20 Pros and Cons of Left Hand Low Putting

Pros And Cons Of Left Hand Low Putting

Are you tired of your traditional putting technique not working for you? Have you considered trying the left hand low putting method? This technique has been gaining popularity in recent years and could potentially improve your game. However, as with any new approach, there are pros and cons to consider before incorporating it into your play.

Left hand low putting involves placing your left hand lower on the grip of the putter than your right hand (for right-handed golfers). The idea behind this is that it encourages a smoother stroke and reduces wrist movement, resulting in greater control over the ball.

But is this really the case? Read on to weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of left hand low putting and decide if it’s right for you.

Table of Contents

Pros of Left Hand Low Putting

Enhanced Wrist Control: Using the left hand low method can lead to better control over wrist action during the putting stroke. By positioning the left hand lower, it helps in reducing unnecessary wrist movement, which can cause inconsistency in putts. For many golfers, this technique stabilizes the wrist, leading to more controlled and accurate putts.
Improved Alignment: The left hand low grip can help players align their shoulders more squarely to the target line. By squaring the shoulders, there’s a better chance of the putter face being square at impact, increasing the likelihood of the ball traveling on the desired line.
Consistency in Stroke: The technique often leads to a pendulum-like stroke, where the movement is driven by the shoulders rather than the hands or wrists. This repetitive motion can result in more consistent putt distances and directions, improving overall performance on the greens.

Breaks Bad Habits: For players who have developed bad wrist habits or have become wristy in their strokes, switching to the left hand low can serve as a reset, helping to eliminate those detrimental movements.
Psychological Boost: A change in putting grip, such as adopting the left hand low method, can provide a mental reset for players who are struggling with their standard grip. This shift can boost confidence, leading to better performance.
Greater Face Awareness: Some players report that they can better sense the putter’s face orientation during the stroke with a left hand low grip. This enhanced feedback can be crucial in making adjustments during a round.
Adaptability: Left hand low doesn’t require a specific type of putter or significant changes to a player’s stance. This means players can experiment with it without the need for new equipment or a drastic overhaul of their putting setup.
Reduces Yips: The yips, involuntary wrist spasms during putting, can be detrimental. The left hand low method can help reduce or even eliminate the yips for some players by promoting a smoother stroke.

Ease of Transition: For left-handed players who play golf right-handed, this grip can feel more natural and intuitive, making the transition smoother and less challenging.
Extended Career Longevity: For professional golfers or serious amateurs, switching to left hand low can potentially extend their career. As they age and face challenges with conventional grips, this alternative might provide an edge in maintaining or improving their game.

Cons of Left Hand Low Putting

Initial Awkwardness: For players used to traditional grips, the initial transition to left hand low can feel uncomfortable and unnatural. It can take considerable practice and time to get accustomed to this new method.
Lack of Power: Some players might find that they can’t generate the same amount of power or distance on longer putts using the left hand low grip compared to a conventional grip.
Inconsistency in Transition: While eventually, the grip can lead to consistent strokes, the initial phase of switching can result in inconsistent ball rolls and unpredictable results.

Perception and Peer Pressure: Given that the conventional grip is more widespread, some players might face peer pressure or feel that they are not adhering to the ‘standard’ way of playing, which can impact their confidence.
Limited Teaching Resources: Not all golf instructors are familiar with or endorse the left hand low method. As a result, players might struggle to find appropriate coaching or resources to perfect the technique.
Potential for Over-reliance: While the grip can correct certain issues, there’s a risk of players over-relying on it to fix all their putting woes, neglecting other crucial aspects of their putting game.
Struggle with Slope Reads: Some golfers report difficulty in reading greens and slopes when using the left hand low technique. The change in grip might affect their ability to gauge the speed and break of putts.

Inadequate for All Situations: While left hand low might work wonders on smoother greens or specific types of putts, it might not be the best choice for all conditions or terrains.
Stagnation in Skill Development: If players switch to left hand low without addressing underlying technical flaws in their stroke, they might hit a plateau in their skill development.
Muscle Memory Confusion: For players who switch between traditional and left hand low grips, there’s a risk of confusing their muscle memory. This inconsistency can lead to mistakes, especially under pressure.

Explanation of Left Hand Low Putting Technique

You’ll want to try this grip if you’re looking for a new way to improve your performance on the green. Left hand low putting refers to a technique where the left hand is placed below the right hand on the putter grip.

