The Path of a 'Putting Master' ② Correct Grip Method

Nothing is more important than putting in golf. It is a skill directly linked to the score. At the 87th Masters Tournament, the “Battle of the Masters,” which concluded on the 10th at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, USA, putting specialists delivered impressive results. Here is a guide for amateur golfers to become “putting masters.”

Putting is the only liberation in golf. There are no restrictions on the design or length of the putter, and grips vary from player to player. A grip is one way of holding a golf club. Power and direction depend on the grip. In putting, any grip is acceptable. The best grip is the one that sinks the ball.

Sergio Garcia completed his victory at the 2017 Masters with a "claw grip."

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A representative grip is the “reverse overlapping grip.” It is also called the “conventional grip.” It is the same way of holding the club. The “Golf Emperor” Tiger Woods (USA) and world No. 3 Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) use this method. Nine out of ten golfers use this grip. When adopting the reverse overlapping grip, both arms are naturally relaxed, the right hand sets up the putter toward the target, and then the left hand is placed on top. For amateur golfers, it is comfortable and similar to holding other clubs like irons, and it makes distance control easier in long putting. Above all, a smooth tempo is important. There is a slight pushing feeling during impact. However, there are drawbacks. The left wrist is not fixed, which can cause directional problems. Short putts are sometimes missed.

The “left-hand-low grip” is the opposite of the reverse overlapping grip. It is also called the “cross-hand grip.” Female players mainly use it. The “Golf Queen” Park In-bee achieved the “career golden slam” using the left-hand-low grip. Among male players, Jordan Spieth (USA) uses this grip. The left hand goes below and covers the right hand. This fundamentally prevents the bending of the left wrist. It is attractive for its power in mid- to short-distance putting. Since the palms of both hands almost face each other, the shoulders naturally become horizontal during the address, allowing smooth pendulum motion and a wider field of vision. The problem is distance control. Adequate practice is required to adapt.

The “claw grip” is also popular. It is also called the “pencil grip.” The originator is Chris DiMarco (USA). Sergio Garcia (Spain) gained attention by winning the 2017 Masters using this grip. Justin Rose (England), Kim Si-woo, Adam Scott (Australia), and Wang Jeong-hoon also use it. The left hand remains as is, and the right hand holds the putter in reverse. The right thumb and index finger grip the putter shaft. By suppressing wrist use, the putter head moves at a right angle, resulting in good directionality. It is effective for short distances of about 1?2 meters or on fast greens. Conversely, it is difficult to get close to the hole in long putting.

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