How tight should you hold the putter? Getting grip pressure right
Grip pressure is one of the least talked about parts of putting and one of the easiest to fix. Hold the putter too tightly and the stroke becomes stiff and jerky. Hold it too loosely and the face can twist. The goal is a pressure you can repeat, and keep the same, from address to finish.
Use a scale of 1 to 10
Imagine 1 is barely holding the putter and 10 is squeezing as hard as you can. Many coaches suggest putting at around 3 to 5: firm enough to control the face, light enough that your forearms are not tense. The exact number matters less than using the same number every time.
Try this: hold the putter at 8 and make a few strokes, then at 2, then settle on what feels in between. Notice how much smoother the stroke is when your forearms are relaxed.
Keep it the same through the stroke
The most common fault is not the starting pressure but a change during the stroke. Golfers often tighten their grip just before impact, especially on short putts that matter. That squeeze usually moves the face. A good check: if your knuckles go white or your forearms tense at impact, the pressure changed.
Signs your grip is too tight
- The stroke feels quick or jabby.
- Short putts get pushed or pulled.
- Your forearms feel tense at address.
Signs your grip is too loose
- The putter twists on off-centre hits.
- The putter head moves independently of your hands, especially on longer putts.
- You lose feel for distance.
Two drills
The number check
Before every practice putt, say your number out loud. Then hit the putt and ask yourself: was it the same at the finish? It sounds simple but it builds a habit you can take to the course.
Hold the finish
Hold your finish for two seconds after every putt. If your grip tightened, you will feel it in your forearms. If it stayed relaxed, the putter will feel balanced in your hands.
Pressure and the one-piece stroke
A lighter grip is easier when the shoulders, not the hands, are moving the putter. Practising with your arms connected to the putter, for example with alignment sticks running up your arms using Pendulo, lets you relax your hands because they no longer have to steer.
Keep reading
The pendulum putting stroke, explained simply and how to stop decelerating on putts.
Practise the one-piece stroke with Pendulo
Clips to your putter below the grip and holds two alignment sticks up your arms, so you feel it the moment your wrists take over. 45 g, no tools.
Buy on Amazon UKQuestions golfers ask
Should both hands hold the putter with the same pressure?
Most golfers do best with even pressure in both hands. If one hand dominates, it is usually the trail hand, and that tends to lead to a flick through impact.
Does grip pressure change under pressure?
Yes, almost everyone grips tighter when nervous. That is why it helps to have a number you check before every putt.
Does grip style matter more than pressure?
Both matter, but a consistent pressure helps every grip style. Change pressure before you change your grip.
