'From Claw To Conventional: A Look Into Professional Golf's Most Popular Putting Grips'
Arnold Palmer once said, 'Swing your swing,' encouraging golfers to find what works best for their game. Putting is no different. In fact, most of the strokes in an 18-hole round come from the putter, making it essential to find a grip that feels comfortable and effective. One of the unique aspects of golf is that there's no single way to grip a putter — a fact we see on display at every professional men's and women's tournament on TV.
So let's analyze the top 20 OWGR (official world golf rankings) golfers in the world, and see what the majority of them are using for a grip.Conventional Armlock Grip - 1 player (5%)
The armlock method is a relatively recent putting technique, gaining popularity over the last decade. One common flaw in many golfers' putting strokes is overusing the hands and wrists. When the hands take over, the putter face and attack angle can shift dramatically during the stroke, making it difficult to return the face to square at impact. The armlock method counters this by using a much longer putter—typically 40 to 42 inches—that rests along the lead forearm. This setup allows the larger muscles in the shoulders and torso to control the stroke, reducing wrist action and promoting more consistent contact. In essence, it's designed to eliminate wrist movement altogether. So why hasn't it become the dominant method? The armlock stroke can feel stiff and robotic to some, and many tour players rely heavily on feel and touch in their hands—something the armlock can diminish.
Used by - Bryson Dechambeau
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)Left Hand Low Grip - 2 Players (10%)
Left-hand low, also known as cross-handed, is a putting grip where the left hand is positioned below the right hand (for a right-handed golfer) on the putter. With the left hand leading the stroke, this grip helps limit wrist breakdown—promoting a more stable, consistent motion. We recently saw just how effective this method can be under pressure when J.J. Spaun sank a dramatic 64-foot birdie putt to win the U.S. Open using the cross-handed grip. In fact, three of the last six major championships have been won by players using the left-hand low technique—proof of its growing influence at the game's highest level.
Used by - Xander Schauffele, J.J. Spaun
(Photo by)The Claw Grip - 4 Players (20%)
The claw grip has steadily grown in popularity on tour, with several top players—most notably world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler—adopting the technique. Katie Dawkins, a top-50 PGA Professional coach, explains: 'The claw putter grip puts the shoulders in charge and encourages a hands-free action. This creates a smooth stroke, which is particularly beneficial on fast greens. The grip minimizes right-hand dominance, helping maintain better control of the putter face.'
The claw grip has become a go-to option for golfers who struggle with short putts, as it helps reduce hand tension and twitchiness under pressure. However, one challenge with this method can be lag putting, where feel and distance control are crucial. Hall of Famer Phil Mickelson even used a hybrid approach—opting for a conventional grip on longer putts and the claw on shorter ones.
Ultimately, comfort and confidence rule in putting, and the claw has delivered results at the highest level: currently, three of the top six players in the Official World Golf Ranking are using it.
Used by - Scottie Scheffler, Collin Morikawa, Russell Henley, Tommy Fleetwood
(Photo by)
Conventional Grip - 13 Players (65%)
It's no surprise that the conventional grip remains the most popular choice among the world's best players—it closely mirrors the full-swing grip, making it feel natural and familiar. While hand placement can vary slightly from player to player, many top professionals use some variation of this classic style. Most golfers start with the conventional grip simply because it's how they first learn the game. As the saying goes, 'If it's not broke, don't fix it.'
For many, the conventional grip is like a comfort blanket—something they either never leave or eventually return to after experimenting with other styles. And there's no questioning its legacy. Some of the greatest putters in golf history—Ben Crenshaw, Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, and Seve Ballesteros, to name just a few—have all used the conventional grip with remarkable success.
Used by: Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, Sepp Straka, Viktor Hovland, Ludvig Aberg, Hidecki Matsuyama, Robert Macintyre, Maverick McNealy, Ben Griffin, Shane Lowry, Tyrrell Hatton, Sam Burns, Patrick Cantlay
. (Photo by)
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