What Is The Reverse Overlap Putter Grip? (+5 Great Benefits Of Using It)

When you’re out on the golf course, many factors influence your performance, from the quality of your clubs to your mental focus. One element that often doesn’t get enough attention is your grip—specifically, how you hold your putter

A proper grip can make a world of difference in your short game. This article aims to shed light on one of the most popular yet misunderstood grips in the golfing world: the Reverse Overlap Putter Grip. 

  • What Is a Putter Grip and Why Does It Matter?
  • Introduction to the Reverse Overlap Putter Grip
  • Why Grip Choice Matters: The Science Behind It
  • Addressing Common Putting Problems with the Reverse Overlap Grip
  • 5 Benefits of Using The Reverse Overlap Putter Grip
  • Which Pros Use Reverse Overlap Grip?
man using the reverse overlap putter grip in golf

What Is The Reverse Overlap Putter Grip?

The reverse overlap putter grip is a popular concept in the golfing community.

For right-handed golfers, it starts with the basics being the left hand on the upper part of the grip while situating the right hand just below. Your left index finger then envelops the fingers of your right hand, essentially interlocking them into a firm handshake with your club.

This specialized hand formation bestows several perks, from fortified wrist control to improved alignment during your putts.

Rising to prominence in the mid-20th century, this grip has only gathered steam over the decades.

It’s been adopted and endorsed by an array of golfing professionals, largely due to the unique hand and finger architecture it entails, which is conducive to a more stable and measured stroke—something we’ll unpack in greater detail later.

What Is a Putter Grip and Why Does It Matter?

In the intricate world of golf, it’s easy to dismiss the putter grip as merely a strip of rubber encircling the top section of your putter. 

However, let me tell you—it’s your vital connection to the club and holds an unassailable significance when you’re eyeing the cup.

A grip that’s either uncomfortable or improperly fitted can sabotage your alignment and pace on the ball and chip away at your self-assurance. 

Take the time to explore the world of putter grips until you find one that feels great in your hands. There’s a wide range to choose from as opposed to grips for other clubs, so be patient, and you’ll find just what you need.  

man on golf green with a reverse overlap grip on putter

What Makes A Good Reverse Overlap Putting Grip?

Several factors need to be considered when it comes to a good golf grip. Here are some key elements that can make or break your reverse overlap grip; let’s start with the basics:

  • Hand Position—If you’re a right-handed player—the optimal position for your right hand is at the grip’s zenith, while the left hand should be settled beneath it. This strategic placement serves as the bedrock of a solid, efficient stroke.
  • Pressure—Be kind to your putter and your hands by having balanced grip pressure that should be too loose, if anything. You want to feel the weight of the clubhead throughout your stroke but still hold just firm enough that your wrists are strong yet relaxed.
  • Wrist Stability—Having stable wrists promotes controlled, consistent strokes. This is why so many low-handicappers use reverse overlap grip and why it has become a crowd favorite for those who get a little flippy with their wrists.
  • Alignment—A quality grip ensures the clubface stays true to your intended target line. A miscued grip will confuse these elements, throwing your putt trajectory into disarray and may cause you to address a problem that isn’t there. 

These components collectively contribute to a grip that not only feels comfortable but also enhances your game. Remember, the end goal is to make your putter an extension of your arms, providing seamless control over the club as you make your stroke.

Rory Mcilory using the reverse overlap putting grip

5 Benefits of Using the Reverse Overlap Putter Grip

Understanding the benefits of a reverse overlap grip can help you improve your game. Here are five compelling reasons why you might consider adopting the Reverse Overlap Putter Grip:

1. Enhanced Wrist Control

Let’s face it: the devil is in the wrist details. What the reverse overlap grip does is remarkable: it locks in your wrists, effectively benching any erratic movement that can botch up your putting stroke.

The outcome? A new level of shot consistency you can bank on. This is clutch for anyone looking to reduce 3-putts.

2. Improved Stroke Mechanics

The reverse overlap grip encourages well-balanced hand placement that fosters a more consistent pendulum motion. The end result is a stroke marked by cleaner contact and improved directional control.

