Why is Putt Cross Handed: Understanding the Grip that's Changing the Game

For many golfers, the putter is a source of both immense joy and crippling frustration. While the full swing often gets the spotlight, it's on the greens where strokes are truly saved or surrendered. In recent years, a specific putting grip has seen a significant rise in popularity among professionals and amateurs alike: the cross-handed, or left-hand-low, putting grip. But why are so many golfers opting for this seemingly unconventional method? Let's dive deep into the reasons behind the cross-handed putt.

The Fundamentals of the Cross-Handed Grip

Before we explore the "why," let's clarify what the cross-handed grip actually is. In a traditional putting grip, your left hand (for a right-handed golfer) is positioned above your right hand on the club. In the cross-handed grip, this is reversed: your right hand is placed above your left hand. This means your left hand is essentially "crossed over" your right hand.

Why Golfers Embrace the Cross-Handed Putt

The allure of the cross-handed grip lies in its ability to address some of the most common putting woes. Here are the primary reasons golfers are making the switch:

Reducing the Influence of the Wrists: This is arguably the biggest driver for adopting a cross-handed grip. In a traditional grip, the wrists can easily break down and "flip" during the stroke, leading to inconsistent putts. The cross-handed grip naturally discourages this by creating a more stable, united unit between the hands and the arms. It promotes a pendulum-like motion from the shoulders, reducing the independent movement of the wrists and thus promoting a smoother, more controlled stroke.
Promoting a More Stable Putter Face: With less wrist action, the putter face is less likely to open or close unintentionally during the stroke. This leads to more consistent contact with the ball and a more predictable roll. Many golfers find that the cross-handed grip helps them keep the putter face square through impact, a critical element for accurate putting.
Improving Tempo and Rhythm: The unified feeling of the cross-handed grip can lead to a more consistent tempo. When the hands work together as a single unit, it’s easier to establish a repeatable rhythm for both the backstroke and the follow-through. This consistency is invaluable on the greens, where even slight variations can send your putt off course.
Minimizing the "Big Muscle" Movement: The goal in putting is to use the larger muscles of your arms and shoulders, not the smaller, twitchier muscles of the wrists and fingers. The cross-handed grip naturally encourages this. It forces you to engage your shoulders and upper body more, leading to a more controlled and less frantic stroke.
Addressing Slicing or Hooking Tendencies: For golfers who struggle with a tendency to "pull" or "push" putts due to inconsistent face control, the cross-handed grip can be a revelation. By stabilizing the putter face, it can help eliminate these unwanted directional errors and lead to more putts going where you intend them to.
Comfort and Personal Preference: Ultimately, some golfers simply find the cross-handed grip to be more comfortable. Golf is a game of feel, and if a particular grip allows you to feel more in control and confident, it's worth exploring. Many golfers experiment with different grips and find that cross-handed just "clicks" for them.

Famous Advocates of the Cross-Handed Grip

The widespread adoption of the cross-handed grip isn't just anecdotal. Several high-profile golfers have achieved significant success using this method, lending it considerable credibility. Notable examples include:

Jordan Spieth: One of the most recognizable proponents, Spieth has used the cross-handed grip for much of his career, attributing much of his putting prowess to it.
Matt Kuchar: Another highly successful player who has consistently employed the cross-handed grip with great results.
Rickie Fowler: While he has tinkered with his grip at times, Fowler has also found success using the cross-handed method.

The success of these players demonstrates that the cross-handed grip is not a gimmick but a legitimate technique that can lead to world-class putting.

Common Questions About the Cross-Handed Putt

FAQ

Why is the cross-handed grip called "left-hand-low"?

It's called "left-hand-low" because, for a right-handed golfer, the left hand is positioned lower on the grip (closer to the putter head) than the right hand. Conversely, for a left-handed golfer, it would be called "right-hand-low" with the right hand positioned lower.

Is the cross-handed grip suitable for all golfers?

While many golfers benefit from it, it's not universally perfect. The effectiveness of any grip is highly personal. Some golfers may find it feels awkward or doesn't suit their natural stroke. It's always recommended to experiment and see if it works for your individual game.

How do I transition to a cross-handed grip?

Start by practicing without the pressure of a game. Get a feel for how the hands sit on the club and try making some practice strokes on a flat surface or carpet. Gradually introduce it on the putting green, focusing on the feel rather than immediate results. Be patient, as it may take time to adjust.

Will switching to cross-handed instantly make me a better putter?

Switching grips is rarely an instant fix. While the cross-handed grip can address common putting faults and promote better mechanics, improvement comes with consistent practice and understanding the underlying principles of the stroke. It provides a solid foundation, but dedication is still key.

In conclusion, the "why" behind the cross-handed putt is a compelling one for many golfers. It offers a pathway to greater stability, control, and consistency on the greens by fundamentally altering how the hands interact with the putter. If you're struggling with your putting, exploring this grip might just be the change you need to roll in more birdies.