The most important element in your golf bag is called a ‘putter’. Your choice of putter grip style is the ultimate factor that can significantly affect how effectively you putt. The best putter grip is essential for enhancing feel, control, and overall consistency in your putting stroke.
Our team tests and surveys several putter grip styles to assist you in choosing the best grip for your game.
Recognizing the Value of Putter Grips
As the only point of contact between you and the golf club, the grip creates a direct link between your hands and the putter. Your putting technique, which in turn, influences the face angle, swing path, and overall control of your putter during the stroke, is influenced by your grip. Your ability to hole those crucial putts might significantly change if you have a comfortable and appropriate putter grip.
Different Types of Putter Grips
1. Traditional Rubber Grips
Traditional rubber grips are one of the most critical accessories for golfers. Because it significantly impacts the performance and enjoyment of the game. These grips are specifically designed to enhance the golfer’s control, comfort, and confidence while holding the club.
Crafted from high-quality natural or synthetic rubber materials, traditional golf grips offer a soft and tacky feel that ensures a firm grip even in challenging weather conditions. Golfers often encounter moisture from dew, rain, or sweaty palms, and the non-slip texture of these grips helps maintain a steady hold throughout the swing.
The design of traditional rubber grips for golf clubs includes specialized patterns or textures strategically placed to provide optimal traction for different parts of the golfer’s hands. This feature allows golfers to stay in their proper hand position and reduces the chances of slipping during the swing.
Pros
- Enhanced Grip
- Comfort
- Durability
- Customizability
- Moisture Resistance
Cons
- Grip Pressure Variability
- Installation Complexity
2. Oversized Putter Grips
Oversized putter grips have gained popularity in recent years. They have a wider diameter, which lessens wrist movement while putting, encouraging a more solid and controlled motion.
These grips are often favored by golfers who struggle with wrist action or want to reduce grip pressure.
Pros
- Enhanced Stability
- Reduced Tension
- Enhanced Feel
- Improved Alignment
- Comfort
Cons
- Reduced Touch
- Challenging for Small Hands
- Limited Variety
Those players are looking for more stability, decreased tension, and better alignment when putting, so larger putter grips are advantageous. This is best suited for players who want to reduce wrist mobility or have bigger hands.
3. Counterbalanced Grips
Counterbalanced grips have additional weight at the butt end, which alters the balance point of the putter. This design is meant to create a more pendulum-like stroke and is often used with longer putters.
Golfers seeking a smoother and more stable stroke might find this grip style beneficial.
Pros
- Weight Distribution
- Improved Distance Control
- Reduced Wrist Action
- Customizable Options
- Consistency on Longer Putts
Cons
- Clubhead Feel
- Limited Applicability
Overall, golfers who want more stability, less wrist motion, and better-putting performance will love this grip. However, individual preference, putting style, and the need for a stable swing should be considered before deciding to switch to a counterbalanced grip.
4. Reverse-Taper Grips
Reverse-taper grips, also known as pistol or paddle grips, are a unique type of golf club grip that features a non-traditional shape. Unlike standard grips that taper from a larger diameter at the butt end to a smaller diameter near the clubhead, reverse-taper grips have a larger diameter near the clubhead and taper down towards the butt end.
Pros
- Unique Design
- Suitable for Various Clubs
- Reduced Wrist Action
- Versatility
- Comfort and Feel
Cons
- Not for Everyone
- Adaptation Period
Reverse-taper grips have a larger diameter at the top and taper down towards the lower hand. This design helps golfers keep a light grip pressure with the upper hand while still maintaining control through the lower handIf you want a grip that is more relaxed, reverse-taper grips are a great option.
5. Paddle Grips
Golf club grips of a particular type known as paddle grips are distinguished by their distinctive paddle-like form. Golfers may benefit from and take into account these grips’ wide, flat surface, which is reminiscent of a paddle blade.
Pros
- Increased Stability
- Enhanced Alignment
- Reduced Tension
- Customizable
- Comfort and Feel
Cons
- Not for Everyone
- Limited Availability
Paddle putter grip styles have a wide, flat surface, providing a different feel compared to traditional round grips. They offer more surface area for the hands to rest on, promoting a more relaxed grip. Paddle grips are favored by golfers who prefer a unique and comfortable grip style.
How To Grip A Putter
A proper putter grip style is essential for consistent and accurate putting in golf. The way you hold the putter greatly influences your control over the clubface and, ultimately, the direction and distance of your putts.
Here, we’ll guide you through different putting grip styles and offer step-by-step instructions for golfers of all levels. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player, mastering the correct putting grip will significantly improve your putting performance.
Step 1: Choose the Right Putter Grip
Before diving into the grip techniques, it’s crucial to have the right putter grip that suits your hand size and personal preference. There are various putter grip styles available, such as traditional pistol grips, oversized grips, and counterbalanced grips. Visit a golf store or pro shop to try out different grips and choose the one that feels most comfortable and secure in your hands.
