Learn The Proper Golf Putting Grip

Using the right golf putting grip may be one of the best kept secrets to a successful short game. While we all understand the importance that putting plays in lowering our scores, many golfers don't truly appreciate the positive impact of a proper putting grip.

The role of the putting grip is a bit ironic. After all, the correct putting stroke should not have any noticeable wrist or hand motions. So why does the golf putting grip even come into the picture?

Simply put, the goal of the putting grip is to lock the wrists and hands so they don't freely move during the entire putting stroke. It's almost the opposite from the goal of the golf grip that you use in your irons and woods.

The grip you use in all of your clubs except your putter should promote a fluid wrist turn. Your golf putting grip should avoid this.

Your putting stroke truly should look and feel like a clock pendulum. The pendulum motion in your putting comes from your shoulders and arms - not from your hands or wrists.

A proper golf putting stroke provides you with a good sense of feeling on the putter but helps to limit any wrist or hand action.

Types of Golf Putting Grips

Putting has a personality all of its own. There are about as many putting grip styles as there are golfers. While we can't cover every single variation n this article, we will cover the grip basics.

Start with the simple foundation and then fine-tune your grip based on your own putting style.

Reverse-Overlap Grip

The most common golf putting grip is called the reverse-overlap grip. This grip is similar to the regular overlap (Vardon) grip except for the fact that the overlap fingers are reversed.

The reverse-overlap grip does a good job of joining both hands so they work together while eliminating problematic wrist action. To start with, place your left hand at the top of the putter grip, just like you were gripping a five iron. Your thumb should be pointing straight down the shaft. Remember as a kid using your hand as a gun? That's the next step...keep your pinkie, ring and middle fingers on the grip and make a gun gesture with your index finger and thumb. Your index finger should be pointing to the ground and your thumb should be pointing directly away from you. Slide your right hand onto the grip so that your right hand thumb slides over your left hand thumb. Your left hand index finger then lies over the top knuckles of your right hand pinkie, ring and middle fingers. Take your putter out and try putting a few balls with this grip. You should notice that your wrists remain locked. The index finger in your left hand provides the door stop so your right hand wrist doesn't roll through the putt.

The reverse-overlap golf putting grip. Notice how the backs of each hand face in opposite directions. The same grip from a different angle. You can see how the left index finger lays across the right hand knuckles.

Cross-Handed Grip

While not as common as the reverse-overlap, the cross-handed grip has become more popular in recent years.

To form the cross-handed grip, start by placing your right hand at the top of the putter grip. Your right thumb should rest on top of the grip. Simply place your left hand, below the right, so the right thumb fits in the heel of the left palm. Both hands should fit snugly together. Try a few putts with this grip. Notice how the left arm leads, preventing the right wrist from breaking.

The cross-handed golf putting grip. The hands are reversed but the goal is the same - eliminate wrist action during the stroke.

Grip Pressure

Regardless of which type of golf putting grip you use, pay close attention to the pressure in your hands. You'll want to grip the putter firmly enough to avoid slippage and sway but gently enough to prevent muscle tension in your hands and forearms.

If you use the reverse-overlap grip, try using a bit firmer pressure in your right hand than left. Having a little firmer grip will help lock the right wrist in place.

For the cross-handed grip, use more pressure in the left hand than the right. This will allow the left hand to guide the stroke while also more easily preventing the right wrist from breaking.

More putting tips like the golf putting grip here.