Reverse Overlap Putting Grip Explained

In this video, PGA pro Katie Dawkins discusses the reverse overlap putting grip

Reverse overlap putting grip
(Image credit: Golf Monthly)

The reverse overlap putting grip is one of the most common putter holds, utilised by a plethora of pros and amateurs alike to great success. So, if you are thinking about making a change in how you grip the putter, PGA professional and Golf Monthly Top 50 coach Katie Dawkins runs through everything you need to know about this option in the video and article below...

When it comes to the full swing, the perfect golf grip, whether interlocked or overlapped, is designed to encourage the hands to work together, creating wrist hinge and a powerful release through the ball. 

This works in the full swing but is not what we want on the greens. We want a grip that almost locks the hands out, so the action of the stroke comes from the shoulders rather than a flick of the wrists - this is an important pointer for those looking at how to cure the putting yips. This is where you get consistency from.

Reverse overlap putting grip explained

The first thing that’s different is the putter runs down the palms of your hands rather than into the fingers - this serves to lock the hands out of the party. So, instead of your trail pinky finger overlapping or linking with the lead index finger, it’s a case of role reversal. 

Setting the reverse overlap putting grip

Grip the putter in the palms of your hands 

(Image credit: Golf Monthly)

I call this my cuticle grip when explaining it, as the top index finger rests over the cuticles of the lower hand. With what is now a hands-free feeling, you can smoothly stroke the ball rather than whack it.

The next thing to say is that a decent putter should feel little to no tension at address. In time, you want this relaxed hold to become second nature so it’s easier to produce a silky smooth action on the dance floor. 

Reverse overlap putting grip technique and grip pressure

Make sure and keep your grip pressure light

(Image credit: Golf Monthly)

If you can achieve that, especially on longer putts, you'll find the ball glides across the green, rolling out for longer with less of a hit required. For anyone who struggles with how to judge putting distance, take note. When the putter is held too firmly and the wrists are utilised too much, the ball has a tendency to skid and then bounce before it starts rolling. This actually slows it down, leading to those shouts of, “I hit that so hard” even though it finishes way short.

It's important to remember what works for the rest of your fourball won't necessarily work for you, whether that's the claw grip for putting or something more conventional. So, devote some time to the reverse overlap if you want to see the desired results.

Ultimately, it's all about control, so put the work in and enjoy the look on your playing partners' faces as you drain those 15-footers you used to miss! All that’s left to do is figure out how you’re going to spend your winnings. 

Do any pros use the reverse overlap putting grip?

There are plenty of examples of top professional golfers who use the reverse overlap putting grip. Probably the most notable would be Jordan Spieth. If you catch him on TV or at an event - take a look at how level his shoulders are at address. It really is very noticeable. 

Of course, putting has been one of Spieth's biggest strengths and the technical benefits of the reverse overlap putting grip have help him pick up multiple major championships.

Katie Dawkins
Advanced PGA Professional and freelance contributor

Katie is an Advanced PGA professional with over 20 years of coaching experience. She helps golfers of every age and ability to be the best versions of themselves. In January 2022 she was named as one of Golf Monthly's Top 50 Coaches.


Katie coaches the individual and uses her vast experience in technique, psychology and golf fitness to fix problems in a logical manner that is effective - she makes golf simple. Katie is now based on the edge of the New Forest. An experienced club coach, she developed GardenGOLF during lockdown and as well as coaching at Hamptworth Golf Club she freelances, operating via pop-up clinics and travelling to clients homes to help them use their space to improve. 


She has coached tour pros on both LET tour and the Challenge Tour as well as introduced many a beginner to the game. 


Katie has been writing instructional content for magazines for 20 years. Her creative approach to writing is fuelled by her sideline as an artist.