Putting is often referred to as the "game within the game" in golf, as it requires precision and finesse to sink those crucial shots. One factor that has gained attention among golfers is counter-weighting the putter grip. By adding weight to the grip end, counter-weighting aims to influence the balance and stability of the putter during the stroke, while hopefully allowing a golfer to feel more in tune with their putter. With some help from our sponsors at SuperStroke USA, we will explore the pros and cons of counter-weighting your putter grip to help you make an informed decision.
We should quickly mention that it’s possible to counter weight your putter by extending the club and adding a heavier, and usually longer, putter grip. This is a strategy that has gained a lot of popularity lately as pros on tour win more and more events with the setup. Wyndham Clark, Keegan Bradley, and Rickie Fowler have all won this year using this type of setup and the putter that Rickie and Wyndam use has created such a stir that Callaway re-released the Versa Jailbird mallet putter and SuperStrokes Tour 3.0 17 has sold out more than once!
Should you counterweight your putter?
The more traditional way to counter-weight your putter is to add weight to the handle section of the club. Typically this is done by taking the old grip off gluing in a counterweight to the end of your shaft, hoping its the right fit for your game, and then regripping that putter. Thankfully with SuperStroke Putter Grips it couldn’t be any easier! Most of their grips (excluding select sizes and varieties) will have a SuperStroke Techport that allows you to purchase a SuperStroke putter weight in 25g, 50g, or 75g variations. You simply unscrew the Techport cap on your grip, and screw in the SuperStroke putter weight of your choosing. If you do not have a putter grip with a Techport there are other ways of counter-weighting your putter grip such as putting lead tape under the grip before installation, or installing a traditional shaft counterweight before you install your grip. We always recommend finding a reputable builder when making any changes.
Pros and Cons of Counter-Weighting Your Putter
Counter-weighting your putter grip can be a useful technique for improving stability, control, and swing weight customization during the putting stroke. It may help reduce wrist action, promote a smoother motion, and provide a sense of balance. However, it is essential to consider the potential impact on feel, adapt to the change, and recognize that individual variability exists in terms of its effectiveness. Experimentation, practice, and seeking professional guidance are key to determining whether counter-weighting is beneficial for your game. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preferences, as the goal is to find the equipment and technique that allows you to putt with confidence and consistency on the greens.
Thanks to our sponsors at SuperStroke USA for providing us with the grips you saw in today’s demonstrations. For more information about the entire lineup of SuperStroke products visit their website at superstrokeusa.com