Grip pressure and putting?

[hue]

vj, Geoff and others: can you go into your thoughts on the right amount of grip pressure you should have when holding the putter? Will holding the putter firmly mean less twisting of the putter face if the putt is hit outside the sweet spot. I have a light grip pressure and my playing partner suggested that I should have a firmer one on the shorter putts to drill the ball in. Are his ideas sound?

[pluthb]

firm fingers, flexible wrists...

[Thom]

firm fingers, flexible wrists...

I would think this is true for full swings. Actually for putting I would say almost the opposite: a frozen wright wrist and a soft grip. For me a firm putting grip decreases the feel for length and gives me tensions which i don't want.

[EdZ]

Originally Posted by pluthb

firm fingers, flexible wrists...

I would think this is true for full swings. Actually for putting I would say almost the opposite: a frozen wright wrist and a soft grip. For me a firm putting grip decreases the feel for length and gives me tensions which i don't want.

Part of the reason I like a heavier putter is that I can use a nice light grip and make the tempo of my motion like tossing a ball underhand. I agree, a tight grip with the putter isn't ideal. A bit like good pool players. Stroke through the ball with the right amount of force for a smooth roll to your target. The putter can really show you PP#3 if you just let it swing. PP#2 and #1 as well.

But a big part of the 'trick' is to keep the structure, while still keeping the 'swinging force'. As De La Torre likes to say "surrender to the club"

And as Homer says..... smooth, heavy motion