putter grip is so popular because it replicates the same kind of hold that a player would use in their standard shot on the fairway or chipping. It takes the standard grip and locks the wrists a bit more for stability and overall control. Since the wrists are locked for security, the grip actually helps them to move and work together to limit unwanted movement away from the path the putter is sending the ball on.
Some of the most famous players to use the Conventional or Reverse Overlap putter grip are Tiger Woods and Roy McIlroy.
#2 Most Used Putting Grip In The 2019 FedEx Cup: The Left-Hand Low
A very distant second most popular putter grip used by PGA tour players is The Left-Hand Low grip. This grip forces your shoulders to be more level when you strike the ball. Also, your dominant hand is giving the swing the power, aiding in a more nuanced shot. The leveling of the shoulders keep the stroke low and level through ball-strike. Finally, if you are a left-handed player, your right hand would be the one that is lower than the other.
Some of the most famous players to use The Left-Hand Low putter grip that forces you to cross the hands over each other are Jordan Spieth and Alex Noren. It is interesting to note that The Left-Hand Low putter grip is said to be more challenging to hold, and it is the younger PGA tour players that decide to use this grip. Maybe they feel like they have the strength to keep this particular grip.
#3 Most Used Putting Grip In The 2019 FedEx Cup: The Claw
The intense name of The Claw putting grip comes from the angle that the hand is held at while gripping the putter. The hand is made to look like it is a claw instead of a hand. The dominant hand is a take-off of the putter grip handle and only used as a claw-like stability point.
This grip can be beneficial for those looking to try to keep the putter face open and give a looser grip.
The most famous PGA tour players to use this grip are Justin Rose, Tommy Fleetwood, Tony Finau
#4 Most Used Putting Grip In The 2019 FedEx Cup: The Arm-Lock
The arm-lock is mostly used with a conventional reverse overlap grip. However, the grip is done so low on the handle of the putter that the top part of the putter can rest on the forearm. This positioning of the putter allows for more excellent stability and lets the club and arm act as more of one unit that you point towards the hole.
The most famous PGA tour players to use The Arm-Lock putter grip are Matt Kuchar, Keegan Bradley, and Bryson DeChambeau.
#5 Most Used Putting Grip In The 2019 FedEx Cup: The Arm-Lock With The Claw
although most players who use the Arm-Lock grip use the conventional grip to position their hands lower on the putter, some use other grips along with this putter positioning. Just like the regular Arm-Lock, the club helps further down the shaft with the top of the putter resting against the inside of the forearm. The difference is that the dominant hand is held off the handle, and instead, the back of the hand is used only to stabilize.
The benefits of this grip are combing stability of the forearm with the looseness and open clubface of The Claw.
One of the most famous PGA tour players to use the Arm-Lock with The Claw putter grip is Wedd Simpson.
#6 Most Used Putting Grip In The 2019 FedEx Cup: The Broomstick
One of the most controversial shots in golf, the Broomstick has had to be revised by the few players who currently use it due to the PGA tour’s no anchoring ban a few years ago. This method of gripping the putter used to be a bit more accessible, mostly when players would anchor or rest the putter against their chest or thighs for a stable shot.
The benefit of this shot is that it is said to be easier to aim.
Adam Scott is one of the players to use The Broomstick Putter grip currently in the PGA tour.
How Do You Re-Grip A Putter?
Sometimes, the way that you handle the putter with a grip can be influenced by how the actual rubber or leather grip is put on your putter handle. Confused? Don’t worry. Below is of the top reviewed putter grips available on the market right now, along with how to remove your old handle grip and install a new one.
Why Do You Remove Old Putter Grips?
One of the most essential pieces of gear that you have in your golf bag is a putter grip. You handle the grip of the putter more than any other clubs in the bag. Most golfers overlook this fact and instead tend to spend more time on other gear. However, if you can remove your old putter grip that came as stock with the putter originally and buy new putter grips, you can have a few options to try out as you find your best choice.
What Are The Different Materials Of Golf Club Grips?
One of the leading golf grip producers, Golf Pride, surveyed a group of golfers about their putter grips and found that after replacing an old grip, 66% had reported increased scores of up to four strokes. Any golfer can tell you, that’s a big difference and worth your time. So, what are the different types of putter grips out there, and why choose them? The following list has a few options for putter grips and a breakdown of why they are popular.
