Why Your Putter Grip Matters
Your putter grip is more than just a handle — it’s your only connection to the club. It influences how the putter feels, how steady your stroke is, and how confident you feel over every putt. The right grip can:
- Improve touch and distance control
- Reduce wrist movement
- Boost comfort and consistency
Whether you prefer a traditional feel or a modern oversized grip, finding the right fit can instantly elevate your putting game.
1. Find the Right Grip Size
Grip size is the most important factor to consider. It determines how much your wrists and hands influence your stroke.
Common putter grip sizes:
- Standard: Best for players who like more wrist action and feedback.
- Midsize: Offers balance between control and feel.
- Oversize or Jumbo: Minimizes wrist movement for a pendulum-style stroke.
- Slim/Tapered: Great for touch and feel on faster greens.
Quick Tip:
If you tend to “flip” your wrists or pull putts, try a thicker grip. If you want more feel on delicate putts, go slimmer.
2. Choose the Best Grip Shape
The shape of your grip affects hand position and how easily you can square the putter face.
Popular grip shapes:
- Pistol Grips: Thinner at the bottom for a traditional hand placement and natural release.
- Non-Tapered (Straight) Grips: Uniform thickness to help maintain a consistent stroke path.
- Flat-Front Grips: Offer a clear reference point for thumb alignment and squaring the face.
Testing a few shapes on the putting green is the best way to see what feels most natural.
3. Pick the Right Material and Texture
Putter grips come in a variety of materials — each providing different levels of comfort and traction.
- Rubber: Firm, classic feel with strong feedback.
- Polyurethane (PU): Softer and tackier, offering great comfort.
- Corded: High traction for humid or wet conditions.
- Foam/Lightweight Composites: Ideal for oversized grips that reduce overall club weight.
If you play in warm or sweaty conditions, choose a tacky or corded grip. For cool climates, a softer rubber or PU grip often feels best.
4. Match the Grip to Your Putting Stroke
Your stroke style can guide you toward the best grip type:
- Arc Stroke: Use a pistol or tapered grip to allow natural hand rotation.
- Straight-Back-Straight-Through Stroke: Use a larger, non-tapered grip to stabilize the hands and shoulders.
If you’re not sure what stroke you have, a quick putting lesson or video analysis can reveal your natural motion.
5. Test Before You Buy
Whenever possible, try different grips on a practice green or at a golf shop. Pay attention to:
- Comfort and feel
- Ability to square the face
- Consistency in distance control
The grip that gives you confidence — not just comfort — is usually the best choice.
6. Don’t Forget About Weight and Balance
Installing a new grip can subtly change your putter’s balance. Heavier grips make the head feel lighter, while lighter grips emphasize the head’s weight. If you’re serious about precision, ask a club fitter to adjust the swing weight after installing a new grip.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best putter grip is all about feel, fit, and confidence. Start with your stroke type, then refine your choice by experimenting with size, shape, and material. A properly fitted grip won’t just improve your mechanics — it’ll make every putt feel smoother and more natural.
So before you spend money on a new putter, make sure your grip gives you the control and confidence you need to sink more putts.