How & Why to Use the Claw Putting Grip & Cons to Consider

The claw putting grip is a technique in which a golfer holds the putter with a "claw-like" grip. As with other unconventional putting styles, such as lead hand low, the purpose of the claw grip is to take the trail hand "out of the stroke." 

The traditional putting grip style involves placing the lead hand on top with the trail hand on the bottom, similar to how the golfer grips other clubs in their bag. The hands are connected by either interlacing the index finger and pinky or by overlapping the pinky finger of the trail hand on top of the crease between the index and middle fingers of the lead hand. 

With the traditional grip style, some golfers find it challenging to control the movement of the trail hand, which can cause the face of the putter head to close too soon, resulting in pulled putts.

The claw grip aims to stabilize the hands and wrists during the putting stroke and eliminate the pull miss that comes with an overactive trail hand. This grip can also be helpful for golfers who struggle with putting issues such as the yips.

There is not one true universal method for the claw grip, but rather, more of a set of guidelines. What I am presenting here are the most basic points that define the claw-style grip.

To use the claw putting grip, follow these steps:

1. Begin by gripping the putter in the lifeline of your non-dominant hand (left hand for right-handed golfers) at the top of the grip, like a conventional putting grip. Your palm should face down, and you should wrap your fingers around the grip.
2. Next, form a “U” with your thumb and fingers on your dominant hand and grip the club inside that “U.” 
3. Place your fingers on the putter however they are most comfortable. Some players run their index fingers down the shaft, and some players run all four fingers along the front of the grip. You can do whatever feels best. Your grip should feel comfortable and natural in your hands. Adjust it as needed until it feels right.
4. During your putting stroke, it is key to focus on keeping your hands and wrists stable. The claw grip can help prevent unwanted movement and improve your accuracy.

Practice using the claw grip on the practice green until you feel comfortable enough to use it on the course. It’s important to practice putts of various distances to evaluate the effectiveness of a new technique. Make sure you’re comfortable holing a high percentage of short putts and can consistently lag long putts close to the hole.

Remember, there may be better options than the claw grip for some golfers. Experiment with different grips and techniques to find what works best for you.

As a golf instructor, I believe that putting is an essential part of the game, and it can be broken down into four main components: Sound Fundamentals, Speed Control, Green Reading Ability, and Confidence. These four areas are interdependent, and a golfer must excel in all of them to succeed on the green.

Again, the claw putting grip may not be for everyone, so let’s examine the advantages and disadvantages of the claw style putting grip. 

Advantages:

• The claw grip can steady the hands and wrists during the putting stroke, leading to better accuracy, consistency, and, most importantly, more confidence. 
• The claw can significantly help golfers who struggle with the yips or other putting issues. My dad can attest to that fact!
• The claw grip can help reduce tension in the hands, wrists, and up through the forearms. It promotes lighter grip pressure. This leads to a smoother putting stroke.

Disadvantages:

• For some golfers, the claw grip might feel uncomfortable or unnatural, and it can take time to get used to.
• Some golfers might find that the grip reduces their feel for the putter. It can also make it harder to judge distance and speed.
• The claw grip can limit wrist movement in the putting stroke. This might not be good for golfers who rely on wrist action for power or control.

While I have a blueprint of what I call my "four buckets for putting" as my model to help golfers with their putting, I know full well that this aspect of the game is very individualized. Confidence is one of the most important elements of my four buckets. If you can't feel confident in your ability to roll your ball straight down your target line, it doesn't matter how good your tempo or green reading ability is.

If you struggle with face control in putting and can not start the ball on the intended target line, a grip change could really help you make more putts. Try the claw the next time you are at the course and practicing on the putting green; it could be a game-changer.