Jack Nicklaus once said that if he had to teach someone to putt, he would start them off by putting with the left hand low. When using the conventional putting stroke, it can be difficult to square the clubface at impact, even if you are using the best putters on the market.
With so many ways to wield the flat stick, such as the claw grip or the reverse overlap, it's worth considering all the options available. In this article, Golf Monthly Top 50 Coach Jo Taylor explains everything you need to know about the left-hand-low method and shares her thoughts on this popular grip...
Left Hand Low Putting Grip: Square Shoulders
The left-hand-low putter grip has plenty of benefits, including your shoulders being more level. When your shoulders are open at address it will lead to an out to in path. Having your left hand lower than your right squares the shoulders up, and allows the putter to move straight down the target line.
The Grip
This grip is very straightforward, and is therefore easy to try even if you have no prior experience. Your right hand goes onto the top of the grip first, and your left hand sits just under it.
Shift your hands until you get comfortable, but the most reliable method is to have one finger overlapping in the grip (as demonstrated in the image below). If you feel like there is a little too much movement, or it feels uncomfortable, try a double overlap to get a stronger connection.
Another key aspect of this style is having the ball slightly forward of centre, creating some forward shaft lean, which will allow your left shoulder to drive the stroke. This grip prevents the right hand from becoming too dominant, and with your shoulders more level, you should see more putts drop when it counts.
Left Hand Low Putting Grip: Getting Used To The Feel
It is worth saying here that if you have used an alternative putting grip for years, then any switch is likely to take time. The key is commitment. If you feel that your putting is poor, then a totally new feel is a good way to reset your mind and provide the foundation for your confidence to grow.
However, don't expect it to transform your game overnight. Any change of grip (long game or short game) will take time. Use some practice putting drills to develop your feel for pace control in particular. The more putts you hit, the better your instinctive feel for distance control will become.
Above all, allow yourself some wiggle room to make mistakes on the course. By taking pressure off your shoulders, you'll make a bigger improvement far sooner.