Step 2: The Traditional Reverse Overlap Grip (For Beginners)
The reverse overlap grip is an excellent choice for beginners as it provides stability and control.
- Stand over the ball with your feet shoulder-width apart and your eyes directly above the ball.
- Hold the putter with your dominant hand (right hand for right-handed golfers and vice versa) near the top of the grip.
- Place your non-dominant hand (left hand for right-handed golfers and vice versa) below your dominant hand on the grip.
- Allow your non-dominant index finger to rest along the backside of the putter grip.
- Overlap your dominant hand’s pinky finger over your non-dominant hand’s index finger. Your hands should feel connected and secure.
Step 3: The Cross-Handed (Left Hand Low) Grip (For Intermediate Golfers)
The cross-handed grip can help golfers who struggle with keeping the putter face square through impact.
- Assume your putting stance and grip the putter as you would with the traditional grip.
- Before placing your non-dominant hand (left hand for right-handed golfers and vice versa) on the grip, position it below your dominant hand.
- The grip will be more in the fingers of your non-dominant hand than the palm.
- Your non-dominant hand’s thumb should be pointing down the shaft, promoting a smoother, more controlled stroke.
Step 4: The Claw Grip (For Advanced Golfers)
The claw grip can provide advanced players with a unique and stable feel during putting.
- Adopt your putting stance and hold the putter with your dominant hand as in the traditional grip.
- For the non-dominant hand (left hand for right-handed golfers and vice versa), create a “claw-like” shape by placing your palm against the grip and extending your index finger and thumb forward.
- Rest the grip of the putter against the middle of your non-dominant hand’s palm, with your thumb pointing down the shaft.
- Keep your wrist in a more neutral position, which helps reduce wrist movement during the stroke.
Step 5: Practice and Fine-Tuning
Regardless of the grip style you choose, practice is crucial to developing consistency and confidence on the greens. Spend time on the practice green, experimenting with different grip pressures and stroke lengths to find what works best for you.
Don’t forget to maintain a relaxed grip, as gripping the putter too tightly can hinder your feel and touch. Keep your wrists steady and avoid excessive movement during the putting stroke.
Choosing the Right Putter Grip for You
Selecting the perfect putter grip for your game involves considering various factors, including:
1. Consider Your Putting Style
Your putting technique and stroke type should play a significant role in your putter grip style selection. Golfers with a straight-back-straight-through stroke might prefer a different grip than those with an arc stroke. Analyzing your putting style will help you narrow down your grip options.
2. Grip Material and Texture
Different grip materials, such as rubber, synthetic, or leather, offer distinct feels. Some players may prefer a tackier grip, while others may like a smoother texture. Trying out various materials will help you determine which one complements your game.
3. Grip Size and Weight
Putter grips come in various sizes and weights. Finding the correct fit for your hands may require experimenting with various grip sizes.
Additionally, some golfers may benefit from the counterbalanced weight of sure grips, while others may prefer a standard-weighted grip.
4. Trial and Error Approach
Finding the ideal putter grip often involves trial and error. Don’t be afraid to test various grip styles to see which one enhances your putting performance the most.
Tips for Regripping Your Putter
If your current putter grip is worn out or doesn’t suit your preferences, regripping your putter is a simple process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you regrip your putter:
Gather the necessary tools: You’ll need a new putter grip, grip tape, grip solvent, and a vice.
Remove the old grip: Use a utility knife to carefully cut off the old grip. Peel away the remaining grip tape.
Clean the shaft: Remove any old grip tape residue and clean the shaft with grip solvent.
Apply new grip tape: Wrap the shaft with double-sided grip tape, ensuring it covers the entire area where the grip will be.
Apply grip solvent: Pour some grip solvent inside the new grip and swirl it around to coat the interior.
Slide on the new grip: Quickly slide the new grip onto the shaft, aligning it properly.
Let it dry: Allow the grip solvent to dry for several hours before using your putter.
Maintaining Your Putter Grip
To prolong the life of your putter grip and maintain its performance, follow these tips:
Keep it clean: Regularly clean your grip with mild soap and water to remove dirt and debris.
Avoid extreme temperatures: Prolonged exposure to extreme heat or cold can degrade the grip material.
Rotate your grip: To ensure even wear, rotate your grip occasionally.
Store properly: When storing your golf clubs, keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Replace when needed: If you notice signs of wear, cracks, or loss of tackiness, consider replacing your putter grip style.
Final Word
To improve your putting, you must choose the appropriate putter grip style. Knowing the various putter grip styles and taking into account your putting technique, grip material, size, and weight can help you make an informed decision.
Always keep in mind that every player has a different preferred grip, so don’t be afraid to try out several setups until you find the one that feels most comfortable to you.