If you’re looking to improve your putting game, one of the best ways to do so is by studying the techniques of professional golfers. Tommy Fleetwood, known for his consistent putting performance, has a grip technique that many amateur golfers try to emulate. Here’s a breakdown of how you can adopt aspects of his grip to enhance your own putting.
The Basics of Tommy Fleetwood’s Grip
Fleetwood’s putting grip emphasizes comfort, control, and stability. Here are the fundamental elements of his grip:
Grip Pressure: Fleetwood maintains a light to moderate grip pressure. You should aim for a relaxed grip which ensures better feel and control over the putter.
Hand Positioning:
Left Hand: For right-handed golfers, start by placing the left hand on the putter to control the face direction. Fleetwood’s left hand is usually more dominant, with the thumb running straight down the grip.
Right Hand: The right hand is placed on the grip in a way that it supports the left hand. It often lays slightly on the side of the grip. The fingers should wrap around gently without overpowering the left hand.
Alignment: Keep your hands positioned slightly ahead of the ball at address. This forward lean promotes a more consistent strike on the ball, which is crucial for accurate putting.
Step-by-Step Guide to Practicing the Grip
Now that you understand the basic elements, here’s how you can practice it:
Grab Your Putter: Start with your putter lying flat. Settle in a comfortable stance with your feet aligned to your target.
Position Your Hands: Place your left hand on the grip, followed by the right hand. Focus on how each finger wraps around the grip and feel the connection.
Check Your Grip Pressure: Apply light pressure. Test it further by holding the putter just above the ground and gently pulling back and forth to feel the balance and control.
Drills to Improve Your Grip Control
Conducting specific drills can further enhance your understanding:
Shadow Putting: Without a ball, practice your putting stroke while focusing solely on your grip and hand positions.
Mirror Drill: Use a mirror to observe your grip while making putting strokes. This can give you visual feedback on your grip technique.
Final Thoughts
Adopting Tommy Fleetwood’s putting grip can help improve your performance by promoting a feeling of control and stability. Keep practicing, and consider filming your strokes to analyze your grip and overall technique. Remember, minor adjustments can lead to significant improvements in your putting game!
Questions for the Community
What grip techniques have you found successful in your putting? Have you tried Fleetwood’s method or any similar approaches? Share your tips and experiences below!
Tommy Fleetwood has a very unique grip that seems to work wonders for his putting. One key characteristic is how he positions his hands. His palms are more aligned which might help stabilize the putter during the stroke.
That’s interesting! I’ve tried all kinds of grips, but never thought about palm alignment. Would be great to see a close-up of his hands during a putt!
I’ve noticed that Fleetwood maintains a light grip pressure, which seems crucial. Too much muscle tension can really mess with your stroke. Keeping it relaxed is key!
I read that Fleetwood uses his fingers to control the putter’s arc. Positioning these fingers correctly is essential for a consistent stroke. Anyone here tried adjusting their finger placement?
Fleetwood’s grip isn’t just about technique; it’s also his mental approach. Staying calm and collected seems to be part of his putting success. Thoughts?
The way Fleetwood positions his thumbs is also important! A neutral thumb position seems to allow for better feel and control. Have you all tried this?
Absolutely! A solid grip starts with placing your dominant hand on the lower part of the grip, fingers wrapping around firmly. Then, your non-dominant hand should sit above it, fingers aligned with the putter’s face. This gives control and stability.