Shane Lowry Grip

Pros and Cons of Every Golf Grip Style

Best Grip? Overlapping vs Interlocking

Grip style: Vardon (overlapping)

Hand position: Neutral

Putting grip style / hand position: Cross-handed (left hand low)

Shane Lowry’s unusual grip with the putter has been colorfully described as “cack-handed.” Call it what you will, Lowry’s method works like a charm.

The Irishman isn’t well known to American golf fans; from his pro debut in 2009 through 2014, he’d played only 16 PGA TOUR events. European crowds, on the other hand, are quite familiar with him. Lowry’s a two-time winner in Europe and is considered a rising star.

Chalk up much of Lowry’s success to his odd grip and putting stroke. He places his right hand near the top of the handle in typical cross-handed fashion. But rather than wrap his left hand around the grip in a conventional manner, Lowry lets it hang so that the forefinger runs straight down the outside of the handle. He places the left middle finger on the grip’s back side for stability, with his remaining fingers off the club completely.

Did we mention how well it works? Lowry consistently ranks among Europe’s top 20 putters, topping out at fifth in 2014.

Of course, you have to get to the greens first. Shane Lowry’s grip for the full swing isn’t nearly as uncommon as his putting grip. In fact, it’s downright normal – neutral, if you will. This assures that Lowry’s hands won’t foul up his swing by becoming overly active (which can happen with a strong grip), or being too passive through the hitting area (a common problem with a weak grip).

From his homemade putting grip to his textbook grip on full swings, Lowry strikes a happy medium.

Player Profile

Golf Grip Terms

Note: All descriptions are for right-handed golfers.

Vardon / Overlapping Grip: Method of holding the club by placing the right pinky finger on top of the crease between the left index and middle fingers. Named for British golf legend Harry Vardon.

Interlocking Grip: Method of holding the club by wedging or locking the right pinky finger between the left index and middle fingers.

Neutral: Position in which the hands are directly aligned with the clubface. The golfer with a neutral grip can typically see two full knuckles on the back of the left hand when addressing the ball.

Weak: Position in which the hands are rotated left (toward the target) on the club’s handle. The golfer with a weak grip can typically see one full knuckle on the back of the left hand when addressing the ball.

Strong: Position in which the hands are rotated right (away from the target) on the club’s handle. The golfer with a strong grip can typically see more than two full knuckles on the back of the left hand when addressing the ball.

Reverse Overlap Putting Grip: Conventional putting grip style with the left hand above the right and the left index finger extending downward, on top of the fingers of the right hand.

Cross-Handed / Left Hand Low Putting Grip: The right hand is placed at the top of the handle, above the left hand, the opposite of a conventional grip.

Claw Putting Grip: The left hand is placed in the conventional position, at the top of the handle, with the right hand lower on the handle and holding the club between the thumb (on the grip’s underside) and fingers.