Seven of the best last-minute golf gifts
Best golf putter grips: These 9 putter grips will make you more comfortable on the greens
When it comes to finding the best golf products, every golfer needs a little guidance. Don’t sweat it, we got you covered! For our new Best of Everything series, we’ve canvassed the golf accessories, apparel and game-improvement space to identify the very best stuff for your game. Think of us as your personal shopping assistant.
BEST GOLF PUTTER GRIPS
When was the last time you bought a putter and gave the grip a second thought? Seriously. For the most part, golfers typically walk into a shop, find a few putters they think are right for them and then narrow it down to one before strolling out the door — the standard putter grip still intact.
It’s possible the grip fits your stroke and checks all the boxes in the look and feel department, but if you’re going to spend the time working your way through a multitude of head shapes, the putter grip should get some consideration as well.
With the rise of oversized grips and unconventional shapes — designed to eliminate some of your worst stroke tendencies — it’s now possible to find something that fits your stroke like a set of custom-fit irons. With new manufacturers entering the marketplace, it can be somewhat overwhelming pairing the right head with a suitable grip.
We’re here to help! Here are nine putter grip options that deserve a second look the next time you’re in the market — or if you simply want to know what else is out there beyond your current gamer.
Best putter grip for traditionalists
Golf Pride Pro Only
Feedback remains a critical part of the equation when it comes pairing a putter head with a particular grip. Knowing where your hands are during the stroke — not to mention if you’re catching the ball off the heel or toe — can lead to better distance and face control. It’s one of the reasons why so many good putters still use a traditional putter grip like Golf Pride’s Pro Only series. The no-frills grip comes in three different weights with subtle shape differences to fit a variety of preferences. The red star version features an arched paddle front and slight pistol shaping in the back for heel pad positioning. The blue star has a wide front and angled back for finger positioning, while the green offers a slightly arched paddle front and oval back for hand comfort and placement. A firmer rubber formulation is designed to enhance feedback and feel at impact.
$14.44
Best putter grip for improving your stroke
Garsen G-Pro Max
The first thing you’ll notice is the non-traditional shape. Unlike a standard grip, Garsen’s G-Pro Max is designed with an inverted v-shape on the front that puts the wrists in a neutral position with the palms facing each other. The hand setup relieves arm and shoulder tension by rotating the elbows toward the body and the shoulders back. From here, golfers should notice their shoulders have been engaged during the stroke — not the wrists. The one-piece feel is supposed to promote a more consistent stroke. And if you still aren’t convinced, just know Tony Finau and Henrik Stenson have both used Garsen products.
$23.98
Best putter grip for finding your inner-Tiger
Ping PP58
Ping’s PP58 is the official name, but most golfers know it simply as the “Tiger Woods grip.” Popularized by Woods, the PP58 is about as basic as they come. The standard rubber grip has been around since the 1970s and features a pistol shape in the back to help square up the face at impact. Woods has gone back and forth between two versions of the grip — one where the Ping script is visible and another where it’s blacked out. Ping actually offers both if you want to follow Woods’ lead and go with the covert blacked-out grip.
$12.99
Best putter grip for The Claw method
SuperStroke Traxion Claw
The claw putter grip is relatively uncommon on Tour, but a number of notable players have tried the grip that was popularized by former winner Chris DiMarco, including Phil Mickelson, Justin Rose and Sergio Garcia. Different variations of the grip exist, but the goal is to allow the shoulder to control the stroke and return the club face to square on a consistent basis, without any unnecessary forward press or body movement. SuperStroke’s Traxion Claw incorporates a pistol top hand profile with three flat sides in the bottom hand to facilitate a claw grip by increasing the overall surface area. The grip’s Traxion Control builds on the feel and playability of the original SuperStroke grip with a surface texture design that enhances feedback and feel through X-shaped “Traxion” zones on the polyurethane outer layer. An Advanced Spyne Technology design improves the chances of producing a repeatable claw grip with each stroke.
$26.18
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Best putter grip accessory for techies
Arccos SuperStroke Accessory
No, this isn’t a putter grip. But if you happen to purchase a SuperStroke CounterCore or Traxion putter grip, you’ll get an Arccos sensor thrown in free to keep tabs on your putting. The sensor, which is positioned in the butt end of the grip, works in conjunction with Arccos’ Caddie app to track every shot (and putt) during the course of a round. Since they’re giving it away gratis with the price of a grip, it’s worth picking one up. And if you happen to lose it, it’ll only put you out a mere $20.
Free (with the purchase of a SuperStroke grip)
Best putter grip for squaring up the handle
Flat Cat
Popularized by Justin Rose, Flat Cat’s original grip was designed with wider side panels that run parallel to each other. The unique grip shape (available in five sizes) squares the handle to the putter face for a more consistent stroke. A lightweight polyurethane compound gives the grip a soft feel.
$24.99
Best putter grip for the Armlock method
JumboMax JMX ArmLock 21
Built for the golfer who prefers to rest the grip against his forearm — known as the “ArmLock” or “Kuchar” method — JumboMax’s 21-inch grip features a slightly oversized pistol shape oval profile and “twist-resistant transfer core” that keeps the putter locked in place during the stroke. A tacky polymer on the exterior surface enhances feel and traction in all weather conditions.
$34.95
Best putter grip for a tacky feel
Grip Master The Signature
The Signature grip boasts the same Cabretta leather you’d find on a high-end golf glove. If feel is near the top of the list when it comes to a putter grip, this one should be in your wheelhouse. The supple leather is combined with Grip Master’s ProTack treatment to keep the grip from slipping out of your hands. The traditional pistol shape should appeal to traditionalists who are looking for something that’s on the softer side of the feel scale.
$31.99
Best putter grip for stability
Lamkin Deep-Etched
Made from a durable synthetic rubber compound, the Deep-Etched grip has enjoyed a lengthy run in the professional ranks. The horizontally etched pattern offers stability and traction, while the firm rubber material heightens feedback at impact. The paddle-style profile is meant to encourage a tension-free stroke.
$10.69
Each product we feature has been independently selected by GOLF.com’s editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn a small commission.
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