How to Grip a Putter

A strong putter grip is crucial for every golfer, beginner or expert. Mastering how to hold a putter in golf can transform your consistency on the greens. From stability to control, grip technique is directly tied to golf success.

Explore below how to grip a putter for a smoother, more stable stroke and lower scores.

The Basics of a Putter Grip

Establishing a solid foundation is the first step in learning how to grip a putter in golf. The primary goal is to promote a smooth, repeatable stroke while minimizing extra wrist action.

One core aspect is palm placement. The putter should rest mainly in the palms, not just the fingers. This position provides more stability and reduces excessive wrist rotation, ensuring a controlled, pendulum motion.

Grip tension is another key element. Holding the putter too tightly leads to tension in the hands and arms, disrupting the stroke. On the flip side, too loose a grip results in loss of control. Aim for a firm yet relaxed hold—enough to keep control without rigidity.

Don't forget to explore the putter deals we have in our online golf store!

To answer the age-old question, “how do you grip a putter?”: Thumb pads should sit flat on the top of the grip, palms facing each other, and the hands unified as a single unit. Align your shoulders and arms in a straight line for a balanced, stable stroke.

Learning how to grip a golf putter correctly sets the stage for every putt—whether practising at home or facing pressure on putting greens.

You may also like to read: Introduction Guide To The Importance Of A Proper Golf Club Grip

Popular Putter Grip Styles

Conventional (Reverse Overlap) Grip

The conventional grip, preferred by most golfers, places the left hand above the right (for right-handed players). The left index finger overlaps the right hand’s fingers on the grip. This design brings the hands together, minimizes wrist action, and favours a pendulum motion.

Left-Hand Low (Cross-Hand) Grip

This grip switches the order: the left hand is placed below the right. It effectively “locks” the wrists and arms, greatly reducing unwanted wrist action. Many PGA Tour players have adopted this style, especially those looking for more consistent, solid strokes.

Claw Grip

With the claw grip, the left hand takes a traditional position while the right hand “claws” the grip, placing the fingers on top and the thumb facing the target. This grip style virtually eliminates excessive hand movement and encourages a pure, stable putting stroke.

Pencil and Saw Grips

The pencil grip places the lower hand as if holding a pencil, keeping muscle tension minimal and encouraging a light touch. The saw grip has the right hand’s fingers positioned along the side of the grip, imitating a sawing motion. Both grips reduce small muscle interference and boost consistency.

Armlock Grip

For those struggling with breakdown of the lead wrist, the armlock grip can be a game-changer. The handle is anchored against the lead forearm, locking the wrists and resulting in a rigid, stable stroke. This works best with specialty putters designed for armlock techniques.

Oversize or Two-Thumb Grips

Modern oversized putter grips encourage both hands to be level, promoting a unified grip and increasing shoulder balance. The two thumbs run straight down the front, facilitating a true pendulum motion suited to fast putting greens.

Read also: How To Put: Master the Art of Golf Putting

Choosing the Right Grip for You

Finding the ideal way to hold the putter in golf is a personal journey. Experimenting with the different techniques can reveal which style produces the most stable stroke and consistent results.

Start at home using practice aids, such as putting mats or mirrors, to try each grip style. Pay close attention to your wrist action, sense of control, and how easily you can maintain a pendulum motion.

If unsure, start with the conventional reverse overlap grip. From there, test the left-hand-low or claw grip to see if control or comfort improves, especially on tricky short putts.

Many opt for modern oversized grips or tech-enhanced golf putters to take their putting to the next level. Explore the golf tech gadgets section for aids designed to analyze and enhance your putting mechanics.

Choosing how to grip a putter is as important as selecting putters, training aids, or golf gloves that support your technique. Try multiple approaches before settling on the grip that feeds your confidence on the green.

You may also like to read: Strong vs Weak Grip in Golf

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learning the proper way to hold a golf putter also means avoiding frequent errors that can lead to missed putts and frustration.

Gripping Too Tightly

Grip tension is a major culprit in poor putting. Clutching the putter too firmly causes tension to spread through the hands and arms, disrupting the smooth pendulum motion required for a stable stroke. Stay loose enough to maintain the feel without letting the putter slip.

Incorrect Palm and Thumb Placement

Placing the putter in the fingers rather than the palms makes wrist breakdown more likely. Always seat the grip in the palms, thumbs directed straight down, to keep the face square.

Overusing the Wrists

Allowing the wrists to “break” during the stroke destroys consistency. A solid putter grip in the palms will limit wrist action, keeping strokes uniform and true to the target line.

Hands Not Working as One

Disjointed hand placement leads to misalignment and erratic results. Align the hands so they work together, moving the putter as a unit. Many “common putting mistakes” originate from mismatched hand positions.

Ignoring Grip Maintenance

A worn or slick grip promotes slippage and inconsistency. Maintain or replace grips regularly from the golf accessories category for optimal performance.

Correcting these mistakes—and often checking grip tension and wrist movement—will put you on the path to more clutch saves and fewer three-putts.

You will also like: Putting Practice

Conclusion

Perfecting how to grip a putter—whether exploring a conventional grip, claw grip, or the latest oversized style—can transform your confidence and consistency on putting greens. Understanding the basics, avoiding common putting mistakes, and experimenting until finding the right fit will always pay off.

Maximize putting performance by staying open to new grip techniques, using technology, and keeping your equipment in top form. Browse a collection of golf putters, golf training aids, or reliable golf gloves to take your putting to another level.

Put these tips into practice on your next round, or discover more golf strategies on the blog. Visit Just Golf Stuff for the gear and advice every golfer needs to become a master on the greens!