How To Master the Claw Grip Putting Technique [Increase Control]

Struggling with putting accuracy and control? You’re not alone—I’ve been there, too. In fact, golfers at all skill levels often wrestle with this aspect of the game. To tackle this issue head-on, I dove deep into research and practice to find a technique that offers dramatic improvements: The Claw Grip.

This guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to master this grip, avoid common mistakes, and give tips for practicing effectively. Ready to transform your putting game?

First, here’s what it looks like:

Key Takeaways

• The Claw Grip is a special way to hold your golf putter that can improve control and accuracy.
• It minimizes the influence of the hands and emphasizes the role of the arms and shoulders in controlling the stroke.
• The Claw Grip offers benefits such as improved stability, reduced tension, and increased comfort while putting.
• However, it may feel unfamiliar at first and can make long putts more challenging.

Understanding the Claw Grip

The Claw Grip is an unconventional way of gripping the putter that aims to minimize the influence of the hands and emphasize the role of the arms and shoulders in controlling the stroke.

What is the Claw Grip?

The Claw Grip is a special way to hold your golf putter. You use this grip when you want to putt the ball in golf. It helps you control how hard you hit the ball. Many top-notch players like it because it gives them better control and accuracy.

The main goal of this grip style is to chill out your hands during the stroke, letting your shoulders do the work instead. This makes for a smooth stroke that can help boost your play on the greens!

Origins and Evolution of the Claw Grip

The claw grip is a putting technique that has evolved over time to improve accuracy and control in golf. Golfers have been experimenting with different grips for years, trying to find the most effective way to hole putts consistently.

The claw grip, with its unconventional hand placement and emphasis on minimizing the influence of the hands, has gained popularity among professionals and amateurs alike. It allows golfers to rely more on their shoulders and arms, creating a smoother stroke and reducing wrist action.

The origins of the claw grip can be traced back to the reverse overlap grip used by some players in the past. Over time, golf instructors and players have refined this technique to create what we now know as the claw grip.

How the Claw Grip Differs from Traditional Grips

The claw grip is a putting technique that differs from traditional grips in several ways. Unlike traditional grips, where the dominant hand plays a more significant role in controlling the putter, the claw grip minimizes the influence of the hands on the stroke.

Instead, it emphasizes the use of shoulders and arms to create a smooth and controlled motion. This unconventional way of gripping allows golfers to have greater stability and control over their putting stroke by reducing wrist action.

By taking out excessive hand movement, golfers can achieve a more consistent and accurate putt.

Benefits and Drawbacks of the Claw Grip

The claw grip offers improved stability and control, reducing tension and increasing comfort during putting. However, it may feel unfamiliar at first and limit wrist action, making long putts more challenging.

Improved Stability and Control

The claw grip is a putting technique that can greatly improve the stability and control of your putts. By using this unconventional grip, you rely more on your shoulders and minimize the influence of your hands.

This leads to a smoother and more consistent stroke, allowing you to putt with greater accuracy and control. Professional golfers often use the claw grip because it helps them maintain stability throughout their putting motion.

So if you want to improve your putting game, give the claw grip a try!

Reduced Tension and Increased Comfort

The claw grip is known for its ability to reduce tension and increase comfort while putting. By adopting this unconventional grip, golfers can minimize the influence of their hands and wrists in the stroke, leading to a more relaxed and fluid motion.

This can help alleviate any unnecessary tension or tightness in the hands, allowing for better control and consistency on the greens. With reduced tension comes increased comfort, making it easier for golfers to maintain a steady and relaxed putting stroke throughout their round.

So if you’re looking for a way to putt with less stress and strain, give the claw grip a try!

Unfamiliar Feel and Limited Wrist Action

Using the claw grip may feel strange at first, as it is an unconventional way of gripping the putter. The grip limits wrist action, which can take some getting used to. However, this limitation actually helps improve putting control by minimizing the hands’ influence in the stroke.

Instead, the emphasis is on using your arms and shoulders to swing the putter. This allows for a smoother and more consistent stroke, ultimately leading to improved accuracy and control on the greens.

So don’t be discouraged by the unfamiliar feel and limited wrist action initially – with practice, you’ll soon see the benefits of using the claw grip in your putting technique.

Difficulty in Long Putts

Long putts can be quite challenging when using the claw grip. Due to the limited wrist action in this technique, it can be harder to generate enough power and distance on longer putts.

