Putting Grips vary. Some golfers prefer a reverse-overlap grip while others a left-hand low grip. Each has merit. Why not use both during your round for different putts? It is not such a daft idea.
I was drawn to this idea by reading the Autobiography of Bernhard Langer published in 2002 as well as his earlier book Langer on Putting. Langer's putting problems occurred early in his career which resulted in him changing from a reverse-overlap grip to a cross-handed grip. Using this grip he won his first Masters in 1985.
In 1988 he modified this grip to what he called a split cross-handed forearm grip winning the Masters again in 1993. Finally in 1996 he changed to a long (broomstick) putter.
What I found interesting was the way Langer switched his grip during a round depending on how he saw the putt he faced. His reasoning was that all putts can be roughly divided into two - short putting (direction) and long putting (distance). For short putts he used a left-hand low, and for long putts he reverted to a conventional grip.
Short Putting
Here accuracy is at a premium. Your setup at address should see your feet, hips, and especially your shoulders being aligned parallel to your target. These are makeable putts and they will test your putting stroke.
You need a repetitive stroke and any breakdown of the left wrist as your putter approaches the ball will send it off line. By bolstering firmness in your left wrist through positioning your left hand below your right, you are guarding against any change in your wrist angles.
Long Putting
Here distance rather than direction is more of an issue. Two putts will often be what you are realistically hoping to achieve. Because the ball has to travel further some wrist break is necessary in your putting stroke.
There is also a suggestion that you should stand taller with a more open stance to give yourself a better perspective of the distance.
The question arises as to when you should make the change. Do I putt left-hand or right-hand low? This is a judgement call and as Langer explained the distance for him was somewhere between 15 and 25 feet. Each putt was judged on its merits with reference to getting the correct line or length.
You should be aware that any change from one method of gripping your putter to another requires some practice. However, after a time either way will feel comfortable and you should be able to accommodate both ways.
Nothing is more annoying that missing makeable putts or three-putting a green. You should therefore treat your short putting and long putting as separate shots just as you would differentiate between a chip and a pitch.
By being versatile with your putting grips you are maximising your chance of reducing the number of your putts. Switching Putting Grips during your round for short and long putting is not such a daft idea.
See illustrations of the various putting grips by visiting my web site.
Neville Walker has a passion for golf and is actively involved in researching information on all aspects of Putting and Putter Technology. His dedicated web site http://www.better-golf-by-putting-better.com is written specifically to help fellow golfers achieve greater success on the green with the flat stick.
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