This hand positioning allows for a more stable and consistent putting stroke, which can greatly benefit golfers of all skill levels. One of the main benefits of left hand low putting is that it helps eliminate wrist action in your stroke.

When using this technique, your left arm becomes more dominant in controlling the clubface, resulting in less rotation and movement of your wrists. This results in a more accurate and consistent putt. However, there are also some potential drawbacks to left hand low putting that should be considered.

For example, it can take time to adjust to this new grip and get comfortable with it. Some golfers may also find that they lose distance or feel like they have less control over their putts when using this technique. Ultimately, whether or not left hand low putting is right for you will depend on factors such as your personal preferences and playing style.

Advantages of Left Hand Low Putting

If you’re struggling with consistency in your putting stroke, switching to a grip where one hand is below the other may help improve your accuracy and distance control. This is exactly what left hand low putting technique offers.

Many golfers have found that using this grip helps them hit more consistent putts, especially under pressure. Tiger Woods is a prime example of a golfer who successfully switched to left hand low putting and saw significant improvements in his game.

One of the main benefits of left hand low putting is improved accuracy. By placing one hand lower on the club than the other, you create a more stable and controlled motion during your stroke. This reduces the chance of any unwanted movements or wobbles that can cause mishits or misreads on the green. Additionally, because your hands are closer together, it’s easier to keep the clubface square through impact.

Another advantage of left hand low putting is increased consistency. With this grip, you’ll find it easier to match up your hands with each putt, creating a repeatable motion that builds confidence over time. As a result, you’ll be able to hit more putts on line and with similar speed from hole to hole and round to round.

Whether you’re playing competitively or just for fun, having confidence in your putting stroke can make all the difference on the course.

Negatives of Left Hand Low Putting

If you’re considering left hand low putting, it’s important to be aware of the potential downsides. One of the biggest challenges is adjusting to the new grip, which can take time and practice.

Additionally, some golfers report a loss of feel on longer putts when using this technique. Keep these factors in mind as you weigh the pros and cons of left hand low putting for your game.

Difficulty adjusting to the new grip

Adjusting to the new grip can be quite challenging at first, but with enough practice and patience, it’ll become second nature. When you switch to left hand low putting, your brain needs time to process the new grip and adjust your muscle memory accordingly.

Here are some tips on how to overcome this obstacle:

Practice drills: One of the best ways to get used to the left hand low putting grip is by doing repetitive drills that focus on building muscle memory. Start by practicing short putts from 3-5 feet away from the hole and gradually increase your distance as you get more comfortable.
Mental adjustments: Along with physical practice, mental preparation is also important when switching grips. Try visualizing yourself using the left hand low grip before every putt and remind yourself of its benefits such as a more stable stroke and consistent ball contact.
Be patient: Remember that changing a habit takes time and effort. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results or struggle with consistency in the beginning. With enough dedication and persistence, you’ll eventually master this technique and improve your putting game overall!

Potential loss of feel on longer putts

Switching to the left hand low grip may cause you to lose some feel on longer putts because the new grip requires a slight adjustment in your putting speed and muscle memory. However, with enough practice, you can still develop a consistent stroke that allows you to confidently putt from any distance.

One way to overcome this potential loss of feel is through deliberate practice. Spend time on the putting green hitting putts from different distances and focus on developing a consistent pace for each one. As you become more comfortable with the new grip, also pay attention to your muscle memory and make adjustments as necessary.

With patience and dedication, you’ll soon find yourself sinking long-range putts like never before!

Comparison to Traditional Putting Technique

Imagine standing over the ball with your hands close together and your left hand slightly lower on the grip, using a putting technique that feels more natural and fluid than what you’re used to. This is the essence of left hand low putting, a technique that has been gaining popularity among golfers in recent years. But how does it compare to traditional putting stroke? Let’s take a closer look.

First and foremost, left hand low putting can offer several advantages over traditional putting stroke. For one, it allows for better alignment by keeping the shoulders square to the target line. It also promotes a smoother pendulum motion, reducing wrist action and minimizing unwanted movements. In addition, left hand low putting can help alleviate yips or other mental blocks that may occur during putts.

However, as with any technique change, there are potential drawbacks to consider. One major concern is the loss of feel on longer putts due to reduced wrist action. Others argue that left hand low putting may not be as effective when dealing with uphill or downhill putts since it relies heavily on maintaining proper shoulder alignment.

