If you've noticed more players on Tour holding the putter in a strange, almost disconnected way, you're not seeing things - you're seeing the claw grip. This unconventional putting style isn't just a trend, it's a game-changing technique that has helped golfers of all levels, from weekend warriors to major champions, find more consistency on the greens. This article will break down exactly what the claw grip is, why it works, and provide a step-by-step guide to help you build the grip and see if it's the right fit for your game.
The claw grip, sometimes called the "saw grip" or "pencil grip," is a method of holding the putter that separates the trail hand (the right hand for a right-handed golfer) from its traditional placement below the lead hand. Instead of linking with the left hand, the right hand is positioned to the side of the handle, with the palm facing the target and the fingers gently resting on top of the grip, much like you'd hold a large pencil.
The entire purpose is simple: to minimize the influence of the hands and wrists during the putting stroke. For many golfers, especially under pressure, the small, twitchy muscles in the hands and wrists can activate involuntarily, leading to pushed or pulled putts and poor distance control. By adopting the claw, the right hand becomes a passive guide rather than an active force, allowing the larger, more stable muscles of the shoulders and torso to control the stroke. This promotes a true pendulum motion, which is the foundation of a reliable and repeatable putting game.
Pros like Justin Rose, Phil Mickelson, Tommy Fleetwood, and Webb Simpson have all used variations of the claw to rack up wins. Its popularity shows that it’s not a gimmick, but a legitimate way to improve your performance on the greens.
Switching your putting grip can feel like learning to write with your opposite hand at first, so why bother? If you struggle with any of the following, the claw grip might be an excellent solution for you.
While the underlying principle is the same, "the claw" isn't a single, rigid grip. Golfers have developed several popular variations over the years. Experimenting with these is a good idea, as one might feel more natural to you than another.
This is the most common version. Your lead hand (left hand for righties) takes its normal position. The trail hand (right hand) grips the club from the side, with the lifeline of your palm facing the hole. The fingers drape over the top, and the thumb rests underneath for support. Your right index finger can either rest with the others or point down the shaft for extra stability.
Favored by some players like Webb Simpson, this variation is very similar to the standard claw. The main difference is that the right index finger is pressed firmly down the side of the putter shaft. Many players feel this gives them a better sense of control over the putter face and a stronger connection throughout the stroke.
In this style, the fingers are more spread out instead of being bunched together. Think of it less like holding a pencil and more like gently resting your hand on a countertop. Some find this spread-out pressure distribution even more effective at quieting the hands.
There is no "right" or "wrong" here. The ultimate goal is to find the variation that feels the most stable and comfortable and allows you to make your most repeatable stroke.
Ready to give it a try? We’ll start by building the most common "Pencil" style claw grip. Grab your putter and let's head to the practice green (or your living room carpet).
Start by setting up as you normally would. Place the putter head behind the ball, aimed directly at your target. Your feet, hips, and shoulders should be parallel to your target line. It’s important to begin from a familiar, stable base.
Take your normal grip with your left hand at the top of the putter. The grip should run diagonally across your palm, primarily held in your fingers. Your left thumb should point straight down the flat part of the grip. Maintain a light grip pressure - on a scale of 1 to 10, aim for a 3 or 4. This hand acts as the anchor point for the stroke. To learn more about proper putting form, refer to how to hold a golf putter.
This is the defining move. Remove your right hand from the putter completely. Now, turn it so your palm is facing away from your body and your lifeline is facing your target. Approach the grip from the side.
Let the putter grip rest in the lifeline of your right palm, right between the thumb pad and heel pad. Your palm should feel like it's "pushing" toward the target. Now, gently drape your four fingers over the top of the grip, with your right thumb hooked underneath for support. At this point, your hand will look like it's holding an oversized pencil or a saw handle.
To check your position, your right forearm should be roughly parallel to the ground or angled slightly downward. Your right elbow should be tucked in, resting lightly against your side or just in front of your right hip. This connection is what helps engage your torso and create that coveted shoulder-driven stroke.
With the grip now established, the feel will be different. Don’t try to hit the ball with your hands. Instead, focus on rocking your shoulders back and forth like a pendulum. The putter, your arms, and your shoulders should all move together as a single, connected unit. The length of your backstroke should control the distance the ball travels. A longer putt requires a longer rock of the shoulders, a short putt requires a shorter rock.
Your right hand is just along for the ride. It’s simply there to keep the putter on plane and stable. You shouldn’t feel any conscious hitting or releasing motion with it.
Making a significant grip change takes practice and patience. Here are a few tips to help smooth the transition:
The claw grip is an incredibly effective tool for any golfer who wants to quiet their hands, create a more stable pendulum stroke, and take the tension out of their game on the greens. By changing the function of the right hand from an active "hitter" to a passive "guide," you can neutralize bad habits and find a level of consistency you never thought possible.
Mastering a new putting technique takes practice, and part of that practice is learning to read greens confidently. If you ever find yourself struggling with a tricky read or unsure about club selection anywhere on the course, we can lend a hand. With Caddie AI, you get instant, personalized advice from your pocket. You can even take a photo of your ball's lie, and we’ll analyze the situation to help you make the smartest play, whether it’s a difficult putt or a challenging recovery shot.
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