Putter grip shapes are important because they affect how we move our bodies in conjunction with the club. Small adjustments in hand positioning can result in noticeable variations. And as we all know, even the smallest of variations with our swing can result in higher scores.
There are 6 main grip profile shapes when viewed, looking down, from the top of the putter. Each shape provides a different feel and may offer various benefits for certain golfers.
First off, it's worth noting that putter grip sizes and shapes tend to be a confusing topic. Swing grips are uniformly sized by the diameter measurement taken 5cm down from the butt end of the grip. And all swing grips (with the exception of ribbed and alignment grips) are round in profile, meaning the direction you measure the grip doesn't matter. Putter grips however, come in a variety of shapes, and thus their size has been more difficult to define due to this lack of uniformity.
Putter grip profiles fall into one of 6 categories:
One simplified method of determining putter grip size is to take the measurement of the width. Some manufacturers created their own sizing terms, like Super Stroke's 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, and 5.0. Still others like the Golf Pride SNSR refer to putter grip size by volume, like 140cc and 104cc.
The Circle shape emulates how swing grips feel. Circle putter grips have been made more popular by Super Stroke in recent years, with larger diameters and non-tapered styles. The Oval, one of the most popular and traditional shapes (sometimes called the "Paddle"), is a modified version of the Circle, with a large range of sizes offered by many brands, from Undersize, all the way up to Oversize/Jumbo. The Oval shape is conducive for hands to stay close together for a solid, stable grip.
The rest of the shapes, Flat Oval, Pistol, Flat Wide, and Mod Pistol, are more modern styles that usually have wider flat tops, which are great for players with longer fingers or prefer to have their hands turned out for a more natural feeling placement. Pistol putter grips in particular provide an ergonomic feel, allowing the bottom fingers to wrap around the angled (pointed) undersize part of the grip. Lamkin's Sink Fit Putter collection offers multiple shapes (Pistol and Flat Oval, or what they refer to as Straight), while utilizing the same Fingerprint rubber surface for non-slip performance.
Larger putter grips tend to be shaped either as Circle, Flat Oval, or Pistol. With larger widths, they can help quiet the wrists during a putt, allowing a more full-bodied fluid motion for stability.
When choosing a putter grip shape, teaching pros and club-fitters agree, it's the feel and weight that matters the most. Because it's not just about how the hands fit around the grip, but rather how the grip guides (or affects) your swing. Heavier grips can help increase steadiness, but may be difficult to control. An ergonomic or non-tapered grip, like the Pistol shape, can relax your arms and shoulders which helps avoid tense or jarred movements.
If you have questions on a putter grip or if there's information you're looking for, let us know so we can help lock down the perfect grip shape for you.
Putter Fitting
Best Putter Grip for Your Stroke
Once you know the six shapes above, the next question is which one actually fits the way you putt. The shortcut most club-fitters use is to match the grip to your stroke path and how much you want your hands involved. A stroke that travels straight back and straight through wants a grip that keeps the hands quiet, while a stroke that arcs around the body usually wants a grip that lets the hands release. Size and weight do the heavy lifting here: larger, non-tapered grips reduce wrist action and add stability, while smaller, more tapered shapes leave room for feel and release.
Use the chart below as a starting point, then choose by feel — the grip should make a square, repeatable stroke feel easy rather than forced.
Weight is the other lever. A heavier grip can settle nervy hands and steady the tempo, but too much weight makes distance control harder to feel. If you tend to leave putts short or decelerate, a lighter grip often helps; if you get jumpy over short putts, more weight or a larger profile can calm the stroke down.
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Questions
Putter Grip FAQ
What is the best putter grip shape?
There is no single best shape — the right one depends on your stroke and how much feel you want from your hands. Straight strokes tend to suit larger, non-tapered shapes like a wide Flat or Circle that quiet the wrists, while arc strokes often pair well with a traditional Oval or tapered Pistol that lets the hands release. The best grip is the one that makes a square, repeatable stroke feel natural for you.
What size putter grip should I use?
Putter grip size is usually described by width or volume rather than the diameter system used for swing grips. Larger sizes reduce wrist action and help keep the face square, which many players with a straight stroke or shaky short putts prefer. Smaller, more tapered sizes leave more feel and release for players with an arc stroke. Start from your stroke type, then fine-tune by feel.
Does a heavier putter grip help?
A heavier grip can add steadiness and smooth out tempo, which helps players who get quick or jumpy over short putts. The trade-off is that too much weight can make distance control harder to feel, so players who tend to leave putts short often do better with a lighter grip. Weight and size work together, so it is worth testing both before committing.
What putter grip is best for a straight-back, straight-through stroke?
A straight-back, straight-through stroke generally pairs well with a larger, non-tapered grip — often an oversize or jumbo profile. The added width keeps the wrists passive and helps return the face square, which supports the minimal face rotation this stroke relies on. You can browse these in our oversize and jumbo putter grips collection.
What putter grip is best for an arc stroke?
An arc stroke — where the face opens and closes as the head works inside the line — usually suits a more tapered shape such as a Pistol or traditional Oval. The taper leaves room for the bottom hand to release through the ball, which complements the natural rotation of an arc. Stronger arcs often prefer a lighter, more tapered grip for that reason.
Are oversize or jumbo putter grips worth it?
Oversize and jumbo putter grips are worth trying if you fight wrist breakdown, struggle with short putts, or want a quieter, more shoulder-driven stroke. The larger profile spreads pressure across both hands and reduces independent wrist movement. Players who rely on feel and a releasing arc stroke may find them too muting, so the choice comes back to your stroke and what you want your hands to do.