How Alex Noren’s unique 10-finger grip revolutionized his putting

Putting is an interesting aspect of the game in that there are numerous ways to approach the skill, many of which might look unconventional, that are still effective. There are traditional styles like Tiger Woods, feel-based approaches like Ben Crenshaw and even science-backed tactics like Bryson DeChambeau. But no matter what method you choose, the most important thing is finding something that makes you feel confident when you pull the flat stick out of the bag.

Alex Noren is a good example of a player whose approach looks unconventional, but the results are still sparkling. In the last five full seasons on the PGA Tour, Noren has ranked inside the top 20 in Stroke Gained: Putting three times, twice ranking inside the top 5. And all of this comes with a putting grip that differs from many of his peers.

As he explained in a recent video from Golfing World, Noren tried to use a conventional grip and style on the greens in his younger days.

“I was trying to look like Tiger,” Noren said. “You know, the perfect putting.”

But then in 2011, the Swede explained he changed his grip and style on a whim the Tuesday before the Scandinavian Masters in his home country. The results were immediate. He won the tournament as he “putted the best (he’s) ever putted that week.”

The new grip is basically a modified left-hand low approach with an extreme forward press, which is why he uses a putter with five degrees of loft.

“The grip is quite basic,” Noren said. “I put my left hand low. It levels out the shoulders.”

Noren puts all of his fingers on the grip as he grasps the club. This is different from conventional styles where players use either an overlapping or interlocking grip. He also lines up both of his thumbs pointing down the top of the grip. He then takes address and uses a severe forward press at address.

“My practice I always try to feel loose and in motion,” Noren said. “Instead of standing still too long. And I’m quite quick once I get over the ball. I try not to think too much. I have a couple of looks and then go.”

While Noren’s putting might look a bit odd to the untrained eye, it’s an excellent example of how there are several different methods that can get the job done on the greens.

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