The unconventional grip may also make it more difficult to maintain control and accuracy over longer distances. However, with practice and proper adjustments, golfers can overcome these challenges and still achieve success with the claw grip on long putts.

By focusing on maintaining a smooth stroke and relying more on the shoulders for power, golfers can improve their distance control and increase their chances of sinking those challenging long putts.

Steps to Get Started with the Claw Grip

To successfully get started with the Claw Grip, it is important to choose the right putter that feels comfortable in your hands.

Choosing the Right Putter

When choosing the right putter, it’s important to consider your personal preferences and playing style. Look for a putter that feels comfortable in your hands and gives you confidence on the greens.

Consider the length of the putter shaft, as well as the head design and weight. Some golfers prefer a heavier putter for added stability, while others prefer a lighter one for more feel.

Experiment with different putters to find the one that works best for you and helps improve your accuracy and control on the putting green. Don’t be afraid to seek advice from golf professionals or try out different models before making your final decision.

Proper Hand Placement and Alignment

To achieve proper hand placement and alignment for the claw grip, start by positioning your dominant hand on the putter. Place your fingers in a relaxed and natural position around the grip, with your palm facing slightly upward.

Your thumb should be placed along the front of the grip for stability.

Next, position your non-dominant hand on top of your dominant hand. The fingers of your non-dominant hand should lightly touch or overlap with the fingers of your dominant hand. This creates a “claw-like” shape that gives the technique its name.

Make sure both hands are working together as a unit, with no independent movement from either hand during the stroke. Keep them connected throughout to maintain control and consistency.

Establishing a Consistent Putting Routine

To improve your putting accuracy and control with the claw grip, it’s crucial to establish a consistent putting routine. This helps you develop muscle memory and confidence in your stroke.

Start by choosing the right putter that feels comfortable in your hands and suits your putting style. Then, focus on proper hand placement and alignment using the claw grip technique.

Make sure to keep your dominant hand relaxed and fingers extended for better stability. Finally, practice regularly with the claw grip to reinforce muscle memory and refine your stroke.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with the Claw Grip

One common mistake to avoid with the Claw Grip is gripping too tightly, which can restrict movement and lead to a less fluid stroke.

Gripping Too Tightly

Sometimes, when using the claw grip, golfers make the mistake of gripping too tightly. This can happen because they feel unsure or anxious about their putting stroke. However, gripping too tightly can actually hinder your performance and affect your accuracy and control.

When you grip the putter too tightly, it creates tension in your hands and arms, which can lead to a jerky or inconsistent stroke. It’s important to find a balance between holding the putter firmly enough for control but not so tight that it restricts your natural flow and smoothness.

By finding the right grip pressure with the claw grip, you’ll be able to achieve a more relaxed and fluid putting motion that improves your accuracy on the green.

Inconsistent Hand Placement

When using the claw grip, it is important to have consistent hand placement on the putter. Inconsistent hand placement can lead to inconsistencies in your putting stroke and affect your accuracy and control.

To ensure proper hand placement, start by placing the grip of the putter against the lifeline of your non-dominant hand. Let your dominant hand rest comfortably on top, forming a claw-like shape with your fingers.

This grip allows for a more stable and controlled stroke. Remember to maintain this hand position throughout your entire putting routine to establish consistency in your strokes. With consistent hand placement, you’ll be able to improve your accuracy and control when using the claw grip technique.

Neglecting Proper Wrist Alignment

Proper wrist alignment is crucial when using the claw grip putting technique. Neglecting to align your wrists correctly can result in inconsistency and a loss of control in your putting stroke.

By ensuring that your lead wrist (left wrist for right-handed golfers) is flat and in line with your forearm, you create a stable foundation for the stroke. This alignment allows for better control of the putter face and promotes a smoother, more accurate roll of the ball towards the target.

So, remember to pay attention to your wrist alignment when using the claw grip to maximize its benefits.

Overthinking the Technique

Sometimes, we tend to overthink things, and the same goes for the claw grip putting technique. While it’s important to understand and practice the proper hand placement and alignment, constantly overthinking the technique can hinder your progress.

Remember that the claw grip is meant to be a more natural and fluid way of gripping the putter, relying on your shoulders for control instead of your hands. Trust in your ability, focus on maintaining a relaxed grip while emphasizing arms and shoulder movement in your stroke.

