The Importance of Putter Grip Size
As an avid golfer, I’ve learned that the putter is arguably the most critical club in your bag. While many players focus on perfecting their swing or investing in the latest putter head designs, the grip size of your putter can have a profound impact on your putting performance.
Using a putter grip that doesn’t suit your hands or putting style is like trying to write with a pen that’s too big or too small. It just doesn’t feel right, and your performance suffers as a result.
The size of your putter grip affects your hand placement, wrist action, and overall feel of the club.
A properly sized grip promotes a more stable and consistent stroke, leading to improved accuracy and distance control on the greens.
Understanding Putter Grip Sizes
Putter grips come in various sizes, typically categorized as follows:
- Undersized (or Junior)
- Standard
- Midsize
- Oversized (or Jumbo)
Each size category offers different benefits and can suit different types of golfers. Let’s break down each size and explore their characteristics:
Undersized Grips
Undersized grips are the smallest option available and are primarily designed for junior golfers or adults with very small hands. These grips allow for more wrist action during the stroke, which can be useful for some putting styles but may lead to inconsistency for others.
The smaller diameter of undersized grips can provide enhanced feel and feedback, which some golfers find useful for precise distance control. However, they may also lead to excessive hand action, potentially causing pulled or pushed putts for some players.
Standard Grips
Standard grips are the most common size found on off-the-shelf putters. They’re designed to fit the average golfer’s hands and provide a good balance between feel and stability.
If you’re unsure about which size to choose, a standard grip is often a safe starting point.
Standard grips offer a versatile option that suits a wide range of hand sizes and putting styles. They allow for a natural hand position and moderate wrist action, which can benefit golfers who prefer a blend of feel and stability in their stroke.
Midsize Grips
Midsize grips offer a slightly larger diameter than standard grips. They can be an excellent option for golfers with larger hands or those who prefer a bit more stability in their stroke.
Midsize grips can help reduce wrist action and promote a more pendulum-like motion, which many golfers find useful.
The increased diameter of midsize grips can help golfers who struggle with overactive hands during their putting stroke. By filling the hands more, these grips can promote a smoother, more controlled motion.
They’re also a popular choice for players transitioning from standard to oversized grips.
Oversized Grips
Oversized or jumbo grips have gained popularity in recent years, thanks in part to their use by professional golfers like Phil Mickelson. These grips are significantly larger than standard grips and can offer several advantages:
- Reduced wrist action: The larger diameter helps minimize unwanted wrist movement during the stroke, promoting a more stable and consistent motion.
- Increased stability: A bigger grip can promote a more stable and consistent stroke by reducing the influence of small hand movements.
- Improved pressure distribution: Oversized grips allow for a lighter grip pressure, which can lead to a smoother stroke and better feel.
- Enhanced alignment: Some oversized grips feature alignment aids that can help golfers square the putter face more consistently at impact.
Oversized grips can be particularly useful for golfers with larger hands, those who struggle with the yips, or players looking to minimize hand action in their putting stroke. However, they may take some getting used to, especially for golfers accustomed to smaller grip sizes.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Putter Grip Size
Selecting the right putter grip size isn’t a one-size-fits-all proposition. Several factors come into play when determining the ideal grip size for your game:
Hand Size
Your hand size is perhaps the most obvious factor to consider. Generally, golfers with larger hands tend to benefit from larger grips, while those with smaller hands may prefer standard or undersized options.
However, this isn’t a hard and fast rule, as personal preference and putting style also play significant roles.
To get a rough idea of your ideal grip size based on hand size, try this simple test:
- Grip the putter as you normally would.
- Look at where your fingers rest on your palms.
- If your fingertips barely touch or don’t touch your palms, the grip might be too large.
- If your fingers dig deeply into your palms, the grip might be too small.
- Ideally, your fingers should just touch your palms without excessive pressure.
Remember, this is just a starting point. Your personal comfort and performance should ultimately guide your decision.
Putting Style
Your putting stroke type can influence the ideal grip size for you. Here’s how different putting styles might align with grip sizes:
Straight-back-straight-through stroke: Golfers using this technique may benefit from larger grips that minimize wrist action. The added stability of a midsize or oversized grip can help maintain a consistent path throughout the stroke.
