Craig Stadler’s unconventional putting grip, known as the “old-man” grip, helped him win the 1982 Masters Tournament. In a tutorial from GOLF Magazine in July 1986, Stadler shared his grip technique, which he has used since childhood. By pointing his right finger straight down behind the shaft and overlapping the last two fingers of his right hand over his left hand, Stadler creates a unique grip that offers more feel and touch on the putting green. This grip may not look conventional, but Stadler’s success on the PGA Tour speaks volumes about its effectiveness. With Stadler’s grip, he emphasizes the importance of touch and feel over textbook methods, making it a valuable tool for golfers looking to improve their putting performance.
Stadler’s grip technique involves a 60-40 pressure distribution between his left and right hands, with a slightly open stance and approximately 65 percent of his weight on his left side. By aligning the putterface square to the desired ball path and placing the ball just inside his left heel at address, Stadler ensures a smooth roll and solid contact with the ball. His key focus during the stroke is to maintain an accelerating motion, with a short backswing and a longer follow-through to achieve a consistent and accurate putt. While Stadler doesn’t intentionally break his wrists during the stroke, he allows his right hand to take control at the finish, ensuring a clean release of the putter head down the target line for consistent results.
Stadler’s putting stroke emphasizes keeping the putter blade moving straight along the target line throughout the stroke, with the clubface pointing down the line for more consistent outcomes. While some golfers may have variations in their stroke path, Stadler believes that minimizing deviations from the target line leads to better results on the greens. By focusing on the feel and comfort of his grip and stroke, Stadler instills confidence in his putting performance, leading to more holed putts and lower scores. This approach highlights the importance of individuality in golf technique, showcasing how unconventional methods can yield success if they feel right to the player.
In conclusion, Craig Stadler’s “old-man” putting grip offers a unique perspective on putting technique that prioritizes feel, touch, and comfort over traditional methods. Stadler’s success with this unconventional grip serves as a testament to the effectiveness of individualized approaches in golf. By adopting Stadler’s grip and focusing on consistency, acceleration, and alignment, golfers can improve their putting performance and lower their scores. Embracing comfort and confidence in one’s putting stroke, as Stadler demonstrates, can lead to more holed putts and greater success on the greens. Ultimately, Stadler’s timeless tips on putting serve as a reminder that there is no one-size-fits-all approach in golf, and players should explore and embrace techniques that work best for them.
