Putting is often considered the most important fundamental of golf, yet many players struggle with inconsistent contact and poor alignment. For new golfers, adopting a reliable, proven grip is the fastest way to build confidence and start sinking more putts. One of the most famous and effective putting grips is the Reverse Overlap Grip, famously used by legends like Ben Hogan.
Our featured video, “Intro To Golf — Ben Hogan’s Putting Grip (Reverse Overlap Grip Overview)”, provides a clear, step-by-step guide to mastering this classic technique, ensuring you build a stable, consistent putting stroke from day one.
The Reverse Overlap Grip Explained
The Reverse Overlap Grip is a popular variation used by many top professionals. It gets its name from the lead hand’s index finger overlapping the fingers of the trail hand, a subtle change that provides massive benefits for the putting stroke:
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Stabilizes the Lead Wrist: The lead wrist (the back of the hand facing the target) is crucial for a stable stroke. By placing the trail hand’s fingers below the lead hand’s index finger, the grip prevents the lead wrist from breaking down (or flexing) through impact. This ensures the putter face remains square and the stroke stays solid.
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Unifies the Hands: This grip forces the hands to work as a single unit, eliminating the independent movement of the hands that destroys rhythm and pace control.
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Promotes Shoulder Movement: When the hands are unified and stable, the stroke is naturally driven by the shoulders and arms, creating the smooth pendulum motion needed for consistent distance control.
The Ben Hogan Connection: A Master’s Fundamental
Ben Hogan, revered for his meticulous fundamentals, understood that consistency begins with the setup and the grip. His use of the Reverse Overlap grip solidified its reputation as a non-flashy, highly effective technique that simply works.
For a beginner golfer, learning this method is essential advice that helps build a solid foundation. It helps you eliminate the tension and poor alignment that often causes frustration on the green.
How to Implement the Reverse Overlap Grip
The video demonstrates the simple process of setting up this grip:
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Lead Hand Placement: Place the putter grip securely in the palms and fingers of your lead hand (top hand).
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Trail Hand Placement: Place your trail hand (bottom hand) on the grip, ensuring your trail index finger overlaps or rests on top of the fingers of your lead hand.
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Pressure: Maintain light, consistent pressure. The hands should feel relaxed, allowing the large muscles of the shoulders to drive the stroke.
Mastering this classic technique will help you gain confidence on the greens, giving you the best chance to sink more putts and immediately lower your score.
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