Cross-handed is the second most popular grip on the PGA Tour!
Have you ever tried a cross-handed putting grip? If not, you might want to after you’re done reading this article.
As I’m sure you know, putting plays a pivotal role in your total score. Golfers will do everything to get the ball into the hole. Whether it’s changing up the putter head, using a line on their golf ball, or even doing golf hypnosis.
Golfers know that putting is a key factor in scoring. A cross handed putting grip might be the solution if you’re struggling on the greens. Keep reading to find out how it can improve shoulder alignment and position your left arm so you make fewer putts each round.
Cross Handed Placing Grip (Cross Handed)
What is a crosshand putting grip?
Cross handed, also known left-hand low, sounds exactly the same as it does. If you’re a right-handed golfer, your left hand is lower on the grip than your right hand.
The right hand is usually lower than the left in a traditional or convention golf grip. Cross-handed, your left hand becomes the dominant hand during the putting stroke. We’ll cover more about the different ways to place your right hand below.
This grip is second only after the traditional putting grip of the PGA Tour. Let’s see why so many golfers like the cross handed technique with the flat stick.
Cross Hand Putting Grip: The Pros
If you’re like most golfers you won’t just change your putting grip unless it’s absolutely essential. I don’t blame you either – putting is one of the most important parts of the game.
Hot putters make golf easier, and lower scores are more likely. So if things are going well with your traditional or claw grip, don’t switch (aka, if it ain’t’ broke, don’t fix it).
But if you’re in a golf slump, everything feels 10x harder… putting specifically. If you want to change up your putting, a left-hand low grip may be the right choice. These are the greatest benefits of this grip.
1. Better alignment
Alignment is a key element to better golf and better putting. If your putter alignment is off, it doesn’t matter how good your putting stroke is. To get your putt back into the hole, push or pull the putt if your target line is not to your left or right.
Crossing your hands makes it easier for you to square your shoulders when you are in the address position. This is a great method to fix a left-shoulder openness. This grip positively affects your posture and allows for straight back, straight through motion.
2. Square Path
If you’re the type of golfer who takes the putter back too far on the inside, this grip can fix your path quickly.
While it’s okay to have the putter come back on a slightly inside arc, too much can lead to pushes and poor contact. Cross hand grip allows for a straight back, straight through motion. While you’ll still likely have some inside arc, it can eliminate the big misses.
A putting mirror can be a great tool to help you with your inside path. These mirrors are equipped with path lines so that it is easy to see how the putter should move in each stroke.
3. Eliminates Wrists
Cross handed putting has another benefit: it eliminates excessive wrist movement. Cross handed putting can be a great option if you are prone to getting flippy when you hit the ground and want to keep your hands ahead of you.
Remember with putting you don’t want much wrist action.
Instead, you should use your upper body and move your wrists and hands freely. A left-hand low grip will put your left hand in the driver’s seat and make it the dominant hand to minimize wrists in the stroke.
4. Great for Short Putts
The left hand low technique is great if you are putting in putts within 10-15 feet. It makes it easier for you to keep your face square when making short putts and allows you to make a more efficient stroke.
But this is also a downside when it comes to longer putts as you’ll see in the next section.
Cons of Cross Hand Placing Grip
Although there are many advantages to this grip style there are also some disadvantages. Before you decide to switch grips, here are some things to keep in mind.
1. It takes time to adjust
Anytime you make a big grip change, whether it’s a full swing or putting, it can take time to adjust. Depending on how often you practice, this might take several days to a couple of weeks.
It’s a good idea to time this grip change correctly so you don’t make the switch before a member guest tournament or other event. You might not feel 100% confident and you may not be able to put your best.
If you want to improve your putting and don’t have enough time to go to the course, invest in an indoor putting green. This is a great way for you to improve your short putts as well as make quick grip changes.
2. Steeper Swing Ark
Cross handed grips have a disadvantage in that they have a steeper swing arc. This means that the ball will contact the putter with a steeper swing arc.
If the ball is bouncing off your face, adjust the ball position. To compensate for the descending angle of attack, you should position the ball slightly in front of your stance (about one inch).
This adjustment will allow for you to hit the putt more than you hit it down. Ultimately, you should get a better, more smooth roll that doesn’t bounce. Check out our article about putting with topspin. If you notice that a lot of putts end up short of the hole due to bouncing or skipping, check your camera.