In summary, while there are benefits to both techniques, left hand low putting offers some unique advantages for those looking to improve their putt game. Ultimately though, whether you choose this method or stick with traditional stroke is up to personal preference and what works best for you on the green.

Left Hand Low Putting
Better alignment
Smoother pendulum motion
Alleviates yips
Traditional Putting Stroke

More feel on longer putts
Potentially more effective on uphill/downhill putts

Tips for Incorporating Left Hand Low Putting into Your Game

If you’re looking to up your game on the green, give LHLP a shot and try these tips to make it a seamless addition to your routine.

When incorporating left hand low putting into your game, it’s important to focus on your putting stance and grip. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart with slightly bent knees, and your upper body should lean forward towards the hole. For grip, place your left hand at the top of the club with your right hand directly below it.

To perfect this new technique, practice drills can be incredibly helpful. One great drill is to set up two tees in a straight line about 3 feet from the hole. Practice hitting putts with LHLP until you can successfully sink ten putts in a row without missing one.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the history of left hand low putting and how did it become popular?

Are you curious about the evolution of left hand low putting and how it became a popular technique?

The history of this putting style dates back to the 1960s when Sam Snead used it in competition. However, it wasn’t until the early 2000s that left hand low putting gained widespread popularity thanks to golfers like Phil Mickelson and Sergio Garcia who found success with the technique.

Left hand low putting involves placing your left hand lower on the club grip than your right hand, which can help with alignment and reduce wrist action during the stroke.

Despite its growing popularity, some golfers still prefer traditional grip styles for their own reasons.

Are there any professional golfers who exclusively use left hand low putting?

Are you curious about the impact of left hand low putting on your game? Many professional golfers have adopted this technique, including Phil Mickelson and Jordan Spieth. While it may seem unusual at first, left hand low putting can provide significant advantages such as improved wrist stability and alignment.

However, there are also potential disadvantages to consider, such as reduced feel and difficulty transitioning from other putting styles. Ultimately, the impact on your putting stroke consistency will depend on your individual preferences and skill level.

Give it a try and see if left hand low putting is right for you!

Can left hand low putting be effective for golfers with different putting styles or grip preferences?

To determine if left hand low putting can be effective for golfers with different grip types and putting stroke consistency, it’s important to consider the benefits of this technique.

Left hand low putting has been shown to promote a more consistent stroke by minimizing wrist movements and increasing shoulder rotation. This can be particularly helpful for golfers who struggle with maintaining a straight path during their putts or those who tend to manipulate the clubface through impact.

Additionally, left hand low putting may be beneficial for golfers with unconventional grip styles, such as those who use a cross-handed or claw grip. By utilizing this technique, these players may find greater control and precision in their short game.

Overall, left hand low putting is worth considering if you’re looking to improve your consistency and accuracy on the greens regardless of your grip style or putting stroke tendencies.

How does left hand low putting affect clubface control and accuracy on long putts?

As you step onto the green, you take a deep breath and prepare to sink that long putt. But how will left hand low putting affect your clubface control and accuracy?

With this technique, your wrist alignment changes, allowing for a smoother stroke and potentially increasing clubhead speed. However, it’s important to note that maintaining proper wrist alignment is key in order to prevent pushing or pulling the ball off line.

So while left hand low putting can be effective for some golfers on longer putts, it’s crucial to practice and perfect this technique before using it consistently on the course.

What are some common mistakes golfers make when trying to switch to left hand low putting and how can they be avoided?

When trying to switch to left hand low putting, common mistakes include gripping the putter too tightly and not adjusting your stance. Grip pressure is especially important when using this technique because it can affect your clubface control and accuracy.

To avoid these mistakes, ensure that you’re gripping the putter lightly with both hands and maintaining a relaxed posture throughout your stroke. Additionally, make sure to adjust your stance so that your shoulders are aligned properly with the target line.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can successfully transition to left hand low putting and improve your overall game on the green.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve learned about the pros and cons of left hand low putting, it’s time to decide if this technique is right for your game.

Imagine yourself on the green, feeling confident as you line up your putt with your left hand low. You feel more stable and in control than ever before. Your putts are smooth and accurate, sinking into the hole with ease.

But remember, every golfer is different and what works for one may not work for another. So before making any drastic changes to your putting technique, try incorporating left hand low putting into practice rounds or a friendly game with friends.

With time and practice, you may find yourself reaping the benefits of this unique approach to putting.