The wrists opposed in putting

A high proportion of the best golfers today use the reverse overlap grip—the index finger of the left hand laps over the right and rides in the channel between the small finger and the third finger of the right hand. Regardless of what type of grip they use, all the best putters proceed on the principle of having the wrists opposed. That is, if you opened your hands, the palms would be facing each other.

With the wrists opposed, both thumbs are on top of the shaft. The left hand should be firm and, though it must not be tense, it should be on the side of tightness not lightness. This grip has a tendency to put control of the stroking in the firm left hand, with most of the control exercised by the little finger and the two fingers adjoining it.

Gene Littler is a perfect illustration of a player who uses this opposed-wrists technique beautifully. He is a delight to watch because his entire style of putting is very sound and it is a style that all golfers, both men and women, can easily employ. To insure free and proper movements in his hands, Gene points his left elbow toward the hole and supports the right forearm slightly on the right thigh. He plays the ball in the center of his stance—normally his feet are about eight inches apart—which puts overspin on the ball and helps it hold its line. He keeps his eyes directly over the ball; his head remains still. He takes an ample backswing which permits the left elbow and hand to go forward and through with the stroke.

RALPH HUTCHISON, Saucon Valley Country Club, Bethlehem, Pa.

PHOTO

ILLUSTRATION

The reverse overlapping grip

ILLUSTRATION

Ralph Hutchison demonstrates how the wrists should be opposed to each other

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