The way you grip a putter can make or break your putting game. Whether you’re standing over a short putt or a long lag, the putter grip you choose will directly impact your stroke, distance control, and overall consistency. This guide breaks down every major way to hold a putter, helping you understand what each grip does, how it affects your motion, and which option might be right for your style of play.
We’ll cover both traditional and modern techniques, grips that stabilize your wrist, grips that quiet your hands and arms, and everything in between. If you’re serious about lowering scores on the green, this is the article for you.
1. What’s the Best Way to Grip a Putter in 2025?
In 2025, there’s no single “best” putter grip—it depends entirely on your setup, stroke style, and personal comfort. The key is to choose a grip that minimizes tension and helps your hands and arms work together in a repeatable, pendulum-like motion.
From classic grips to modern variations like the claw, more golfers are testing what seems to work rather than sticking with one standard. The best putter for you might be matched with a superstroke grip, a thicker shaft, or even a jumbo grip depending on your comfort and control needs.
Read More: How to Set Up a Golf Impact Screen: Your Comprehensive Guide
Why Does Your Putter Grip Matter?
Your grip is your connection to the putter, and it plays a big role in how the stroke flows. A poor grip can cause excess movement in the wrist or disconnect between the hands and arms. A well-fitted putting grip helps you stay square through impact and control speed more naturally.
With a stable putter grip, you’re more likely to start the ball online and hole more putts. And when it comes to distance control, your ability to maintain a smooth tempo through the shaft makes a big difference.
1. Conventional Grip
The conventional grip is simple and familiar. Place your left hand at the top of the grip, with the thumb pointing straight down the centre. The right-hand wraps below, creating a comfortable “V” shape between the thumb and index finger.
This grip style keeps your palms facing each other and encourages both hands to work as one. It’s a great starting point for any golfer, offering a mix of control and feel that works for nearly any putter like a white-hot, flat stick, or even a 1 putter setup.
2. The Claw Grip
The claw grip has gained momentum in recent years thanks to its ability to reduce wrist movement. Your left hand traditionally holds the putter, while your right hand rotates outward, with the thumb on the side and fingers curled beneath—forming a claw shape.
This grip shifts control to the lead hand, often leading to a more stable face through impact. It’s especially helpful on shorter putts or for players who struggle with a jerky stroke. Variations like the lefty claw flip the concept for left-handed players.
3. Left Hand Low
The left-hand low grip, also known as cross-handed, involves placing the left hand below the right on the shaft. This simple change levels the shoulders and encourages a straight-back, straight-through motion.
Many golfers prefer this grip because it minimizes flipping through the ball and promotes a squarer face at impact. If you’re struggling with push or pull tendencies, this is a powerful adjustment that helps keep your stroke in sync.
4. Reverse Overlap Grip
The reverse overlap is one of the most common putting grips. Here, the left hand is placed at the top of the grip, and the index finger overlaps the fingers of the right hand. This creates a stable connection and limits unwanted movement during the stroke.
The thumb of each hand runs straight down the shaft, giving a neutral, centred feel. This grip promotes rolling the ball smoothly without excessive hand action. It pairs well with both standard and oversized grips and can be a good fit for many putters, especially those with a super-stroke grip.
5. Arm Lock or Armlock Method
With the arm lock or armlock technique, the putter shaft is pressed along the forearm, typically the lead arm. This method reduces the role of the wrist and forces a more shoulder-driven stroke.
The arm-lock is especially helpful for players trying to build a more consistent stroke. Combined with a longer grip and specific putter head shapes, it provides excellent face stability. It’s been gaining popularity in tournaments like the 2025 Valspar Championship for good reason.
6. Pencil Grip
The pencil grip is all about light control. The left-hand stays in a traditional position, while the right hand gently holds the side of the shaft, much like holding a pencil. The thumb and forefinger apply light pressure, and the rest of the fingers barely engage.
This grip eliminates tension and allows for a smooth, flowing stroke. It works well for players who want to feel more of the head during the swing and for those looking to improve distance control without overthinking mechanics.
7. Two Thumbs Grip
The two-thumbs grip involves placing both thumbs straight down the centre of the grip, with the palms facing each other evenly. This symmetrical position aligns the hands and arms and promotes a natural pendulum motion.
With the fingers sit neatly around the back of the grip, this method helps take hands out of the stroke and emphasizes shoulder rotation. It’s easy to learn and repeat, making it an excellent option for those struggling with inconsistency or overactive wrists.
Finding the Right Grip Style for Your Putter
No single putting grip works for everyone, and that’s okay. The key is matching the grip to your style of stroke, the type of putter you’re using, and what feels best in your hands and arms. Some grips work better with a flat stick, others with more of a loft or different shaft lengths.
Testing is essential. Try different styles—conventional grip, claw, arm-lock, pencil grip, or reverse overlap—on the practice green. Use a simple drill to assess how square your face is at impact and which grip gives you the best results.
Don’t forget to check your golf grip basics too. Sometimes a simple tweak to the thumb position or index finger pointing alignment can lead to major improvements.
Conclusion
Gripping the putter might seem like a small detail, but it’s one of the most fundamental parts of a solid putting game. From conventional to claw, reverse overlap or arm-lock, each grip offers unique benefits—what matters most is finding the one that fits your natural motion and helps you deliver a consistent stroke. With more grip styles and gear options than ever in 2025—like jumbo grips, super stroke models, different shaft lengths, and putter-like head designs—the right fit is easier to find. A small change in your grip could lead to big gains in distance control and confidence.
Test different techniques, stay patient, and focus on what feels repeatable. That’s the real key to holing more putts—not luck, but the right grip and a steady routine.
