What is a Pistol Grip Putter? (A Beginner’s Guide)
Have you ever wondered what a pistol grip putter is? Or maybe you’ve seen one on the golf course and wondered what it’s for. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at pistol grip putters and discuss their pros and cons. We’ll also provide some tips on how to choose the right pistol grip putter for your game.
So, what is a pistol grip putter? Simply put, it’s a putter with a grip that resembles the grip of a pistol. The grip is typically shorter and thicker than a traditional putter grip, and it’s designed to be held in the fingers rather than the palm of the hand. This allows for a more natural and comfortable putting stroke.
Pistol grip putters have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. They can be a great option for golfers of all levels, but they’re especially beneficial for golfers with wrist issues or those who struggle with a consistent putting stroke.
In the following sections, we’ll take a closer look at the benefits of using a pistol grip putter, discuss some of the drawbacks, and provide some tips on how to choose the right pistol grip putter for your game.
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| What is a Pistol Grip Putter? | A pistol grip putter is a type of putter that has a grip that is shaped like a pistol. | The pistol grip putter is designed to help golfers with their stroke by providing a more comfortable and natural grip. |
| Benefits of a Pistol Grip Putter | The pistol grip putter can help golfers with their stroke by: |
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| Drawbacks of a Pistol Grip Putter | The pistol grip putter can also have some drawbacks, such as: |
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| The pistol grip putter is a popular choice for many golfers, but it is important to try out different types of putters to find the one that is best for you. |
History of the Pistol Grip Putter
The pistol grip putter is a relatively new invention, but it has quickly become one of the most popular types of putters on the PGA Tour. The pistol grip putter was first introduced in the early 1990s by Karsten Solheim, the founder of Ping Golf. Solheim designed the pistol grip putter to help golfers improve their putting stroke by providing a more stable and consistent grip.
The pistol grip putter is named for its resemblance to a pistol, with the grip positioned at the end of the shaft like a pistol grip. This grip allows golfers to keep their wrists more stable and prevents them from rotating during the putting stroke. The pistol grip putter also helps golfers to keep their eyes directly over the ball, which is essential for making accurate putts.
The pistol grip putter has been used by a number of successful golfers, including Tiger Woods, Ernie Els, and Adam Scott. Woods has won 14 major championships using a pistol grip putter, and Els has won two Masters titles with the same type of putter. Scott has also used a pistol grip putter to win multiple tournaments, including the 2013 Masters.
The pistol grip putter is a versatile option that can be used by golfers of all skill levels. It is a good choice for golfers who struggle with a consistent putting stroke or who have trouble keeping their wrists from rotating during the stroke. The pistol grip putter can also help golfers to improve their alignment and eye-line, which are essential for making accurate putts.
Different Types of Pistol Grip Putters
There are a number of different types of pistol grip putters available on the market. The most common type is the traditional pistol grip putter, which has a straight shaft and a pistol grip. This type of putter is the most popular because it is easy to use and provides a lot of stability.
Another type of pistol grip putter is the offset pistol grip putter. This type of putter has a shaft that is offset to the right, which helps golfers to square the face of the putter at impact. Offset pistol grip putters are often recommended for golfers who have a tendency to slice their putts.
Finally, there are also a number of other types of pistol grip putters available, including mallet putters, blade putters, and hybrids. The best type of pistol grip putter for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Pros and Cons of Using a Pistol Grip Putter
There are a number of advantages to using a pistol grip putter, including:
- Stability: The pistol grip putter provides a more stable and consistent grip than other types of putters. This can help golfers to improve their putting stroke and make more accurate putts.
- Alignment: The pistol grip putter can help golfers to improve their alignment and eye-line. This is because the grip is positioned at the end of the shaft, which helps golfers to keep their eyes directly over the ball.
- Versatility: The pistol grip putter is a versatile option that can be used by golfers of all skill levels. It is a good choice for golfers who struggle with a consistent putting stroke or who have trouble keeping their wrists from rotating during the stroke.
However, there are also a few disadvantages to using a pistol grip putter, including:
- Price: Pistol grip putters can be more expensive than other types of putters.
- Availability: Pistol grip putters may not be as widely available as other types of putters.
- Personal preference: Not all golfers find the pistol grip putter to be comfortable or easy to use.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use a pistol grip putter is a personal one. There are a number of factors to consider, including your individual needs and preferences.
The pistol grip putter is a relatively new invention, but it has quickly become one of the most popular types of putters on the PGA Tour. The pistol grip putter provides a number of advantages over other types of putters, including stability, alignment, and versatility. However, it is important to note that the pistol grip putter is not for everyone. Some golfers may find it to be uncomfortable or difficult to use. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use a pistol grip putter is a personal one.
3. Benefits of Using a Pistol Grip Putter
A pistol grip putter is a type of putter that is designed to help golfers improve their accuracy and consistency. It is named for its resemblance to the grip of a pistol, with the shaft running through the middle of the hand and the head of the putter resting in the palm.