Corded Putter Grips
Whether you are dealing with hot weather, wet weather, or only just sweaty hands, a corded putter grip gives you a secure feel. There is a cord material in the design of these grips that provides a pliable yet firm feel. The cord is material that runs through the length of the grip and is surrounded by rubber or a rubber-based material like polymer for extra sticky and firm feel. Cord grips are excellent for putter because of their superior firmness.
Rubber Putter Grips
Rubber is a standard putter grip choice for a few reasons. First of all, it is stickier than other grips and provides a secure feeling of being stuck to your palm. Another great thing about rubber grips is that they are usually inexpensive, you trying our several grips is no big deal. Some other materials that are like rubber in its firm yet sticky feel are plastic, elastomer, and silicon.
Wrap Putter Grips
Wrap -grips are the old-school style of the putter grip. The cover of leather around the handle of a golf club is how clubs were originally designed. The feel of leather has been replaced in modern grips by a material that is a little more adhesive to the palm and fingers. Still, the softness of a wrap grip is a unique and comfortable style for many golfers.
How Are Putter Grips Different Than Other Clubs?
Putter grips have several differences that are allowed in the game of golf, which other golf clubs are not permitted. Also, since the swing is shorter, lighter, and overall different, the composition of putter grips differs from that of regular irons and woods, even if they are made from the same material.
Design Of The Putter Grip
The design of the putter grip is allowed to be a little bit different than all the other clubs in your bag. Legally, these changes to the handle grip are permitted to allow better feel, control, and accuracy when swinging your putter. These differences include the mold of the grip, the size of the grip, and the overall shape of the grip.
Mold Of Putter Grips
Putters are allowed to be molded differently than other golf club grips. This is usually to enable the hands to form to the club more naturally and allow for a secure feel in the hands without a firm grip. Also, since there are so many ways to arrange your hands on the putter, different molds may work better for different grip types. A few of the most common putter grip molds are flat-edge and “pistol-grip.”
Flat-Edge Grip
Some putter grips are molded in the form of a flat edge, which is most likely put on the front side of the handle so that you can line up your thumbs towards the ball for increased aiming accuracy on your putt. The flat edge is widely used because it forces the golfer to focus on the line leading down to the ball and create a seamless approach to putting.
Pistol-Grip
There are also “pistol” grips for putters that have a bent end and rubbing like a trigger and handle of a pistol. The pistol grip is unique in that you can have them customized to fit the shape and size of your hands. The pistol-grip is a personalized touch to a putter that ensures that your striking the ball in a consistent way and that you have a locked-in motion of approach to the ball.
Size Of The Putter Grip
The size of a putter grip has always been a thing of contention. Some like the thin feel of a hold, some like fat grips. The reasons vary, but it comes down to the personal choice and feel for each individual golfer.
Thin Grips
Thin grips are the standard of the game of golf. A slim grip allows more wrist movement and action of the putt. The “feel” of the putter is also better with a thin grip, which some golfers prefer as they feel more in control of their swing.
Fat Grips
In recent years, the popularity of a more substantial or thicker grip has gained momentum because it allows the putter to be held firm and needs less wrist action to be stroked true. Typically, a fat grip will remove your wrists and hands from the equation of your putt. Instead, a golfer can focus more on the accuracy of the shot with their whole arms.
Feel Of The Putter Grip
Another way to influence the feel of a putter grip is to try out the difference between soft and firm putter grips. There is a school of thought that firm grips are for pros, and soft grips are for novices. However, the feel of the putter grip is not so simple.
Firm Grips
A firm grip is tended to be used by more advanced players. This is because of the better control that a firm grip can give. You have to grip a firm grip a little harder, and it takes practice to have a firm grip and to use a sturdy handhold without being overbearing. However, a firm grips control is going to be better than a soft grips control, overall.
Soft Grips
Beginners and those who are older tend to want to use soft putter grips since they are easier to hold and use. The soft grip may not be as comfortable to control, but you do not need to use the same pressure to use a soft grip as you need with a firm grip. This makes it easier to use, even if the control is not as pin-point as a firm grip.
What Are The Top Five Best Putter Grips For 2020?
If we only look at the best selling and best performing putter grips, we see that there is a wide selection of choices for the top five best putter grips in 2020. This list will detail these top five, which category of putter they fit into, and why you should consider trying it out for your short-game.