Don’t get too caught up in perfecting every little detail – sometimes simplicity is key when it comes to mastering this unconventional grip.

Practicing and Drills for Improving the Claw Grip

To improve your claw grip, practice the Claw Grip Putting Distance Control Drill, Gate Drill for Alignment and Accuracy, Smooth Stroke Drill, and simulate putting under pressure situations.

Claw Grip Putting Distance Control Drill

To improve your distance control with the claw grip putting technique, try this simple drill. Find a flat surface on the practice green and set up three different targets at varying distances from the hole.

Start with short putts and gradually work your way to longer ones. Focus on maintaining a smooth and steady stroke, using primarily your shoulders for power instead of relying on your hands.

This will help you develop a consistent feel for distance and improve your accuracy when using the claw grip. Keep practicing this drill regularly to strengthen your distance control skills on the greens.

Gate Drill for Alignment and Accuracy

To improve alignment and accuracy with the claw grip, I recommend practicing the gate drill. This drill involves setting up two alignment sticks or clubs on the putting green to create a “gate” that your putter must pass through.

Start by placing the sticks parallel to each other and about a putter’s width apart, just slightly wider than the width of your putter head. Position them a few inches in front of where you’ll be making your putts.

When you practice, focus on rolling your ball through this narrow gate without touching the sticks. This will help train your eye for proper alignment and ensure that you’re consistently hitting your intended target line without any deviation.

By regularly practicing this drill, you’ll develop better consistency in both alignment and accuracy with your claw grip technique. Remember to use slow and deliberate strokes while maintaining a relaxed grip pressure to achieve optimal results.

Smooth Stroke Drill

To improve my claw grip putting technique, I practice the smooth stroke drill. This drill helps me develop a silky smooth stroke by focusing on my shoulder movement and minimizing hand action.

I start by gripping the putter with the claw grip, placing my dominant hand in control. Then, I stand over the ball and make sure my shoulders are aligned properly. Next, I take a few practice swings, allowing my arms and shoulders to work together smoothly without any jerky or abrupt movements.

The key is to keep the handsfree and let the clubhead swing naturally through impact. By practicing this drill regularly, I can develop better control and consistency in my putting stroke.

Practicing Under Pressure Situations

Practicing under pressure situations is crucial for improving your golf game with the claw grip. It helps you develop confidence and composure to handle high-stress moments on the green.

One effective drill is simulating tournament scenarios during practice rounds. This allows you to experience the pressure of making critical putts, helping you build mental resilience.

Another helpful exercise is challenging yourself with putting games against friends or teammates, creating a competitive environment that mirrors real-life situations. Remember that practicing under pressure will help you transfer your skills from the practice green to the actual course, leading to improved performance when it matters most.

Tips for Successful Transition to the Claw Grip

To successfully transition to the claw grip, there are a few helpful tips to consider. First, make sure you choose the right putter that feels comfortable in your hands. Next, practice proper hand placement and alignment by placing your dominant hand in the claw position and aligning it with your forearm for stability.

Establishing a consistent putting routine can also aid in adapting to this new grip technique. Lastly, focus on minimizing wrist action and utilizing your arms and shoulders to control the stroke, allowing for a smoother and more controlled putting motion.

With practice and patience, you’ll be able to master the claw grip and improve your putting accuracy and control.

Conclusion

Mastering the claw grip putting technique can greatly improve your accuracy and control on the green. By reducing wrist action and emphasizing the role of your shoulders, you can develop a smooth and consistent stroke.

While it may feel unconventional at first, practicing this grip will lead to better results in your golf game. So give it a try and watch as your putting skills improve!

FAQs

1. What is the claw grip putting technique?

The claw grip putting technique is a way of holding the putter where the palm faces up towards the sky and the fingers are curled around like a claw, providing stability and control.

2. How does the claw grip improve putting accuracy?

The claw grip can improve putting accuracy by reducing wrist movement, promoting a more stable and consistent stroke, and enhancing your ability to keep the putter face square to your target line.

3. Can I use the claw grip for all types of putts?

Yes, you can use the claw grip for all types of putts, including short putts, long putts, and even when facing tricky breaks on greens.

4. Do I need to change my equipment to use the claw grip?

No, you don’t need to change your equipment to use the claw grip. It can be used with any standard putter that fits your preferences in terms of weight and length.