The Foundation: Mastering Your Putting Grip
The putting grip represents the only physical connection between golfer and club, making it the most crucial fundamental element in putting success. Unlike the full swing, where grip pressure and hand action contribute to power generation, the putting grip must prioritize stability, feel, and control above all other considerations. The ideal putting grip creates a unified connection between hands and putter that eliminates unwanted wrist action while maintaining the sensitivity necessary for distance control and green reading feedback.
The conventional putting grip, used by the majority of successful putters throughout golf history, positions both hands in a neutral relationship that promotes stability and consistency. The left hand (for right-handed golfers) grips the putter with the thumb pointing straight down the shaft, creating a stable foundation that resists unwanted rotation during the stroke. The palm of the left hand should face the target, with the grip running diagonally across the palm from the base of the pinkie finger to the middle joint of the index finger.
The right hand complements the left by providing feel and fine motor control while maintaining the overall stability of the grip. The right palm should mirror the left palm's target-facing orientation, with the thumb positioned slightly left of center on the grip. This positioning creates a unified hand relationship where both palms work together toward the target, eliminating the opposing forces that can create inconsistency in the putting stroke.
Grip pressure represents one of the most misunderstood aspects of putting fundamentals. Many golfers grip the putter too tightly, creating tension that travels up the arms and into the shoulders, disrupting the smooth pendulum motion essential for consistent putting. The ideal grip pressure should be firm enough to maintain control of the putter throughout the stroke while remaining light enough to preserve feel and sensitivity. A useful reference point is to grip the putter with the same pressure you would use to hold a small bird – secure enough to prevent escape, but gentle enough to avoid harm.
The reverse overlap grip, where the left index finger overlaps the fingers of the right hand, has become increasingly popular among both professional and amateur golfers. This grip style promotes unity between the hands while reducing the tendency for the right hand to become overly active during the stroke. The reverse overlap also helps golfers who struggle with right-hand dominance in their putting stroke, creating a more balanced relationship between the hands that promotes consistency.
Finger positioning within the grip requires careful attention to detail, as small variations can significantly impact stroke quality and feel. The fingers should wrap around the grip in a relaxed, natural manner, avoiding excessive tension or artificial positioning. The index finger of the right hand can be positioned either alongside the other fingers or extended down the shaft in a "trigger" position, depending on personal preference and comfort. The key is consistency – whatever finger positioning feels most natural and stable should be maintained throughout all putting situations.
Grip size and texture play important roles in fundamental putting success, though they are often overlooked by golfers focused on technique. A grip that is too small can encourage excessive hand action and wrist movement, while a grip that is too large can reduce feel and sensitivity. The ideal grip size allows the fingers to wrap comfortably around the grip without excessive overlap or gaps. Many successful putters prefer slightly larger grips that promote stability and reduce unwanted hand action, though personal preference and hand size should ultimately guide this decision.
The relationship between grip and putter design creates additional considerations for fundamental putting success. Traditional blade putters often work best with conventional grips that provide maximum feel and feedback, while mallet putters may benefit from larger, more stable grips that complement their higher moment of inertia. Understanding how grip choice interacts with putter design helps golfers optimize their equipment for fundamental putting success.