How to Use the Claw Grip to Putt

Using an unconventional putting grip can spice up your game on the greens and get rid of the "yips." There are a number of strange grips, but the ones most popular on the PGA Tour are the Crosshanded Grip and the Claw Grip. The more unique of the two is definitely the Claw, but despite its strange looks, it's enjoyed popularity with many of the top pros, like Chris DiMarco.

Instructions

1. Pick the putter up as you normally would, and hold it with a traditional grip. Generally, the palms of your right and left hands should be facing each other and the left hand should be higher on the handle than your right.

2. Take your right hand off of the club.

3. Place the index and middle fingers of your right hand on the front side of your putter's grip. Place them roughly where the thumb of your right hand used to be.

4. Brace the back side of the handle with your right thumb.

5. Let the ring and pinky fingers of your right hand rest gently against the right side of the handle. The key to the Claw Grip is to minimize the control your dominant hand has over the stroke, so don't avoid gripping the club too tightly.

6. Take a few practice strokes using your new grip. Fine-tune the position of your right hand so that the grip feels as comfortable and as natural as possible.

Tips & Warnings

• Hold the club lightly to increase your feel for the ball.