If you're a fan of pro golf, you've probably seen the armlock putting grip in action by a couple of tour players such as Bryson DeChambeau.
The armlock putter grip has emerged as a revolutionary technique offering players an alternative method to stabilise their putting stroke.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at what the armlock grip is and what it can offer your putting game.
Understanding the Armlock Putter Grip
The armlock putter grip involves extending the putter's grip up the lead forearm (for right-handed players, the left forearm, and vice versa for left-handed players), effectively "locking" it in place.
This acts as a stable, single-lever motion that reduces wrist movement and enhances control during the stroke.
It's a style of putting that's certainly not for everyone, but it can be beneficial for those golfers who struggle with keeping a square putter face through impact.
The Mechanics
To effectively use the armlock grip, a golfer needs a putter designed or adjusted for this specific style.
Armlock putters typically have a longer length shaft than standard putters and have a loft angle adjusted to accommodate the forward press of the grip against the arm.
The grip itself is thicker and designed to fit comfortably against the forearm, creating a solid connection between the arm and the club.
The Sky Vibe putter grip works well for this style of putting as it's thicker and can create a more solid base up the forearm.
Setting Up the Armlock Grip
Putter Selection
Choose a putter with a length and loft suitable for armlock putting.
The correct specifications will depend on your height and arm length.
Grip Position
Place the grip of the putter against the inside of your lead forearm.
The putter should extend from the top of your grip hand up to a point below the elbow.
Hand Placement
Your lead hand grips the putter normally, while your trail hand can either grip the putter traditionally below the lead hand or use a split grip with one hand on the putter and the other on the forearm for added stability.
Stance and Alignment
Assume your regular putting stance, ensuring the ball is positioned slightly forward in your stance.
The forward press of the grip against your forearm should be maintained throughout the stroke.
Benefits of the Armlock Putter Grip
All putting grip styles have their benefits and can offer different elements to help golfers.
The armlock style of putting is great for a number of reasons:
- Reduced Wrist Action: By locking the putter against the forearm, the armlock grip minimises wrist hinge, leading to a more consistent stroke.
- Improved Stroke Path: The arm and putter moving as a single unit encourages a straighter stroke path and better face alignment at impact.
- Enhanced Stability: The physical connection between the arm and the putter provides a feeling of increased control and stability during the stroke.
Is the Armlock Grip Right for You?
The armlock putter grip represents a significant departure from traditional putting techniques, offering a unique solution for golfers struggling with three putting and consistency on the greens.
Golfers interested in exploring new ways to improve their putting may find the armlock grip to be a valuable addition to their game, especially if they struggle with putter face stability.
Of course, it will feel very different to most other styles of putting and will decrease the putter's loft.
So it's a good idea to try it and give it some time on the practice putting green before taking it onto the course.
For me, the armlock grip takes a lot of the feel out of the putting stroke, adding more grip pressure and tightening up the body.
I've always found that a body without too much tension is more conducive for a solid putting stroke and you don't necessarily get that with the armlock.
It's certainly not a technique for ever golfer, but there will be plenty out there that could benefit from this rather extreme switch.