There are a number of benefits to using a pistol grip putter, including:
- Increased accuracy: The pistol grip putter allows golfers to better control the putter head and make more accurate putts. This is because the grip helps to keep the golfer’s hands and arms in a more stable position, which reduces the chances of the putter head being pulled off-line.
- Improved consistency: The pistol grip putter also helps golfers to improve their consistency. This is because the grip helps to create a more repeatable stroke, which makes it easier to repeat the same putting motion over and over again.
- Reduced pain and strain: The pistol grip putter can also help to reduce pain and strain in the golfer’s wrists, arms, and shoulders. This is because the grip helps to keep the golfer’s hands and arms in a more natural position, which reduces the amount of stress on these joints.
- More control: The pistol grip putter also gives golfers more control over the putter head. This is because the grip allows golfers to make small adjustments to the putter head’s path, which can help them to make putts from a variety of different angles.
Overall, the pistol grip putter is a great option for golfers who are looking to improve their accuracy, consistency, and pain relief. It is a versatile grip that can be used by golfers of all skill levels.
4. Drawbacks of Using a Pistol Grip Putter
While the pistol grip putter offers a number of benefits, there are also a few drawbacks to consider before making the switch. These include:
- Can be difficult to get used to: The pistol grip putter is a different design than most other putter grips, so it can take some time to get used to. This is especially true for golfers who have been using a traditional grip for many years.
- May not be suitable for everyone: The pistol grip putter is not suitable for everyone. Some golfers may find that it is uncomfortable to hold or that it does not provide them with the same level of control as a traditional grip.
- Can cause discomfort or pain: The pistol grip putter can also cause discomfort or pain for some golfers. This is because the grip puts more pressure on the golfer’s wrists, arms, and shoulders.
Overall, the pistol grip putter is a great option for many golfers, but it is important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks before making the switch. If you are considering trying a pistol grip putter, be sure to talk to your golf instructor or coach to see if it is a good fit for you.
The pistol grip putter is a unique design that can offer a number of benefits for golfers of all skill levels. It is important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of the pistol grip putter before making the switch to see if it is a good fit for you.
What is a pistol grip putter?
A pistol grip putter is a type of putter that is designed to be held in the same way that you would hold a pistol. The grip is typically shorter and thicker than a traditional putter grip, and it is angled slightly forward. This design is intended to help golfers make a more consistent stroke by keeping their wrists from rotating during the swing.
What are the advantages of using a pistol grip putter?
There are a few potential advantages to using a pistol grip putter, including:
- Increased consistency: The shorter, thicker grip and forward-angled design of a pistol grip putter can help golfers to make a more consistent stroke by preventing their wrists from rotating. This can lead to improved accuracy and distance control.
- Comfort: The pistol grip putter is designed to be held in the same way that you would hold a pistol, which can be more comfortable for some golfers than a traditional putter grip.
- Confidence: The pistol grip putter can give golfers a sense of confidence, as it is a popular choice among professional golfers.
What are the disadvantages of using a pistol grip putter?
There are a few potential disadvantages to using a pistol grip putter, including:
- Limited stroke options: The pistol grip putter is designed to be used with a specific type of stroke, which may not be ideal for all golfers.
- Less feel: The shorter, thicker grip of a pistol grip putter can make it more difficult for golfers to feel the clubhead through the stroke. This can make it more difficult to make adjustments to your swing.
- Unfamiliarity: The pistol grip putter is a relatively new design, and it may take some time for golfers to get used to it. This can lead to inconsistency in your stroke until you become more comfortable with the grip.
Is a pistol grip putter right for me?
Whether or not a pistol grip putter is right for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a putter that can help you to make a more consistent stroke, then a pistol grip putter may be a good option for you. However, if you are concerned about limited stroke options or reduced feel, then you may want to consider a traditional putter grip.
How do I choose the right pistol grip putter?
There are a few factors to consider when choosing a pistol grip putter, including:
- Your swing type: The pistol grip putter is designed to be used with a specific type of stroke, so it is important to choose a putter that is compatible with your swing.
- Your hand size: The size of the grip is important, as you want to be able to hold the putter comfortably.
- Your budget: Pistol grip putters can range in price from a few dollars to several hundred dollars, so it is important to choose a putter that fits your budget.
Once you have considered these factors, you can start to narrow down your choices and find the right pistol grip putter for you.
Resources
- [Golf Digest: The Best Pistol Grip Putters of 2023](https://www.golfdigest.com/equipment/2023/02/best-pistol-grip-putters)
- [PutterZone: Pistol Grip Putters: What Are They and Are They Right for You?](https://www.putterzone.com/pistol-grip-putters-what-are-they-and-are-they-right-for-you/)
a pistol grip putter is a type of putter that is designed to be held in the hand in a similar way to a pistol. This type of putter is often preferred by golfers who have a strong grip and who want to have more control over the putter head. Pistol grip putters are also often used by golfers who have a problem with their putting stroke, as the grip can help to improve their alignment and consistency. If you are considering using a pistol grip putter, it is important to experiment with different grips and styles to find one that feels comfortable and allows you to make consistent putts.