Putting Tips for a Soft Putter Grip

Call it soft, relaxed, light or easy, but to putt really well this is how your putter grip needs to be described. Have you wondered why your putting seems different from round to round? It could very well be your grip pressure.

Tension in your hands moves to your arms, then your shoulders, then your back. It’s impossible to putt your best with tension in your body because the tension in the body will transfer to your putting stroke and the ball will go off-path.

Here’s a quick example to illustrate the point. Find a ball around your home. A tennis ball is really good for this purpose. Now, find somewhere where you can throw the ball. Throwing into a fence is great. Now, throw the ball at the fence with your regular motion. Then, grip the ball as hard as you can and throw it again. You’ll see the difference squeezing the ball too tight will make. It’s almost impossible to release the ball freely when you grip it too tight.

The putting grip and its affect on the putting stroke are no different. It is almost impossible to freely release the putter head through the ball when you are gripping it too hard.

The Toothpaste Tube Drill

Grab a large tube of toothpaste. Take the tube gently in your hands using your putter grip. Now, squeeze the tube until it starts to compress, then back off. Right around here is where your grip pressure should be on the putter. Grab your putter and try it.

This Changes Everything

I talked about squaring the putter head last week. I also talked about creating a relaxed smooth putting stroke. However, getting tension out of your hands and creating a relaxed grip is necessary for a square putter head and a smooth stroke.

You may see a few problems with your stroke after relaxing your grip. You may discount what I’m saying when you can’t hit a putt straight. What’s happening is that you’ve created compensation in your stroke for the excess tension. You need to practice and work and play through until you are smooth and relaxed and releasing the putter head freely.

Sorry, But You Must

I’m sorry, if you are going to improve, you must practice. No putting tips will help without it. Go to the practice green and relax your grip. Take along the tube of toothpaste if you must, but get that nice easy, relaxed and light grip.

Stay with the relaxed grip and give it time to make a big difference in your putting. It’s the single biggest factor that’s helped me and will help you too.

How to Putt