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What do you do when the inevitable putting slump occurs?

Some golfers ride it out or make minor stroke adjustments. Others change putters or even putter types (experimenting with a belly or long putter, for example). Another golfer may try something drastic, like closing his eyes while putting or switching from right- to left-handed.

But perhaps the most common course of action is to change grip styles. These days, that could mean just about anything, from the claw grip to Matt Kuchars arm-lock method. The first thing to try, though, is an oldy but goody – the cross-handed or left-hand-low grip.

The conventional putting grip, of course, finds the left hand above the right (for righties) on the handle. The cross-handed style simply reverses the order.

More than just a quick-fix gimmick, the cross-handed grip actually has benefits over the regular grip – mainly, it prevents the wrists from controlling the stroke or breaking down at impact while keeping the arms and shoulders in command. This promotes a rocking, back-and-through motion thats much easier to control and repeat with consistency.

Golfers who tend to flick the putter head through impact, especially on short putts, are prime candidates to benefit from putting cross-handed. If you pull a lot of putts, often hit them too hard or sometimes hit the green behind the ball, this means you.

The best part is, theres no harm in trying the cross-handed grip. You can practice it at home to get over the initial awkwardness, then take it to the practice green for more intense work. Follow this guide to learn the cross-handed grip; as a bonus, the lesson includes a tip for gripping claw-style:

Different Golf Grip Styles for Putting

If the cross-handed grip works for you, congratulations. Youre in good company. Major champions including Jim Furyk, Fred Couples and Vijay Singh have all tried it with great success.

As with the full swing, the grip exerts an inordinate influence over ones putting game. Visit these pages for tips on getting your grip just right:

How to Grip the Putter Correctly

Women: Why You Need Both Palms Parallel on the Grip

Seniors: Flat Palm Putting Grip

Stroke it Like Stricker with Un-cocked Left Wrist

Putter Grips Shape, Size Can Influence Results

Different strokes for different strokes, right? Different grips, too. Sure, many golfers do just fine holding the club in the traditional manner. And its entirely possible your grip isnt your problem. Alignment, acceleration and head movement are just a few of the things which can affect ones putting. But if youre at a loss for a cure, try left-hand-low.

For every player who has found success putting cross-handed, there are plenty more who tried and scrapped it. Fact is, your issues may lie elsewhere. Before going left-hand-low, check your alignment. More often than not, the fault lies there.

Early adapters of the cross-handed style drew some bemused looks from their playing partners – until those putts started rolling in. Nowadays, so many golfers employ unusual putting grips that it almost seems conventional grippers are a minority. Give cross-handed a try and, if it works, youll be the golfer whos giggling.