That’s right, change the traditional putting grip, the reverse overlap, to the straight line grip. The traditional reverse overlap grip places the putter grip in the fingers, thus allowing for unnecessary angles to develop during the putting stroke. This grip makes it more difficult to return the putter face straight or square to the ball at contact. Or, technically, the face of the
putter returns back to the ball on a 90 degree angle to the target line, thus resulting in a straight or square putter face at impact. If your putter face contact at impact is not square,
your putting will remain inconsistent.
With the straight line grip, you place the putter grip along the life line of your palm, thus making a straight continuous line from your left arm to the putter face. This small change in the
placement of the putter grip will help return the putter face square to the ball. The reason is that the continuous straight line that is formed from the left arm to the putter face will help eliminate unnecessary angles during the putting stroke.
Look at the photos and compare the difference between the two grips. The small stick in the traditional grip shows the stick not pointing up the left arm. The straight line grip shows
the stick pointing straight up the left arm.
So make the change, and you will make short putts again. You will eliminate three putts and become a great putter. There is no better feeling in golf, than having confidence with
your putting. It’s time to use the straight line grip and enjoy the activity.
John Nelson is a South Florida PGA Hall of Fame Class A Teaching Professional and Director of Instruction at the Golf Academy located at The County Club of Coral Springs, Coral Springs, Fl. 954-752-4500 x 204, email: jnelson@ccofcs.com, Web page: www.ccofcs.com.
