Putting “Left-Hand Low”

[Mr. Doug]

Read the article here: http://www.puttertalk.com/2007/01/13/putting-left-hand-low/

Topic is now open for discussion...

[Burrier]

Nice review. I have expiermented with the Left hand low grip on many occasions and notice some of the same things you pointed out. I seem to make a more consistent, mechanical stroke putting crosshanded but it seemed difficult to maintain consistent distance control, especially closer to the hole. It was nothing for me to run a Six footer Five feet past the hole on some putts while trying this grip. I also thought about rotating grips depending on the length of putt, but then decided that would cause to much confusion and maybe some setup issues. If your putting could use some improvement I definitely think its worth a go. If you do try it I think it needs to be practiced and used on the course alot before you make any judgements about it, it will give better results after you get used to it a little. On the other hand if your never 3 putt a green and are overall happy with your putting, its probably just best to stick with what works.

[Mr. Doug]

For me, it was a lot like using my left foot to brake while driving. Jerky at first, but I got the hand of it after 20-30 putts.

[localfitch]

For me, it was a lot like using my left foot to brake while driving.

That's a really good analogy...

I'm going to try it out on and off the course this year... I think switching back and forth might be problematic, but it could be worth getting used to it if I can guarantee those 5 footers.

[RobotDoctor]

I have tried this method on a few occasions but revert back to the conventional reverse overlap grip.  If I would only commit to crosshand I just might adopt it.  I have bad better luck with the Calcavecchia "Claw" grip more than the crosshand but still revert back to the reverse overlap.

[localfitch]

ROL seems to be the standard these days.  Whatever makes you sink the putts!

[HipCheck]

Nice article localfitch.

I switched to Left Hand Low in 2003, putting with a center shafted putter.  I feel, though, LHL needs a heavy putter in order to be successful, primarily a mallet.  The extra weight helps greatly with distance control on lag putts.

[zeKe]

Nice review.  I just recently switched to LHL.  Best move I've made in a long time.

[ohiohawk97]

Great topic.

I also feel the left hand low (for a right handed player) is great for the short ones but is difficult to master with the long range stuff, especially on very fast greens.  Another thing I have noticed experimenting with the two is that when I use left hand low, I have a hard time starting the backstroke with a smooth transition--almost seems like you have to push with the left hand which feels awkward to me rather than pull with the right hand.  Also, is it best to cover the thumb on your right hand to make the grip more "connected" like most folks do with the conventional grip or keep your hands slightly seperated? 

I may go back to trying this this Spring.  In the past it has worked wonders for me during the introduction period but once I get comfortable with it, I go back to missing as many as I do normally (which is quite a few ). 

[Choeppner]

I've tried the LHL a couple of times.  I love it from 10 feet in, but can't get any distance control from farther than that.  It just might be though that I am not comfortable with it just yet.  It definately does prevent a breakdown though.

-CHRIS-

[planner]

I've tried the LHL a couple of times.  I love it from 10 feet in, but can't get any distance control from farther than that.  It just might be though that I am not comfortable with it just yet.  It definately does prevent a breakdown though.

-CHRIS-

Same results here...I may start using it for putts from 5 feet and in and stay with my normal grip for everything else.  It sounds like that would lead to inconsistency, but Pelz even suggests it as an approach.  I think I will give it a try and see if my stats improve.

[Mr. Doug]

I don't know that I'd ever switch putting strokes based on the distance...let alone which hand is low!

[smitty]

Dude… left hand low is $$$.
(Just ask Freddie C.)

I used to do it before I learned how to putt.
It is SOLID. Try it… you might like it. 

--
smitty

[drewspin]

One of the main advantages to Left hand low (for righties) is that it naturally closes your shoulders to the target line.  If your predominant miss is a to the left side of the hole on short putts, try LHL, you may need to square up to the target line.

[drchipinski]

I love LHL.

[localfitch]

It's catching on more and more... sometimes I feel like a traitor for using it though.

[drchipinski]

I like it much better on shorter putts (inside 10 feet) anything outside of that range could end up 10 YARDS past or 10 YARDS short!

[geogolf]

I Tried it years ago with a Ping B-60.   Interesting how that Putter saw a tragic ending after an introduction to a Cart Path before sleeping with the fishes. :-)

[MikeJohnson]

Started using it last week and my putting has been great.  Distance control hasnt been much of a problem so far.

[CSCUP]

I have been using that grip for a while now, took me some time to get used to it but now I feel extremely comfortable using it.  The last 4 rounds this year I am draining the 15-25 footers that have been killing me in the past....I also have a new putter so I don't know if it is the grip or putter.........?

Chris

[ballgofarboy]

Lets see, how many ways can you grip the club 

If I am on really fast greens I like left hand low.

On really slow greens that style just does not do it for me.

Interlocking, overlapping, are the norms for me, never have tried the 10 finger grip.

You are right the Left Hand Low is $$$$$/ till the honeymoon is over and bad things start creeping back into you head 

For me this is the last part of the game I have yet to master.     Master does anyone ever master that part of the game?? 

Best I have ever had it was interlocking, everything I hit from 15 foot in the middle of the cup/ Putter Never Compromise Mallet    It is really bad when you hit a put from 20 foot adn 3 foot off the club face you are yelling YATZEE    and in the hole the ball goes.  I had 9 birdies/ 6 pars and 3 bogies on the day.  Best Round I have had in a really long time.  21 putts in all.

for the most part I still go conventional all the way around, but when confidence is waining and I have a short 3 footer sometimes I go to something strange to get me back on track

[chipcaisse]

I've used LHL for 3 years now and i'll probably never switch back (add to my to do list : never say never). First of all, i'm life left-handed (I write with the left, punch my noisy neighboor with the left too ) even if in sport (except Tennis) I'm quite often right handed : l've played hockey for 8 years with a right stick.

This grip helps me first to block any wrist action and it's easier to me to tend to straight back straight through putting motion. I agree it's more difficult to catch the the right speed on the long distances putt but all it requieres is repetition, repetition and repetition. I've also noticed that I have a slightly grip with LHL and most of all, i'm able to keep this constant presure all along the motion (does it make sense in english ?).

By the end, the thing i love is how you are confident on the left / right break putt, i couldn't have this confidence with a classic grip