Choose the Right Putting Grip

Putting Tips: Choose the Right Putting Grip for Duffers
by Wayne Hudler

Uncover the difference a little thing like the way you hold your putter can make to how effectively you putt. You need to know what type of grip is best for you and what the absolute essentials are that you must maintain to be successful putting. Once you've read this article you will know how to correctly grip a putter in a way that is comfortable for you. Don't miss this stroke saving information.

If you are like most duffers, then you probably spend about 40 percent of your strokes on the green. Putting should therefore be a focus area for us when we are practicing, preparing for a round and while on the course for sure.

How much time do you spend thinking about your putting skills vs your tee shots?

One of the least understood aspects of putting is how the putter should be gripped. Putting is the most personal or individual aspects of the game of golf. Everyone, even the pros, has their own unique way to putt. However individual your putting may be you need to observe a few key fundamentals to be successful on a regular basis.

Do these few things correctly and you can be as individual as you wish about all the rest.

Dooley's putting recommendations

Dooley Duffer, my good friend and playing partner, has tinkered with his putting grip over the years. He has learned from experience what works and what doesn't when it comes to grip variations. I remember some he has tried that still make me laugh. Ask him about his "finger tip grip" next time you see him.

He offers his wisdom for our benefit below.

You may grip your putter in many different ways. The golf putting grip establishes the relationship between your body and the putter. It is so important that the relationship allows the body to move the putter so that it strikes the ball squarely while traveling along the intended target line of the putt.

If you are struggling with your work on the greens than a careful examination of your grip may be in order. It may be that your grip is preventing you from making a proper stroke comfortably or causing your putter face to move offline during the stroke.

Dooley's putting recommendations

Learn to putt like the pros. Click here.

The first place to check will be how you place the grip in your hands. The grip should be placed in the center of the palm along the lifeline. This places the end of the grip in the depression between the two fleshy pads at the base of the hand next to the wrist. The objective is that the putter grip and shaft are in a direct line with the forearm.

There are several popular versions of the putter grip developed over the years which have stood the test of time and would make a good starting place for you to consider. We will discuss this from the perspective of a right-handed golfer. Simply reverse for left-handers.

Dooley's putting recommendations

The Traditional Overlap

* The left hand is placed on the club first then the right is added just below the left. The pointer finger is placed over the fingers of the right hand to secure the grip.

The Two Fingers Down

* Rest the putter grip in the palm of both hands with the right hand below the left, wrap the fingers around the club with the exception of the index or pointer fingers of both hands. They are placed so that they point down the shaft on opposite side so that they face each other.

The Claw

* If you struggle with your left wrist breaking down during your swing then this may be the grip for you. Grip the club in the left in the normal fashion. The place the right palm down (parallel with the ground) place the right hand onto the grip by sliding it between the thumb and index finger. It should fit snuggly between the base of the thumb and side of the hand. The fingers of the right hand are placed over the top of the grip.

The Left Below Right

* Follow the steps in the Traditional Grip but place the right hand on the top of the putter grip and the left hand below the right.

Dooley's putting recommendations

Someone wiser than I once said that when planning a new task start at the beginning. It is an obvious point to most of us but worth mentioning here for this reason. Putting success starts with the correct grip.

Should you wish to putt well on a consistent basis the make sure you start each putt with the putter placed properly in your hands so that you can control the club while making your swing.

Putting is an important skill even for us duffers. Choose a grip you find comfortable, use it correctly and your putts per round will improve.

Find the best information to help with your putting game here: Dooley's putting recommendations

Wayne Hudler is an avid golfer of over 30 years and golf writer. He has been recognized as an expert by the leading online article directory.

Dooley Duffer Golf is devoted to helping ordinary golfers (duffers) improve. Are you a duffer? Visit Dooley Duffer Golf where you will find an ever growing collection of improvement resources. Dooley Duffer Golf

www.DooleyDuffer.com

Contact Dooley: dooley@dooleyduffer.com