Arc stroke: Players with a more pronounced arc in their stroke might prefer a standard or midsize grip that allows for some wrist movement. The slight rotation in this stroke type can be facilitated by a grip that doesn’t completely restrict wrist action.
Wrist-dominated stroke: Some golfers, particularly those with a lot of feel in their putting, might prefer a standard or even undersized grip. These smaller grips allow for more hand action and manipulation of the putter face.
Arm-and-shoulder dominated stroke: For players who prefer to keep their wrists quiet and putt with their arms and shoulders, a larger grip can be useful. Midsize or oversized grips can help minimize unwanted wrist movement in this type of stroke.
Feel and Comfort
Ultimately, the grip size you choose should feel comfortable and natural in your hands. Some golfers prefer the feel of a thicker grip, while others like the responsiveness of a thinner one.
It’s essential to experiment with different sizes to find what works best for you.
When testing different grip sizes, pay attention to:
- How the grip feels in your hands at address
- Your ability to maintain a consistent grip pressure throughout the stroke
- Your overall comfort level, especially on longer practice sessions
- How the grip affects your perception of the putter’s weight and balance
Remember, comfort doesn’t always equate to performance. Sometimes, a grip that feels slightly unfamiliar at first might lead to better results once you’ve adjusted to it.
Consistency and Performance
Pay attention to how different grip sizes affect your putting performance. Do you notice improved consistency with a particular size?
Are you able to control distance better with one grip over another?
These factors should heavily influence your decision.
When testing different grip sizes, consider tracking the following metrics:
- Accuracy on short putts (inside 6 feet)
- Distance control on longer putts
- Consistency of your start line (the initial direction of your putt)
- Your ability to repeat your stroke mechanics
It can be helpful to use a putting training aid or alignment tool to objectively measure these factors across different grip sizes.
How to Determine Your Ideal Putter Grip Size
Finding the perfect putter grip size involves some trial and error. Here are some steps you can take to narrow down your options:
- Start with a fitting: Many golf shops offer putter fittings where you can try different grip sizes and get professional advice.
A trained fitter can analyze your stroke and recommend grip sizes that might work well for you.
- Use the “finger test”: Grip the putter as you normally would.
If your fingers barely touch or don’t touch your palms, the grip might be too large.
If your fingers dig into your palms, it might be too small. Ideally, your fingers should just touch your palms without excessive pressure.
- Experiment on the practice green: Try putters with different grip sizes and pay attention to your consistency, feel, and overall comfort.
Spend time hitting putts of various lengths and breaking in different directions to get a comprehensive feel for each grip size.
- Consider your miss tendencies: If you tend to pull putts, a larger grip might help by reducing wrist action.
If you push putts, a smaller grip could be useful by allowing for more hand action to square the face.
- Be open to change: Don’t be afraid to try something new, even if it feels unique at first.
Give yourself time to adjust to a new grip size before making a final decision.
It’s not uncommon for a grip to feel awkward initially but lead to improved performance once you’ve adapted to it.
- Test in various conditions: Try different grip sizes in various weather conditions and at different green speeds. Some grips might perform better in wet conditions or on faster greens.
- Seek feedback: Ask a golf pro or experienced playing partner to observe your stroke with different grip sizes.
They might notice subtle changes in your mechanics that you can’t feel.
- Use technology: If available, use a putting analysis system to gather data on your stroke with different grip sizes.
These systems can provide insights into factors like face angle at impact, stroke path, and impact spot consistency.
The Impact of Grip Size on Your Putting Stroke
Understanding how grip size affects your putting stroke can help you make a more informed decision. Here are some key points to consider:
Stroke Path and Face Angle
Larger grips tend to slow down the hands and minimize wrist action, promoting a more pendulum-like stroke. This can lead to a more consistent stroke path and help maintain a square face angle through impact.
For golfers who struggle with inconsistent face angles at impact, a larger grip might provide more stability and consistency.
Smaller grips allow for more hand action, which can be useful for golfers who rely on feel and manipulation of the putter face. This can be useful for players who have a natural ability to control the putter face and prefer a more artful approach to putting.
However, it may also lead to inconsistency for some golfers.
Grip Pressure
The right grip size can help you maintain a consistent grip pressure throughout your stroke, leading to improved distance control. Oversized grips often allow for a lighter grip pressure, which can promote a smoother stroke and better feel.