#1 Best Putter Grip For 2020: Winn X Pro 1.18 1.32 and 1.60 Golf Putter Grips
With a light-weight design and a paddle shape that allows for accurate lining up of the thumbs and forearms, the Winn X Pro is an all-around excellent golf club. The grip is less tapered to eliminate wrist movement and comes in three size designs. With these grips starting at under $10 on Amazon, you should definitely buy a few to give them a try.
#2 Best Putter Grip For 2020: Golf Pride Tour SNSR Contour 140cc Putter Grip
The Golf Pride Tour SNSR Contour putter grip is a non-tapered grip with a contour that is sort of like a pistol-grip. This might be an excellent grip for those thinking of trying a pistol-grip in the future but can’t yet commit fully. This 140cc putter grip is an oversized grip that if on the soft side and large for a comfortable grip that even a novice to the game of golf can appreciate and use with success.
#3 Best Putter Grip For 2020: Arm-Lock Golf Putter Grip
This putter is a USGA certified club for the technique of using the Arm-Lock grip on your putter. Some say that with the Arm-Lock grip and this Arm-Lock putter grip, you can’t miss a 5-foot shot. The 14.5-inch length compared to the standard 10-inch length gives you the extra space you need to pull the putter up a little closer to your forearm for that Arm-Lock putt. If you use the Arm-Lock putt technique or are just thinking about trying it, you need to get this grip.
#4 Best Putter Grip For 2020: Karma Dual Touch Midsize Putter Grip
The paddle design of this very light-weight putter grip is ideal for those who are interested in a larger softer grip without breaking the bank. At under $5, everyone should try this grip at least once. Since this is an all-rubber grip, it has a sticky feel and is soft to the touch. This is a perfect grip for a beginning golfer or anyone looking to try out a midsize grip that is a quality design and shape.
#5 Best Putter Grip For 2020: FLAT CAT Original Putter Grips
Flat Cat designed putter grips are known for helping a golfer understand precisely how to line up the putter head to the ball. The unique flat design squares the handle to the putter face and allows for better consistency and accuracy almost immediately. This grip is excellent for those who use a conventional or Claw grip method.
How Do You Change Your Putter Grip?
Changing the grip on a putter usually takes only a few minutes. There is a method called the “Slip Side,” which gives you a relatively small chance of damaging the grip and is very easy to do. Following these steps can help you to remove your putter grip easily and without damage so that you can install your new grip. You will probably want to purchase a grip remover kit, which includes the tool used to pry off the grip and solvent for removing any adhesive that may have been applied to the old grip and shaft.
Step #1: Hold The Putter Upright
With the grip on the ground, hold your putter upright. Place the grip remover inside the edge of the grip and put some of the solvents between the grip and the shaft.
Step #2: Spread Solvent And Twist
Go around the lip of the grip with the tool, adding a small amount of solvent as you go. When you have applied the solution around the entire circumference of the shaft, hold the grip remover tool firmly and begin to twist your club, allowing the device to twist down with the grip. Add solvent as you do this since the solution dissolves the adhesive on the grip, making it easier to remove the grip. Using solvent is critical because it weakens the glue that could cause the grip to rip.
Step #3: Remove The Grip
Once the grip starts to come loose, use the grip remover tool firmly as you twist the club to finally pull the grip safely from the shaft of the putter.
Step #4: Remove Adhesive Tape
If the solvent did n’t make the adhesive tape come off entirely with the grip itself, make sure to use more solvent and a bore cleaner to remove any adhesive that remains on the shaft of the putter. You want a fresh and clean surface to work with for your new putter grip. Allow the solvent to be wiped clean and the shaft to dry.
Conclusion
A putter is a golfer’s best friend. Make sure that you try out all the different types of grips with your hands and grips for your shaft that you can. The name of the game with the putter grip is to find some combination of material and hand placement that is comfortable and reliable. You want your putting swing to be consistent and not something that you have to fuss with. Ask yourself what feels natural?
You will need to spend time and money to find the perfect fit, but once you do, you will make your golf game all that much better! The great thing about the putter grips is that they are relatively inexpensive compared to the clubs and other accessories of your game. The number one thing to do is practice with your different methods until you find the one that fits. After all, as Arnold Palmer once said, “It’s a funny thing, the more I practice, the luckier I get.”
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