[Putting Variety③] All About Putting Grips: "Right Hand and Left Hand"... What About the Pinch Grip?

Outstanding Wood Distance Control 'Reverse Overlapping', Park In-bi's Wrist Protection 'Left Hand Low', Rose's 'Claw' and More Diverse Techniques

Tiger Woods uses the putting grip called 'reverse overlapping,' where the right hand is positioned lower.

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] Putting is the only escape in golf.

In fact, there are no restrictions on putter design or length, and grips vary from player to player. The third installment of is about grips. Usually, the 'reverse overlapping' grip, where the right hand is placed lower, is used, but female players prefer the 'left-hand-low' grip. There are also various types such as 'claw', 'paint-brush', and 'split'. Of course, any grip is fine. The best is the one that sinks the ball well.

▲ Woods' 'Reverse Overlapping' = Let both arms hang naturally, set up the putter toward the target with the right hand, then place the left hand on top. The 'Returned Golf Emperor' Tiger Woods (USA) is a representative user. For amateur golfers, it feels comfortable and similar to holding other clubs like irons, and it makes distance control easier on long putts. Above all, a smooth tempo is important. During impact, there is a slight pushing sensation.

Woods' putter is a blade-style with a loft of 3.75 degrees, length of 35.25 inches, and weight of 327g. Since his professional debut, he has consistently used the Titleist 'Scotty Cameron Newport 2 GSS' model. Last September, a replica of his putter sold for a whopping $155,000 (about 170 million KRW), making headlines. Out of his 82 PGA Tour wins since 1999, including 14 majors, he claimed 66 victories with this 'Emperor Putter'. It is predicted that an authentic one could be worth up to $5 million (about 5.43 billion KRW).

Park In-bee's 'Left Hand Low' putting grip has the effect of preventing the left wrist from bending during short putting.

▲ Park In-bi's 'Left-Hand-Low' = Opposite to 'reverse overlapping', the left hand goes lower, covering the right hand. This grip effectively prevents the bending of the left wrist, making it powerful for mid- and short-distance putts. Since the palms face almost each other, the shoulders naturally become horizontal during address, facilitating a pendulum motion and widening the field of vision. Another term for this is 'cross-handed'.

The 'Golf Empress' Park In-bi (32, KB Financial Group) added a gold medal at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics to her four different major championships, creating a new history called the 'career golden slam'. In tennis, since professionals joined the Olympics in 1988, several 'golden slammers' like Steffi Graf (Germany) have emerged, but Park is the first in golf. In February, she secured her 20th LPGA Tour win at the Australian Women's Open, and her winning streak is still ongoing.

Justin Rose uses a "claw" putting grip, holding his right hand upside down toward the target direction.

▲ Rose's 'Claw', Calcavecchia's 'Paint Brush', Galvis' 'Split' = The original 'claw' grip was by Chris DiMarco (USA). Nowadays, Justin Rose (England) frequently uses it. The left hand remains as is, while the right hand grips the putter shaft backward toward the target, with the shaft placed between the thumb and index finger. Mark Calcavecchia (USA) modified the right hand grip to resemble holding a paintbrush, which led to the 'paint brush' grip.

Phil Mickelson (USA) and Sergio Garcia (Spain) also use the 'paint brush' grip. Former 'sex icon' Natalie Gulbis (USA) attracted attention with the 'split' grip, where the right hand is placed much lower. While the right hand leads the stroke, the left hand acts as an anchor. Adam Scott (Australia) made headlines by winning the 2013 Masters with a long-shafted belly putter. Senior players like 'Black Pearl' Vijay Singh (Fiji) and Fred Couples (USA) favor it as well, as it reduces strain on the lower back.