Conversely, grips that are too small might cause you to grip the putter too tightly, leading to tension in your hands and arms.
Alignment and Aim
A properly sized grip can enhance your ability to square the putter face at impact, improving your accuracy on short and long putts alike. Some oversized grips come with built-in alignment aids, which can help you consistently set up with the putter face square to your target line.
Feel and Feedback
Grip size can significantly affect the amount of feedback you receive from the putter during the stroke. Smaller grips often provide more direct feedback, allowing you to feel subtle differences in the quality of the strike.
Larger grips may dampen some of this feedback but can provide a more stable overall feel.
Tempo and Rhythm
The weight and size of your grip can influence the tempo and rhythm of your putting stroke. Larger, heavier grips might naturally slow down your stroke, which can be useful for golfers who tend to get quick or jerky with their motion.
Lighter, smaller grips might allow for a quicker tempo, which some golfers prefer.
Customization Options
Beyond standard grip sizes, there are various customization options available to fine-tune your putter grip:
Tapered vs. Non-Tapered
Tapered grips narrow towards the bottom, while non-tapered grips maintain a consistent diameter. Some golfers find that tapered grips help with hand positioning and feel, while others prefer the uniformity of non-tapered options.
Tapered grips can provide a more traditional feel and may help golfers naturally position their hands in a consistent manner. Non-tapered grips offer a uniform feel throughout the grip and may be preferred by golfers who like to vary their hand position or use unconventional gripping techniques.
Pistol Grips
These feature a contoured shape that can help with hand placement and alignment. Pistol grips are particularly popular among golfers who prefer a more pronounced grip shape and those looking for extra wrist support.
The flattened top section of a pistol grip can serve as a useful alignment aid, helping golfers consistently place their hands in the same position. The contoured back can provide extra support for the upper hand, potentially reducing wrist breakdown during the stroke.
Counterbalanced Grips
Heavier grips can alter the balance point of the putter, potentially improving stability and consistency. These grips are often used in conjunction with heavier putter heads to create a more balanced feel throughout the stroke.
Counterbalanced grips can be particularly useful for golfers who struggle with consistency or those looking to smooth out their stroke tempo. By adding weight to the grip end of the putter, these grips can help create a more pendulum-like motion and reduce the impact of small hand movements.
Texture and Materials
Different materials and textures can affect grip tackiness and feel, allowing you to customize based on personal preference and playing conditions. From soft rubber to firm cord materials, there’s a wide range of options to suit every golfer’s needs.
Some popular grip materials include:
- Rubber: Offers a soft feel and good tackiness in various weather conditions.
- Cord: Provides excellent traction, especially in wet conditions, but may feel firmer.
- Leather: Offers a premium feel and can develop a personalized wear pattern over time.
- Synthetic materials: Can offer a blend of tackiness, durability, and weather resistance.
Consider how different textures and materials feel in your hands and how they perform in the conditions you typically play in.
Maintaining Your Putter Grip
Once you’ve found the perfect grip size, it’s essential to maintain it properly to confirm consistent performance:
- Clean your grip regularly: Use mild soap and water to remove dirt and oils.
Avoid harsh chemicals that could break down the grip material.
- Replace your grip when it shows signs of wear: Look for smoothing of texture, loss of tackiness, or visible wear spots.
A worn grip can affect your ability to maintain consistent pressure and control.
- Consider using a grip enhancer in wet conditions: Products like grip powders or sprays can help maintain a secure hold in damp or humid weather.
- Be mindful of grip wear: Over time, the effective size of your grip may change because of wear.
Pay attention to how your grip feels and performs as it ages.
- Store your putter properly: Avoid leaving your putter in extreme temperatures or direct sunlight, which can degrade the grip material over time.
- Rotate your grip: If you tend to hold your putter in the same spot consistently, consider rotating the grip periodically to distribute wear more evenly.
- Use a grip cover: When your putter is not in use, a grip cover can protect it from dirt, UV rays, and other potential sources of damage.
Adapting to a New Grip Size
If you decide to change your putter grip size, be patient with the adjustment process. It may take some time for your hands and stroke to adapt to the new feel.
