Putting is a crucial aspect of golf that can make or break a player’s game. With advanced analytics showing the importance of putting in scoring low, it’s no wonder that golfers are always looking for new techniques to improve their skills. One way that golfers can differentiate themselves is through their putting grips, with each player having their own unique style. From traditional grips to the left-hand low grip, there are various techniques used by professional golfers on the PGA Tour to sink those crucial putts.
The traditional putting grip is the most common technique used by professionals, with 74% of the top 50 players in SG: Putting for the 2024 season utilizing this method. With the trail hand lower on the grip than the lead hand, the traditional grip offers a comfortable and natural feel for many golfers. This grip mirrors the way you place your hands on the club for a full swing, making it a familiar and reliable choice for many golfers. It has been used by legendary players such as Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Sam Snead, and Ben Hogan, showcasing its effectiveness at the highest levels of the game.
Another popular putting grip is the left-hand low grip, also known as the cross-hand grip. This technique involves placing the left hand lower than the right on the grip, or for left-handed golfers, the right hand would be lower. The left-hand low grip helps achieve level shoulders at address and reduces the influence of the dominant hand in the stroke. Major winners like Xander Schauffele and Wyndham Clark have used this technique in their triumphs, highlighting its effectiveness in pressure situations on the greens.
Broomstick putting has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, despite rule changes eliminating the ability to anchor the club. With a long shaft that reaches up near the chest, the broomstick putting stroke offers a unique and controlled motion that can benefit certain players. Adam Scott and Akshay Bhatia are notable users of the broomstick grip, showcasing its potential to produce a satisfying roll on the greens. While it may take some adjustment to get used to the different motion, once mastered, it can be a valuable tool for improving putting performance.
The claw grip is another technique used by professional golfers to enhance their putting skills. With the trail hand holding the grip in a claw-like manner, this technique helps stabilize the stroke and reduces the influence of the dominant hand. Russell Henley and Taylor Pendrith are among the pros who utilize the claw grip, with Scottie Scheffler making headlines for his switch to this method for shorter putts. If it works for the top-ranked player in the world, it could potentially work for amateur golfers looking to improve their putting consistency.
In conclusion, the putting grip used by a golfer can significantly impact their performance on the greens. From traditional grips to more unconventional techniques like the broomstick and claw grips, there are various options available for players looking to improve their putting skills. By analyzing the putting grips of the top players on the PGA Tour, golfers can gain insights into which techniques may work best for their game. Experimenting with different grips and finding one that feels comfortable and effective can lead to improved putting performance and lower scores on the course. Whether you choose the traditional grip, left-hand low, broomstick, or claw grip, the key is to practice consistently and find the technique that works best for your putting game.
