The Right Golf Grip Could Be All You Need

Out of all the golf equipment and accessories, the grip is perhaps the most unnoticed and the one that golfers typically do not pay much serious thought in terms of selection. However, ask any expert or golf pro and they can tell you that grips, especially putter grips, actually have a significant effect on the kind of game you can play. The right grip can minimize the hooks and slices you usually make with irons and woods, and can help you lower your score.

Choosing The Right Putter Grip

Don’t just go out and buy the first putter grip you  find on sale in your local golf shop. Not all grips are alike and it is not a one-size-fits-all type of equipment.  Your current game, the way you grip the putter and how you putt can actually help determine what kind of putter grip you need. For instance, if you have a tendency to hook your putts more, then you might want to consider a thicker putter grip. If you slice your putts (typically missing on the right for a right handed player) then you might see improvement by using a thinner putter grip. Other factors to consider would be the size, material and moisture control of the grip. 

Putter Grip Options

There are a wide variety of golf putter grips to choose from. Of course when you shop for a new grip, it is best to get a feel for what is comfortable and feels natural in your hands.  Try out as many as you can before deciding on one or two that you feel at most ease with.  Look for that tacky feel if you find it improves the responsiveness of a putter.  In terms of variety, there are the standard all rubber grips, non-rubber ones, midsize options, multi-compounds, grips with a pistol back, flat front types and putter grips that have a subtle texture and semi-pistol form and shape.  The trusted brands to look for – and these would probably include the right kind of grip for you – are the likes of Gold Pride, Ping, Odyssey, Karkal, Lamkin, Scotty Cameron, Mizuno, Royal, Sharpro, Tacki, Taylor Made and Winn.

How to Care For Your Putter Grip

When you find the right grip, do remember to take care of it like you do the rest of your golf clubs. The putter grip actually goes through a lot of wear and tear, not only from constant exposure to ultraviolet rays of the sun, but also from contact with oily and dirty surfaces. Because they are not made of steel or aluminum, grips wear faster than most other golf equipment.

If you want to increase the lifespan of your putter grip then all you really need to do is take extra care of it. A regular cleaning of all your grips can actually help – just wash them with a mild dishwashing detergent and scrub the dirt and oil away. Rinse using lukewarm water and towel dry or dry in the open air. Ask your golf pro the best care for your grips and you can't go wrong.  Store them well and they will last you for years. However, when you start noticing that your putter grip is losing its tackiness and becomes slick you need to replace it again. Don't wait until it's too late. A loss of just 5% of your solid grip can result in missed putts.