Should You Use an Oversize Putter Grip?

The answer to this question is far from straightforward.  There are so many factors to weigh while making the decision on whether or not to use an oversize putter grip.  Our goal is to help so you can make a more educated decision.  The end game is to take as few putts as possible and an oversize putter grip may (or may not) be just what you need.

For additional input, I consulted two close friends, Scott Readman and Chip Usher.  Both are very experienced clubmakers as well as putter designers and their input is greatly appreciated.

What are the Benefits of Using an Oversize Grip?

Using an oversize putter grip is a great way to quiet the hands and wrists during the stroke.  For players that tend to get a little too handsy or wobbly while putting, the larger grip can make them more stable.  This is another reason you’ll see players with the putting yips turn to an oversize grip.  As both Scott and Chip were quick to point out, the oversize grip can quickly smooth out the putting stroke making the player more consistent and accurate on their putts.

Another notable benefit is simply fit.  I have small hands.  I’m not too scared to admit it to the world.  As a result, I don’t need that large of a putter grip to feel comfortable in my hands.  On the other hand, I know a lot of golfers with massive hands that make a traditional putter grip look like a toothpick.  By switching to an oversize grip, these golfers may feel more in control of the putter than before.  Of course, the evolution of oversize grip options has made finding that perfect grip size a lot easier for a greater audience.

Are There Downside’s of Using an Oversize Grip?

Again, this is a subjective answer.  If you’re making more putts with an oversize putter grip, there are no downsides.  That said, both Chip and Scott were quick to point out that there are potential differences that may not mix well with all players.  Larger putter grips may result in a lack of touch and feel.  A perceived lack of touch and feel will likely result in a struggle to control distances and speeds all around the green.  Obviously this could be a significant problem when putting and trying to keep your number of strokes down.

As I mentioned though, this is subjective.  Some players may prefer that feel and response from a larger putter grip and find that to be a positive.  It’s important to properly test the grip and not be afraid to bail on the experiment and try a different grip if it isn’t working for you.  (Also a great reason to learn how to regrip your own putter.)  There are so many oversize putter grips available now that it’s worth trying multiple.

How to Pick the Right Putter Grip

Guess what?  This is another not so straightforward answer.  I would bet a good amount of money that time in a fitting and on a SAM PuttLab would tell you very specific differences in your performance using different shapes and sizes.  Ultimately it comes down to what’s most comfortable in your hands and what you feel you putt best with.  Obviously there’s the tangible evidence of how many putts you make and how close you leave your lags.

Another factor to consider is how you hold the club.  If you use something like the claw, pencil, or hammer grip, there are oversize grips more suited to those hand positions.  Either way, an oversize grip will certainly be easier with any of those hand positions.

My best, honest advice here is to go to a store where you can hold a wide range of grips in your hands, and then try them on different putters (this will be easier said than done).  There are so many options these days as opposed to the early days where there were only a small few.  Different shapes, different weights, colors, counter balances, different textures…  There’s a lot to consider.  Ultimately you want what feels best for you and makes putts.

Final Thoughts

The best answer for whether or not you should try an oversize putter grip comes down to your own preferences for feel and what you’re trying to accomplish.  I think the biggest gain that comes out of switching to a larger putter grip is a smoother and quieter putting stroke.  True, there are arguments for a lack of feel and response, but with so many options these days, it’s easy to find a grip that does both well.  In some cases, you may just be having a massive confidence issue or mental block and a switch to a totally different grip may be exactly what you need.  Regardless of the reason, make sure the grip is comfortable in your hands and you feel confident rolling the ball.

Editor’s Note:

I switched to a SuperStroke Pistol GTR Tour about a year ago for three main reasons: it felt perfect in my hands, my putting stroke was much smoother, and I was making more putts.  Everything just clicked for me. I will also note, I still have excellent response and touch with this grip.