When learning how to play golf from a basic step is learning the putting grip. The putting grip is one of the most important golf techniques for more advanced players. The putting grip differs from most other golf grips because it provides an easy way to bring the club head up while keeping the thumb and index fingers on the club. It is a technique used to help with getting the ball off the ground and keeping the ball on the green. Here’s a look at putting grips and how they can be useful to any golfer.
Different Putting Grips: YouTube Video Overview: In this YouTube video we have an advanced golfer demonstrating some of his putting grips. He uses a reverse overlap grip which is basically an overlapping type of grip. The left hand actually overlaps the right forefinger so that the right forefinger forms a loop around the left thumb. This type of grip is recommended by many experts as a way to get the ball in contact with the green easier. To do a good job with this type of putt, you’ll need a slightly stronger grip than you might with a normal putting grip.
Reverse overlap putting grips: Here’s another example of an overlapping putting grip. Again the left forefinger forms a loop around the right pinky finger. The reason that this works is because the right pinky finger is so strong that it won’t allow the ball to slip through as easily if your hands are lined up wrong. The pinky finger needs to be pushed down towards the floor to get the ball into the air.
Three Slicing Putts: Here’s a technique I like to use at the beginning of any round. Rather than starting my putt on my forehand side, I start my putt on my forehand side because this way I’m able to use my stronger wrists and my forearms more. Instead of moving back my hands to make the initial contact with the ball, I simply move my hands all the way around so that I’m making a V shape with my shoulders. This allows me to use my stronger forearms and wrists more. The V shape I’ve created with this technique forces me to get the ball in the air a lot faster.
Professional Golfers & Players: Most professional golfers have a unique putting grip that they prefer to use. Most professional golfers have two dominant styles of putting, and they use these two putting grips for most of their rounds. The most common of these two styles is what is known as the “American” or “western” style of putting grip. With the American style of putting grip you generally use a cross-handed grip with your left hand. (Most people call this a “swingman” style putting grip.)
Most right-handed golfers have a “control” putting grip, which is different than the American style of putting grip. With the control putting grip, you’re right-handed golfer will typically reach out with both hands to make the backstroke stroke. Once the backstroke has started, your left-handed golfer will make a right-handed wrist cock to get his club head in the air. From there, he’ll either finish the stroke with a draw or an Irish kick.
A traditional grip is a putting grip that I recommend for players with average height and average arm length. The traditional grip features a right-handed grip using the index finger of the right hand to make a natural straight line with the shaft of the club. Most right-handed golfers will make a similar wrist cock and a similar irish kick when their backstroke begins. When their stroke ends, they can either make a draw or a fade depending on which way their left arm is pointing.
Here are the three putting grips I use on my golf swing and every day of my golfing career: the traditional grip, the overlapping grip and the interlocking grip. Obviously, these are not the only three putting grips available to you so you may want to experiment. What is most important is that you find a putting grip that feels comfortable and works for you. Not all putters are made the same and some putters work better for some people than others. As with anything in golf, the best advice I can give you is to experiment and find what works best for you.