How Should You Grip Your Right Hand When Putting?
Have you ever found yourself hesitating—should I curl my right index finger when putting? Or should I keep it straight?
You’re not alone. I used to overlook that little finger too, until a caddie once told me, “Try changing just your index finger position.” And boom—my putting suddenly felt different. Since then, I start every round by checking my grip, especially that one finger. If you’ve been struggling with consistency or distance control in putting, this might be the exact tip you need.
Table Of Contents
1. Why the Right Index Finger Matters in Your Putting Grip
Putting is all about precision, and even the smallest details matter.
The position of your right index finger plays a key role in:
- Stabilizing your wrist
- Controlling stroke rhythm
- Keeping the putter face square
It might look like a minor adjustment, but the way you position this one finger can change your entire putting experience.
2. What Happens When You Curl It – Great for Short Putts
Struggling with those nerve-wracking 3-footers?
Curling your index finger does wonders for short putts because:
- It locks your wrist and prevents unnecessary movement
- Helps the putter head stay on a straight line
- Boosts accuracy on fast greens or pressured shots
💡 When to use
Short putts, downhill putts, or fast greens—try curling that index finger and see how stable your stroke becomes.
3. What Happens When You Extend It – Better Distance Control
Long putts are all about feel and rhythm.
When you extend your index finger:
- Your wrist becomes more flexible
- Your stroke gains fluidity
- You get better distance control
💡 When to use
On long putts (5m+), uphill putts, or slower greens, extending the finger helps you “feel” the putt rather than “force” it.
4. Which Grip for Which Situation?
| Putting Scenario | Suggested Grip Style | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Short putts | Curl your index finger | More wrist stability, better accuracy |
| Long putts | Extend your index finger | Smoother stroke, better distance feel |
The grip isn’t a one-size-fits-all thing. Adjusting it based on the green conditions and shot type makes a huge difference.
5. Practical Tips for Real Game Application
- Separate your practice sessions for short and long putts using different grips
- Use a mirror or record your stroke to analyze wrist movement
- Focus on how the grip change affects your timing and path
🎯 Pro Tip:
It might feel subtle at first, but that tiny adjustment can give your stroke an entirely different “feel”—and eventually, better results.
6. Other Factors That Influence Your Putting
Your index finger isn’t the only star here.
- Ring and pinky finger pressure – affects balance and control
- Hand balance – keeps the stroke path stable
- Back of the hand position – influences the putter face angle
Refining these small elements makes your putting stroke more reliable.
7. A Simple Practice Routine Anyone Can Follow
🕒 Total Time: 15 Minutes
- 10 short putts (1.5m) with curled index finger
- 10 long putts (5–7m) with extended index finger
- Switch grips based on shot type and feel the difference
- End with 5 putts using your preferred grip—see your success rate!
You’ll start noticing how much grip influences your consistency.
🤔 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do other fingers also affect my putting stroke?
Yes, especially the ring and pinky fingers. Their pressure can influence the putter’s stability.
How do I train for better hand balance?
Try practicing in front of a mirror or filming your putting stroke. You’ll see any imbalance clearly.
What do pros usually do?
Pros often keep the wrist firm for short putts and more relaxed for long putts—but it varies.
Can grip changes affect my putter face direction?
Absolutely. Changing your grip changes wrist angles, which in turn affect the face alignment.
Can changing just my index finger really make a difference?
Many golfers have seen improvement by adjusting just that. Try it out—you’ll be surprised!
💬Ever noticed how solid putters always look like they barely move?
That’s because they’ve fine-tuned their grip to feel right.
Today’s tip—whether to curl or extend your index finger—might seem small. But over time, it could give you a better feel, rhythm, and confidence on the greens. And that’s what great putting is all about.
If you’ve got questions or tips of your own, leave a comment or DM me—I’d love to hear what works for you! 🎯