Putting is often referred to as the “game within the game.” While driving and iron play get most of the attention, it is on the green where championships are won or lost.
At the heart of consistent putting lies the grip: how you hold the putter and control its movement. The grip is the only point of contact between the golfer and the putter, making it one of the most critical factors in developing a repeatable, confident stroke.
Unlike a full swing, where grip pressure and mechanics allow for explosive motion and power transfer, putting is about finesse, stability, and precision. The putter face angle at impact determines nearly all of the ball’s initial direction. Even the smallest deviation of a degree can cause a missed putt. A well-structured grip minimizes wrist breakdown, steadies the shoulders, and creates a repeatable stroke path.
Consistency in putting does not come from strength—it comes from stability. The right grip helps eliminate excess hand action, ensures better face control, and allows the larger muscles of the shoulders and torso to guide the motion.
Over the years, players have developed a variety of putting grips to combat inconsistency and adapt to their personal stroke tendencies. While no single grip works for everyone, understanding the major styles helps illustrate why grip choice is so important.
This is the most common grip among professionals and amateurs. The index finger of the lead hand (left for right-handed golfers) overlaps the fingers of the trail hand. This grip unifies the hands, reduces wrist hinge, and promotes shoulder-driven motion. It’s considered a balance between comfort and control.
This grip switches the lead hand below the trail hand. It levels the shoulders more naturally, preventing the trail hand from dominating and flipping the putter head closed. Many players adopt this grip when they struggle with a “handsy” stroke or a tendency to push putts.
The claw places the trail hand in a sideways “pinching” position rather than gripping from underneath. This effectively removes most wrist involvement and forces a pendulum-like stroke. While unconventional in appearance, it has become popular on professional tours because of its ability to neutralize shaky hands under pressure.
These are variations of the claw where the trail hand holds the grip more like a pencil or in a sideways “sawing” position. Both reduce wrist action further and are favored by players seeking extreme control.
With this method, the grip and shaft of the putter rest against the lead forearm, essentially locking the wrist angles in place. It creates a rigid structure and almost entirely removes hand involvement, relying heavily on shoulder rotation. Though controversial, it offers remarkable stability.
Grip style is one part of the equation; grip pressure is equally important. Many golfers instinctively hold the putter too tightly, leading to tension in the arms and shoulders. This restricts flow and touch. On the other hand, gripping too lightly can allow the putter to move off-plane.
The key is finding a middle ground: secure enough to control the putter face, but light enough to maintain fluidity. A relaxed grip allows for better feel, enhances distance control, and encourages a repeatable tempo.
One way to test this is to grip the putter as though holding a small bird: firm enough not to let it escape, but gentle enough not to cause harm.
Every golfer has unique tendencies. Some fight against pulling putts left, while others miss to the right. Some have overactive hands, while others lack feel. Choosing a grip that counteracts personal flaws is essential. For example:
Experimentation and practice are critical. What works on the practice green may not hold up under pressure unless it feels natural and sustainable.
Finding the right grip is only the beginning. Maintaining it under all circumstances requires habit and training:
The putting grip is one part of the foundation of putting consistency, but the other is having a putter that is actually consistent to begin with. That’s why we created the Paradox, a putter that takes consistency into consideration by virtue of its proprietary design.
If you’re thinking about training your grip, why not train with a putter that is proven to deliver?
