| One of the first things you learn when you start | | | | that at this stage your index finger is held clear of |
| playing golf is how to grip a golf club and this | | | | the putter handle. |
| simple lesson probably leads to more problems for | | | | Stage 3. Now, take your right hand and once |
| students of golf than anything else when it comes | | | | again with the thumb pointing down the shaft |
| to putting. Why? Simply because you do not want | | | | wrap the fleshy part of your hand around the |
| to hold the putter in the same way that you hold | | | | closed fingers of your left hand so that you now |
| the other clubs in your bag. So how should you | | | | have both hands on the club handle with your |
| hold your putter? | | | | thumbs facing down the shaft of the putter and |
| Well, one of the most popular grips with both | | | | all of your fingers closed in the grip, except for |
| amateur golfers and tour professionals alike is | | | | the index finger of your left hand. |
| what is known as the 'reverse overlap grip' which | | | | Stage 4. The final stage in the process is to |
| is specifically designed to keep the face of the | | | | slowly slide your right hand down the handle until it |
| putter square on to the arc of your putting | | | | just covers your left thumbnail and leaves the |
| stroke. So, let's break the grip down into just four | | | | index finger of your left hand overlapping the |
| simple stages. | | | | fingers of your right hand. |
| Stage 1. To understand this grip you need to think | | | | It takes a bit of practice to get this particular grip |
| outside the box so start by holding the putter not | | | | just right but, if you have been gripping your |
| in the traditional manner with the club face on the | | | | putter in the same way that you grip your other |
| ground, but with it pointing straight up into the air | | | | clubs, you will see an immediate improvement in |
| with both hands on the grip and your hands held | | | | your putting. |
| out in front of your face. I know it sounds crazy, | | | | Just as a final note, if you are wondering why the |
| but trust me | | | | otherwise standard grip does not work for |
| Stage 2. Adjust your hands so that your left hand | | | | putting, it is because the normal grip produces too |
| only is on the putter handle with your thumb | | | | much rotation on the club face which is the last |
| pointing down the shaft and all but your index | | | | thing you need when you want to putt in a |
| finger wrapped around the handle. It is important | | | | straight line. |