Are Oversized Putter Grips Right for Your Stroke?

Oversized putter grips have taken the golf world by storm over the past decade. Once a niche option, they’re now a common sight on both amateur and professional tours. But are they right for your putting stroke?

If you’ve ever struggled with shaky hands, inconsistent tempo, or too much wrist action, switching to an oversized grip might be the answer. In this guide, we’ll explore what oversized grips are, how they affect your putting mechanics, who they benefit, and whether they’re the right choice for your game.

What Is an Oversized Putter Grip?

An oversized putter grip is exactly what it sounds like—a grip with a larger-than-standard diameter. While traditional putter grips tend to be slim and tapered, oversized grips are wider, often uniform in thickness, and designed to minimize hand and wrist movement during the stroke.

Common Features of Oversized Grips

• Larger diameter: Usually ranges from 1.3″ to 1.7″
• Non-tapered shape: Even thickness from top to bottom
• Softer material: Often features a tacky, cushioned feel
• Heavier weight: Some grips add swing weight to the putter

Popular brands include SuperStroke, Golf Pride, Lamkin, and Winn.

The Science Behind Oversized Grips

The appeal of oversized grips comes down to biomechanics. In a standard putting stroke, many golfers struggle with excessive hand or wrist movement. This introduces variability, leading to pushes, pulls, and inconsistent distance control.

Oversized grips reduce the mobility of small muscles in the hands and wrists, encouraging a more stable, shoulder-driven stroke.

Key Benefits Backed by Research:

• Improved face angle consistency: A 2019 Golf Digest study found that golfers using oversized grips had 14% less face angle deviation at impact.
• Reduced wrist breakdown: Larger grips engage the shoulders and upper body, which promotes a pendulum motion.
• Better distance control: Less hand tension often translates to smoother acceleration and more consistent roll.

Who Benefits Most from Oversized Grips?

Oversized grips aren’t a silver bullet for everyone. However, they tend to benefit certain types of players more than others.

Ideal Candidates for Oversized Putter Grips:

• Golfers with the yips: Larger grips reduce twitchy hand movements.
• Players who use too much wrist: Encourages a quieter stroke.
• High-handicappers: Simplifies stroke mechanics and improves control.
• Golfers with arthritis or hand pain: Larger diameter is easier to hold with less pressure.
• Players who prefer a shoulder-dominant stroke: Aligns well with straight-back-straight-through mechanics.

Less Ideal For:

• Feel players: If you rely on subtle hand feedback for distance control, a larger grip can mute that.
• Strong arc putters: If your stroke has significant rotation, an oversized grip may feel restrictive.

Stroke Style: Should It Influence Your Grip Size?

Yes—your putting stroke type plays a major role in grip fit. Here’s how oversized grips line up with common putting styles:

If you’re unsure about your stroke style, try using putting mirrors, stroke analyzers (like the Blast Motion sensor), or consult a club fitter.

Do Pros Use Oversized Putter Grips?

Yes, and some of the world’s best players swear by them. While traditionalists like Tiger Woods stick to thinner grips, many modern pros have adopted oversized or mid-sized grips for added control and confidence under pressure.

Notable Pros Who Use or Have Used Oversized Grips:

• Jordan Spieth – SuperStroke Flatso 1.0

• Justin Thomas – SuperStroke Pistol GT Tour

• Rickie Fowler – Uses a thicker Lamkin grip on occasion

• Phil Mickelson – Has experimented with oversized and counterbalanced grips

Pros and Cons of Oversized Putter Grips

Pros:

• Encourages smoother, more stable stroke

• Reduces hand and wrist tension

• Helps combat yips and jitters

• Promotes consistent alignment

• Can be more comfortable for arthritic hands

Cons:

• Dulls feel on delicate putts

• Can affect distance control for touch players

• Heavier grips may alter swing weight

• May not suit all stroke types

How to Know If an Oversized Grip Will Work for You

Choosing the right grip is a personal decision. That said, here are a few steps to test whether oversized grips will improve your performance:

1. Try One at a Golf Retailer or Fitting Studio

Most major stores like PGA Tour Superstore or Golf Galaxy have demo putters with different grip sizes. Roll a few putts to compare feel and performance.

2. Use a Grip Fitting Tool

Some brands (like SuperStroke) offer grip fitters that help match grip style to hand size, stroke type, and putting issues.

3. Start with a Mid-Size Option

If you’re nervous about jumping straight to a jumbo grip, try a mid-size first. It gives some of the stability benefits without losing too much feel.

Oversized Grip Options to Consider

Here are a few highly rated oversized grips to consider:

Installation Tips

If you’re switching from a traditional grip to an oversized one:

• Rebalance the putter if needed: Heavier grips can change swing weight.

• Check lie angle and loft: A grip change may subtly shift how the putter sits.

• Use professional installation if you’re unsure—many grips require a shaft prep and solvent installation.

FAQs

Q: Do oversized putter grips help with alignment?
A: Yes, many golfers report that the larger grip helps them square the face more easily and maintain alignment throughout the stroke.

Q: Can I use an oversized grip on a blade putter?
A: Absolutely. While often seen on mallets, oversized grips can be installed on any putter type. Just be aware of swing weight adjustments.

Q: Will an oversized grip fix my putting stroke?
A: It can help—but it’s not a cure-all. Oversized grips are a tool that works best when paired with solid fundamentals.

Final Verdict: Is an Oversized Grip Right for You?

Oversized putter grips are more than just a trend—they’re a legitimate way to improve stability, reduce wrist breakdown, and enhance putting confidence. If you struggle with consistency or fight the yips, trying a larger grip could be a game-changer.

However, they’re not for everyone. Feel players and those with strong arc strokes might lose touch or fluidity. Ultimately, the best way to know if an oversized grip works for you is to test it out under pressure—on the green, in real conditions.