You won’t just notice the enhanced feel—you’ll also see measurable improvements in your short-range putts.

man putting close to hole with reverse overlap grip

3. Greater Feel and Touch

Feel and touch are vital aspects of putting. The reverse overlap grip enhances your ability to sense the clubhead’s movement through the putting stroke.

This increased awareness allows for more precise adjustments in your stroke, improving your “feel” for distance and direction, especially on those challenging, long-distance putts.

4. Boosted Confidence

Believe it or not, your grip can also influence your mental game. Knowing that you have a solid, scientifically backed grip like the reverse overlap can significantly boost confidence.

Confidence often translates to better performance under pressure, helping you make those crucial putts when it matters most.

5. Versatility for Different Lies and Strokes

While no grip can be a “one-size-fits-all” solution, the reverse overlap is quite versatile. It’s prepared to handle various putting scenarios, whether you’re dealing with uphill, downhill, or sidehill lies. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be effective for both short putts and long lag putts. 

putting golf ball

Why Grip Choice Matters: The Science Behind It

Let’s take a closer look at exactly what happens when you take a stroke with your putter. Whether you use the reverse overlap grip or not, understanding what happens at impact will make you a better putter, no matter what. 

  • Torque and Force: When you hold your putter, you’re applying torque (rotational force) to it. The quality of your grip can affect how efficiently that torque is translated into the clubhead’s motion, impacting the speed and direction of your putt.
  • Muscle Engagement: Different grips activate different sets of muscles in your hands, wrists, and forearms. The reverse overlap putter grip, in our case, helps engage the muscles so they support wrist stability and control, which allows for a smoother stroke.
  • Feedback Loop: A good grip enhances the ‘feedback’ you get from the club, providing a better feel and more control. If you know what you did wrong, you can correct it much easier in the future.
  • You become more aware of how well you’ve struck the ball, allowing for quick adjustments in your subsequent strokes.
man celebrating after a good putt in golf

Do Any Pros Use the Reverse Overlap Grip?

Absolutely, the reverse overlap grip isn’t just a weekend golfer’s trick; it’s a choice technique for some of the sport’s most accomplished professionals. Let’s delve into how this grip has positively influenced the careers of top golfers.

Tiger Woods

When you think of precision putting and swinging, Tiger Woods often comes to mind. This legend of the game employs the reverse overlap grip as his standard.

In doing so, he chooses to loop his left index finger around his right pinkie and ring fingers, a method that’s clearly effective given his reputation as perhaps the greatest putter under pressure.

Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy is another giant in the world of golf who adopted the reverse overlap grip, making the switch in 2011. The change was quickly justified when he clinched his first major championship at the U.S. Open the same year.

For McIlroy, the grip’s major selling point is the impeccable alignment it provides between his left hand and his target line.

Jason Day

Despite contending with a series of back injuries, Jason Day remains a formidable presence on the greens. He attributes part of his success to the reverse overlap grip, which allows him to keep his grip pressure light and maintain alignment with his putter face. 

He’s still in the game, and his putting skill remains top-tier, proving that the grip offers stability and control, even when the physical stakes are high.

ball putt near hole

Summary—Reverse Overlap Putting Grip

In simpler terms, the reverse overlap putter grip isn’t just a trend; it’s a proven technique that can seriously up your game. From enhanced wrist control to improved alignment, the benefits are tangible and game-changing.

Plus, if it’s good enough for golf legends like Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, it’s worth a shot for anyone looking to drain more putts from further away. To put it plainly, if you’re aiming to sink more putts and lower your scores, this grip could be the answer you’ve been looking for

Next Up: The Golf Short Game Guide: 12 Tips To Improve Your Short Game

Photo of author
After graduating from the Professional Golf Management program in Palm Springs, CA, I moved back to Toronto, Canada, turned pro and became a Class 'A' member of the PGA of Canada. I then began working at some of the city's most prominent country clubs. While this was exciting, it wasn't as fulfilling as teaching, and I made the change from a pro shop professional to a teaching professional. Within two years, I was the Lead Teaching Professional at one of Toronto's busiest golf instruction facilities. Since then, I've stepped back from the stress of running a successful golf academy to focus on helping golfers in a different way. Knowledge is key so improving a players golf IQ is crucial when choosing things like the right equipment or how to cure a slice. As a writer I can help a wide range of people while still having a little time to golf myself!

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.