This trendy golf putter grip may do the job

Putter Grips for High School Golfers: What Actually Matters

Putter grips have become one of the most talked-about pieces of equipment in golf, partly because tour players have experimented so visibly with oversized, flat-sided and pistol-shaped designs. For a high school golfer, a new grip is also one of the cheapest equipment changes available, and it can make a real difference on the greens if it suits the player's stroke.

Why grip size changes the stroke

The main idea behind larger putter grips is to quiet the small muscles in the hands and wrists. A thicker grip tends to encourage a stroke driven by the shoulders, which many coaches see as more repeatable under pressure. A slimmer, traditional pistol grip gives more feel and lets the hands release the putter head, which some players prefer on fast greens or for longer lag putts. Neither is automatically better; the right choice depends on how the player naturally moves the putter.

Other styles worth knowing

• Flat-front grips help square the hands to the target line, since the thumbs rest on a flat surface.
• Counterbalanced grips add weight near the top of the shaft, which can make the putter head feel more stable through impact.
• Alternative hand positions such as cross-handed, claw or arm-lock putting often pair better with specific grip shapes, so it is worth testing the grip with the hold the player actually uses.

Practical advice before switching

Try a grip on a practice green rather than buying on looks alone. Short, straight putts from three to six feet reveal quickly whether a grip helps the face stay square. Give any change a few weeks of regular practice before judging it, and avoid switching right before an important tournament. Check that any grip conforms to the Rules of Golf, since competition play requires conforming equipment; a coach or local club fitter can confirm this and help with installation.

Equipment is only part of the picture. Consistent practice routines, green reading and composure under pressure matter far more over a season. Golfers and families can follow match dates on our schedule and find more on all programs on the teams page.