3. Lag Putting is a difficult task
Cross-hand putting is not ideal because it makes it difficult to return the putter far enough for long puts. This is why it’s great for short putts but it makes distance control and lag putting very difficult!
It seems to restrict your backswing length which might feel like you have to “pop” the ball with more speed. This isn’t ideal for slow greens which most amateurs play on. But if you want to play on fast greensIt may not be as important. This is why it works so well when PGA Tour players putt on very fast greens.
I’ve experienced this myself in the past and actually used to use a cross hand for putts inside 10 feet and traditional for longer ones. However, switching grips on the green isn’t for everyone!
For additional help with lag putting, read our complete guide Here.
How to grip the Putter Cross-Handed
How do you grip a putter with one hand?
Cross handed putting can be done by simply reversing your grip (assuming that you still have a traditional grip). Place your left hand on top of the grip and position it in a comfortable position. Once your left arm is secure, place your right thumb on the grip.
Your right hand can be in many different positions.
First, you can simply reverse the position of your right and left hands using a traditional putting grip. Your left hand will be lower, while your right hand should be at or near the top of the grip.
A second hand is to use your right hand to attach a claw. Place your left hand on the putter and then use two to three fingers to form a claw-like grip at the top. This isn’t as common but with putting it’s all about finding out what works best for you.
The final way to position your right hand is to make the right-hand level the left. This is more of a “prayer” putting grip but oftentimes gets lumped in with cross handed.
Click here for more information about the prayer of putting grip..
FAQs about Putting Grips
Are you looking for more information about putting grips? Continue reading to find out more about cross-handed putting grips and whether they are right for you.
Cross-hand putting is more effective?
Cross-hand putting could be a great way for you to play better golf. This is a great alternative if you have trouble with your putters movement, such as too much wrist action or too much puttering (which can lead to poor rolls),
But it’s not for everyone and should only make the switch if you’re in a putting slump.The good news is that you can test it immediately and pretty quickly learn if you like the style or not.
What is the preferred grip for professional golfers?
Billy Horschel and Pat Perez are just a few of the most famous people to use a cross-handed grip. But perhaps no one is more famous for this grip than Jordan Spieth – who is one major short of completing the career grand slam.
Not to mention, when he’s on, he’s one of the best putters on the PGA Tour. He seems to think the hole is as big as a bucket when he puts short to mid-range putts, and he seems always to make them.
What is cross handed puttings advantage?
A left-hand low putting grip has many benefits. One of the greatest benefits is the reduction of wrist motion.
It guides the stroke by having your left hand control the grip.
What type of grip is best when putting?
It is different from one player to the next. Some prefer traditional, some prefer left-hand low, while others prefer claws. Some golfers prefer mallets, while others prefer blade putters.
There is no “one way” to putt. That’s why it’s important to test out different grip styles, putters, and routines to find out what gives you the most confidence on the greens.
What is the claw grip for golf?
A claw grip is another way to grip the putter. It’s the third most common grip style (traditional is first, cross hand is second) and becoming more common.
Cross-handed putting is similar to the claw. The claw reduces wrist activity during the stroke. The dominant hand for right-handed golfers is the left, and the right hand touches the grip barely. This grip is also available in multiple variations, just like the left-hand low.
Click here for more information about the claw-putting grip.
Do you need to wear a glove when putting?
The majority of elite golfers dont wear gloves while putting. While there have been some exceptions over time, the vast majority of professionals dont use a glove.
This is due to the fact that you have a better sense and feel for grip pressure with your bare hands. This allows you to feel your putter face in the hands and make a more consistent stroke.
While a glove is okay to wear on full swing shots, a lot of pros also don’t use them for short chip shots too. You can test out putting and chipping with a glove or without one to see how it affects your game.
What putter grip do the pros use?
The most popular grip style is the traditional putting grip. The left hand low grip is second, and the claw grip third.
SuperStroke is the most well-known grip manufacturer among professionals and amateurs. They offer a wide range of grips with long lasting durability that can be used by any player.
Final Thoughts on Cross Handed Put Grip
Putting cross handed might be just what your game needs if you’re going through a putting slump. However, if things are going well and you’re rolling the rock well, don’t change your putting grip.
Golfers tend to have a “test it” mentality when it comes to new swing tips and grips… but don’t make golf harder on yourself. If things are going well let them know you dont want to get too technical while you play golf.
The left-hand low putting technique can be a great way to improve your putting skills and reduce hand movement.
