Ben Crenshaw was famous for his fantastic putting and his super light grip pressure. Here he is as an amazing amateur.
On a scale of 1-10 (firmest), touring players grip their putters around a 3-4 while amateurs are around a 7-9. Too much grip pressure inhibits you feeling the weight of the putter head and making a smooth accelerating stroke. Some studies suggest that the pros grip with between 12-25% of their maximum power. If most amateurs halved their grip pressure, it would still exceed the maximum the pros exert!
Undoubtedy amateurs feel more fear and that translates to firmer grip pressure. The forearms tense up and the stroke is not as smooth. Remember that all you are trying to do is make a good stroke so as to get the ball rolling quickly toward your target at the proper speed. It’s nothing more than that so why obsess about the results. Concern yourself more with the process and then detach from the results.
Should you change your grip pressure on different types of putts? No. You want to keep this light grip pressure constant not only on all putts, but throughout your stroke. And employing the lightest grip pressure possible, you encourage and facilitate good technique.
So as you practice your putting or face an important putt in competition, shake out your hands and arms and relax. Try holding the club as lightly as you can while still controlling the club. Sense the weight of the club as you rhythmically swing it. Practicing and imitating the pros in this manner will improve every aspect of your putting. Trust it.
P.S. And here are two tips that might also help you relax and exert a lessor grip pressure. Putt with mouth open with your tongue resting lightly between your teeth. Another suggestion is to putt with a tee peg held in your lips. (Just don’t swallow.)