Spend extra time on the practice green to build confidence with your new grip before taking it to the course.
When I first switched to an oversized grip, it felt like I was holding a baseball bat! But after a few practice sessions, I started to notice a significant improvement in my stroke stability and consistency.
The key is to give yourself time to adjust and trust the process.
Here are some tips for adapting to a new grip size:
- Start with short putts: Focus on short, straight putts to get a feel for the new grip size before moving on to longer or breaking putts.
- Use alignment aids: Alignment sticks or putting mats can help you confirm your stroke path hasn’t changed with the new grip.
- Practice with eyes closed: This can help you focus on the feel of the new grip without visual distractions.
- Video your stroke: Compare your stroke with the new grip to your old one.
Look for improvements in consistency and stability.
- Be patient: Give yourself at least a few weeks of regular practice before deciding if the new grip size is right for you.
The Future of Putter Grips
As golf technology continues to advance, we’re seeing exciting innovations in putter grip design. From adjustable weights to advanced materials that provide enhanced feel and feedback, the future of putter grips looks promising for golfers seeking to improve their putting performance.
Some emerging trends in putter grip technology include:
- Smart grips with built-in sensors: These grips can analyze your stroke metrics, providing data on tempo, face angle, and stroke path.
- Customizable weight distribution systems: Grips with adjustable weights allow golfers to fine-tune the balance of their putter.
- Eco-friendly materials: Sustainable and biodegradable grip materials are becoming more prevalent, appealing to environmentally conscious golfers.
- Grips with interchangeable inserts: These allow golfers to adjust the feel and performance characteristics of their grip without changing the entire grip.
- Temperature-regulating materials: Grips that maintain a consistent feel in various weather conditions are being developed.
- Hybrid materials: Combining different materials in a single grip to improve feel, durability, and performance.
- Ergonomic designs: Grips shaped to fit the contours of the hands more naturally, potentially reducing fatigue and improving consistency.
As these technologies develop, we can expect even more options for golfers to fine-tune their putting experience. The key will be finding the right balance between innovation and the basic principles of a good putting stroke.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best putter grip size for beginners?
For beginners, a standard or slightly oversized grip often works well. These sizes provide a good balance of feel and stability, allowing new golfers to develop their stroke without excessive hand action.
Can changing my putter grip size cure the yips?
While not a guaranteed cure, many golfers find that switching to a larger grip size can help reduce the yips by reducing wrist action and promoting a more stable stroke.
How often should I replace my putter grip?
The frequency of replacement depends on how often you play and practice. Generally, replacing your putter grip every 12-18 months or when you notice signs of wear is a good rule of thumb.
Are oversized putter grips legal in tournament play?
Yes, oversized putter grips are legal for tournament play, as long as they conform to the USGA’s rules regarding grip size and shape.
Can I use a regular golf club grip on my putter?
While it’s possible to use a regular golf club grip on a putter, putter-specific grips are designed to enhance feel and performance for the unique motion of the putting stroke.
Do professional golfers use oversized putter grips?
Many professional golfers use oversized putter grips. The trend has grown in recent years, with players like Phil Mickelson popularizing their use on tour.
How does humidity affect putter grip performance?
High humidity can make grips feel slicker, potentially affecting your ability to maintain a consistent grip pressure. Some materials and textures perform better than others in humid conditions.
Can I regrip my putter myself?
Yes, regripping a putter can be done at home with the right tools and materials. However, for best results, having it done by a professional club fitter is recommended.
Does putter grip size affect the swing weight of the club?
Yes, changing grip size can affect the swing weight of your putter. Larger, heavier grips will make the putter feel more head-light, while smaller, lighter grips will make it feel more head-heavy.
Are there putter grips designed for arthritis sufferers?
Yes, there are putter grips designed specifically for golfers with arthritis. These often feature softer materials, larger diameters, and ergonomic shapes to reduce hand strain.
Key Takeaways
- Putter grip size can significantly impact your putting stroke and overall performance on the greens.
- Consider factors such as hand size, putting style, and personal preference when choosing a grip size.
- Experiment with different sizes and be open to change to find the optimal grip for your game.
- The right grip size can promote consistency, improve accuracy, and enhance your overall putting experience.
- Regular maintenance and timely replacement of your putter grip are crucial for consistent performance.