Right index finger in putting grip

[Golfingdad]

I have a pretty standard reverse overlap putting grip, except for one thing:  I point my right index finger straight down the club along the back of the grip.  I've always done it, it's felt natural, however, I have never seen anybody else do this.  I wonder if it's a bad idea?  I am a mediocre putter at best (rarely less than 30 putts per round, usually 34 or so) but that is more likely a product of a lack of practice and a lack of green reading skill.

Anybody else putt like this, or used to?

[pjsnyc]

I do! Glad to see someone else doing it too! Why 2nd guess yourself? If it feels good to you, keep doing it. Anything that gets you to feel as relaxed as possible while concentrating on executing the putt is OK in my book :)

[newtogolf]

I do the same thing, not sure it's mechanically right, but it feels comfortable.

[MiniBlueDragon]

I used to but found that subconsciously the extra resistance created by it suggested I should use the finger as part of the swing. Basically created a mini 'flip' at the ball rather than putting through square. Now I have the dominant (right) hand around the grip completely and my left also completely on the club. I'm toying with the reverse overlap but it feels weird so unless it helps my pace issues I doubt I'll use it properly.

[pjsnyc]

The reason I started doing it (and never stopped) was because it gave me the feeling of rolling the ball off my index finger to the intended target.

[bpollino89]

When it comes to putting, as long as you are not flipping your wrist and you are coming in square it's very important to do what feels the most comfortable. I fought with more traditional grips with the putter and noticed so much of my focus was on my hands it made a difference in my putting. Do what's comfortable.

[Golfingdad]

Originally Posted by pjsnyc

I do! Glad to see someone else doing it too! Why 2nd guess yourself? If it feels good to you, keep doing it. Anything that gets you to feel as relaxed as possible while concentrating on executing the putt is OK in my book :)

I really had no plans on changing it, but it was something I've always wondered.  Because it felt so natural to me, I never even really paid attention enough to others to notice I was the only one doing it until much more recently.  And now I know I'm not!

I just figured I'd throw it out there in case there were any people out there who stopped doing it and improved their putting.

[Golfingdad]

Originally Posted by pjsnyc

The reason I started doing it (and never stopped) was because it gave me the feeling of rolling the ball off my index finger to the intended target.

Good description ... that's basically the same visual and feel I have.

Originally Posted by MiniBlueDragon

I used to but found that subconsciously the extra resistance created by it suggested I should use the finger as part of the swing. Basically created a mini 'flip' at the ball rather than putting through square. Now I have the dominant (right) hand around the grip completely and my left also completely on the club. I'm toying with the reverse overlap but it feels weird so unless it helps my pace issues I doubt I'll use it properly.

I have a fairly pronounced forward press to start the stroke that I (think) I maintain fairly well throughout, so I don't think I'm doing anything too handsy in there.  How did you come to the realization?  Were you missing everything left?

[GaijinGolfer]

I actually putt with my left index finger pointed down the shaft like you describe doing with your right.  I find that it helps me to prevent from flipping the putter.

Not sure why youd do that with your right hand though...

[Dormie1360]

Originally Posted by TitleistWI

I actually putt with my left index finger pointed down the shaft like you describe doing with your right.  I find that it helps me to prevent from flipping the putter.

Not sure why youd do that with your right hand though...

Been doing the right finger for 20+ years. I do it for the same reason that you do, but for me the right finger feels more comfortable.   Gary McCord calls the right finger down the "over 40" grip.

I think there are a few important fundamentals in putting, after that hey whatever works.

[saevel25]

i kinda do this, mine isn't fully straight down the shaft, its slighly bent and the grip fits in the slight bend i create, but it still anchors the club for me..

[The JollyGolfer]

I used to do the same but changed.  I now hold the club with my right hand only and I lay my left hand open and flat against the right hand. Very few people notice that my left hand isn't gripping.