How Much Does a Putting Grip Style Affect the Stroke?

[billchao]

A discussion in another thread got me wondering about this. We've all seen tour players use all different types of grips. Do they have a real effect on putting mechanics? Are there any generalizations in a putting grip similar to a full swing grip? For example, if a person is pushing their putts, can a grip change fix that?

[iacas]

A discussion in another thread got me wondering about this. We've all seen tour players use all different types of grips. Do they have a real effect on putting mechanics?

Grips are different for everyone. Some interlock, some are strong, some are a bit more in the fingers, and all types of ball flights are hit from them. Same with putting strokes. Someone might go cross-handed to take out excessive wrist, some might for a different reason, and so on. As you know I feel there are three keys to putting, so… the grip influences two of those three. :)

Are there any generalizations in a putting grip similar to a full swing grip? For example, if a person is pushing their putts, can a grip change fix that?

No generalizations IMO. Maybe a few, but, they're so lightly related I don't worry about trying to remember them.

Remember, too, that putting is a pretty simple motion, and so we can do quite a bit to control things.

[billchao]

Remember, too, that putting is a pretty simple motion, and so we can do quite a bit to control things.

So when you work with someone on their putting mechanics, you work on the actual motion, rather than making grip adjustments (assuming nothing really weird)?

[iacas]

So when you work with someone on their putting mechanics, you work on the actual motion, rather than making grip adjustments (assuming nothing really weird)?

Yes.

I change putting grips when it's functionally making something (usually something obvious) a bit more difficult.

[billchao]

Yes. I change putting grips when it's functionally making something (usually something obvious) a bit more difficult.

That's not really something the average player (or even tour pros) can figure out for themselves, is it? I would think any success there is akin to changing putters frequently. One might get hot for a bit after a switch, but the underlying problems are still there.

[boogielicious]

I think any grip can work as long as it keeps the putter head from rotating and not returning to the same orientation at impact as it was at setup.

[iacas]

I think any grip can work as long as it keeps the putter head from rotating and not returning to the same orientation at impact as it was at setup.

@billchao , yeah, this. The putting stroke is so small and so simple that virtually any grip can do it.

It's mostly about being comfortable. SO long as your grip doesn't have you bending too much (forward or side to side), lets you use your wrists a little, and doesn't itself putt torque on the club to twist it, I am usually okay with it.

[dchoye]

So many different grips. Split hand , claw, left hand low etc that work The other thread there's variations of the convention reverse overlap Of all the different grips I tried I feel more confident when the grip is more along the fingers of my right hand I feel more "touch " sensitive there.

[billchao]

@billchao, yeah, this. The putting stroke is so small and so simple that virtually any grip can do it.

It's mostly about being comfortable. SO long as your grip doesn't have you bending too much (forward or side to side), lets you use your wrists a little, and doesn't itself putt torque on the club to twist it, I am usually okay with it.

Good to know, thanks (and you too, @boogielicious ). I figured if there was a problem with my funky grip you would have mentioned it. I actually went back to it today from the double reverse overlap. I seem to stroke the ball more smoothly and have better distance control as a result. Maybe I need a heavier putter with a more conventional grip.