Putting is often considered the "game within the game."

This crucial aspect of golf can make or break your score, and one of the most significant determinants of your putting success is your putting grip.

There are various putting grip styles to choose from, each with its own set of advantages and challenges.

So, let's take a look at these putting grips, break them down, and get some tips for improving performance.

The Traditional putting grip

Let's start with the most classic of all putting grip styles, the Traditional putting grip.

This grip involves placing both hands close together on the putter grip, with both thumbs pointing straight down the shaft. It's a straightforward and widely used technique.

Grip: To use the Traditional putting grip, overlap the fingers of your trailing hand (right hand for right-handed golfers) over the fingers of your lead hand (left hand for right-handed golfers). Both thumbs should point down the shaft, and the palms should face each other.

Tips: Maintain a light grip to promote a smooth stroke. Focus on keeping your wrists firm and your shoulders relaxed for a pendulum-like motion. Practice consistency in your setup and alignment to enhance your accuracy.

The Claw grip putting style

The Claw grip, also known as the Pencil grip, is a unique style that has gained popularity in recent years. It is known for its effectiveness in reducing wrist movement during the putting stroke.

Grip: To adopt the Claw grip, place your lead hand (left hand for right-handed golfers) on the putter grip as you would with a traditional grip. However, for the trailing hand (right hand for right-handed golfers), use a "claw-like" positioning. Instead of wrapping the hand around the grip, hold it with your fingertips, creating a claw-like shape.

Tips: The Claw grip can help eliminate wrist action, providing a more stable and consistent putting stroke. Focus on a relaxed but firm grip. Experiment with the grip pressure to find what works best for you. This grip style is particularly effective when using a slightly thicker, wider putter grip.

Arm Lock Putting Style

Hector Vivas

The Arm lock putting style is another unique and innovative grip that has gained attention in recent years. It involves anchoring the grip against the forearm (not the body), promoting a stable and repeatable putting motion.

Grip: To utilise the Arm Lock putting style, grip the putter as you would with a traditional grip but allow the shaft to run up your leading forearm. Your trailing forearm should remain parallel to the ground. This style is typically used with longer putters.

Tips: The Arm Lock putting style minimises wrist movement, leading to more consistent putting strokes. Experiment with different putter lengths and lie angles to find what suits your stroke best. A thicker grip can provide added stability when using the Arm Lock style.

Rules: Arm locking has been controversal with some calling for it to be banned, under rule 10.1, which stipulates: “Fairly striking at a ball with the head of a club. The fundamental challenge is to direct and control the movement of the entire club by freely swinging the club without anchoring it. … The player must fairly strike at the ball with the head of the club such that there is only momentary contact between the club and the ball and must not push, scrape or scoop the ball."

In relation to the word “anchoring” above, as in accordance with Rule 10.1b, a player's putting stroke must not include an “anchor point” on which they plant their forearm agains their body. However, the USGA makes it a specific point to clarify why arm-locking doesn’t fall under that definition: “If the player’s club, gripping hand or forearm merely touches his or her body or clothing during the stroke, without being held against the body, there is no breach of this Rule.”

Best Putter to Use with Claw Grip and Arm Lock Putting

Choosing the best putter for Claw grip and Arm lock putting styles is critical for your success on the greens.

Golfers using the Claw grip often prefer putters with slightly thicker grips -  mid-sized grips strike a happy medium as they have addition width to reduce wrist movement and promote stability, yet aren't too large that they place strain when over-stretching. 

For those embracing the Arm Lock putting style, selecting a putter with the right length and lie angle is essential. There are specific Arm Lock putters designed solely for this style, featuring the necessary characteristics for a successful Arm Lock grip.

Which putter grips fit with the largest number of putting styles?

Pistol Style Putter Grips

Pistol Style Putter Grips are known for their ergonomic design and excellent feel in the hands. They come in various shapes and sizes, allowing golfers to find the perfect fit for their putting style.

With the Pistol Style putter grip, your lead hand wraps around the grip as in a traditional grip. The trailing hand follows a similar pattern, creating a pistol-like shape that fits comfortably in your palms.

The ergonomic design of Pistol Style Putter Grips promotes a natural and relaxed hand positioning. Experiment with different grip sizes to find the one that provides the most comfortable feel in your hands. Pistol style grips are pretty versatile and work well with various putting styles, including the Claw grip and traditional putting grip.

Finding what putter grip works best for you

The variety of putting grip styles is varied and ever evolving, offering golfers a range of options to explore.

Whether you opt for the traditional grip, experiment with the Claw Grip, embrace the Arm Lock style, or seek comfort in Pistol Style putter grips, your choice should align with your unique putting style and preferences.

Remember that selecting the best putter grip for your chosen style and putter can significantly impact your putting performance.

Regular practice, along with a consistent grip and a comfortable putter, can lead to more successful putts and ultimately lower scores on the golf course.

So, try out different putting grip styles, find what works best for you, and up that putting game. 

To try out a Sunset Bay putter grip visit one of our selling partners in store or to order online visit our site and transform your putting today.