The golf putting grip: how to build the reverse overlap, test cross-handed and claw against restless hands and stay within the anchoring rule.
The standard putting grip is called reverse overlap: the index finger of your lead hand lies over the fingers of your trail hand, both palms facing each other. A proven best putting grip does not exist, though. What matters is that your hands and wrists stay quiet and the clubface points at the target.
The honest answer: a small study with seven novices found that eye and head movements were smaller with the cross-hand grip (lead hand low) and the one-handed grip than with the conventional grip, and that the cross-hand grip holed more from about 2.7 meters (9 feet) [1]. With seven subjects that says nothing about all golfers; it is a reason to experiment, not proof.
Why does the grip matter anyway? In 71 elite players the clubface at impact explained 80 percent of the direction variability of a putt, the swing path only 17 percent [3]. If the face matters that much, the grip should above all prevent it from twisting during the stroke.
And the rules? In putting only one grip is banned: anchoring the putter to the body [2]. All variants in this guide are allowed as long as you execute them correctly.
All descriptions are for right-handers; left-handers mirror them. The "lead hand" is the left hand.
Hold the putter in the palms, not deep in the fingers. This keeps the wrists quieter (experience-based). The thumbs lie flat on the grip's back. The putter grip itself is flat on top.
Milestone: you hold the putter lightly and it does not tip.
The index finger of the lead hand extends and lies over the fingers of the trail hand. That joins both hands into one unit. Both palms face each other, as in prayer.
Grip softly, about 3 to 4 out of 10. That is a coaching rule of thumb, not a measured number. The pendulum should come from the shoulders and upper body, not from the hands.
Putt ten times from one meter and film yourself from the front. If the wrists break in the video or the face turns sideways, the grip is not quiet yet.
Milestone: the wrists stay quiet in the video, the face points at the target on every putt.
Try 20 putts each from 1 and 3 meters with these variants and note how many go in:
Milestone: after 20 putts per variant you know your number of makes. Take the variant with quieter hands and more makes.
The putting grip is harmless. Two things still matter. First, the rules: anchoring is punished with the general penalty [2]. Only deliberately holding against the body counts; merely touching clothing or body is allowed [2]. Second, your body: with a very long or very short putter you bend a lot and for a long time. If you feel pain in the back or neck, take a break and get advice. This guide does not replace a PGA pro or certified coach.
Film so you can see the putter head through the end of the follow-through. Pause on the moment of impact. The face should point at the target exactly as it did at address. This picture comparison is the cheapest feedback you can give yourself.
There is no proven best putting grip. A small study with seven novices saw less eye and head movement with the cross-hand grip and more makes from 2.7 meters than with the conventional grip [1]. Test reverse overlap, cross-handed and claw for 20 putts each and take the one with quieter hands.
In the reverse overlap, the index finger of the lead hand lies over the fingers of the trail hand, both palms facing each other. It is the classic putting grip. It joins the hands into one unit and keeps the wrists quiet; that is coaching knowledge, not a study result.
Yes. In putting only anchoring to the body is banned [2]. The claw grip, where the trail hand holds the putter from above, is not anchored and therefore within the rules. Make sure no hand or forearm is pressed against the body.
Yes, if you hold it correctly. You may hold the club or a gripping hand against the other hand or forearm. It is banned to press the forearm against the body to use the hand as a stable point [2]. Touching without pressing is not penalized.
Lightly, about 3 to 4 out of 10. That is a coaching rule of thumb. The putter must not wobble, but your forearms must not harden either. The pendulum comes from the shoulders and upper body.
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