In the world of professional golf, even the smallest tweaks can lead to monumental changes. Scottie Scheffler, one of the most consistent players on the PGA Tour, demonstrated this truth with his putting breakthrough at the 2024 Hero World Challenge. Under the expert guidance of renowned putting coach Phil Kenyon, Scottie adopted the claw grip on shorter putts—and it played a key role in his victory.
The Challenge with Scottie’s Traditional Putting Grip
For years, Scottie employed a traditional putting grip, where the club rests more in the fingers. While this grip is effective for many golfers, it can introduce a degree of putter face rotation, especially under pressure. With the grip positioned in the fingers, the hands can be more active during the stroke, making it challenging to keep the putter face square at impact.
For Scottie, this inconsistency led to issues with face alignment. Even slight variations in the angle of the putter face at impact can drastically affect the ball’s start line, particularly on shorter putts where precision is paramount. With so much at stake, it was time for a change.
The Claw Grip: A Game-Changer for Short Putts
The claw grip is a popular alternative among professionals seeking more control and stability in their putting stroke. Here’s how it works and why it was a perfect fit for Scottie:
Positioning in the LifelinesWith the claw grip, the putter grip sits more in the lifelines of the hands rather than the fingers. This subtle adjustment reduces wrist activity, promoting a more neutral and controlled stroke. For Scottie, this minimized the risk of over-rotation and helped him maintain a square face at impact.
Stability Through ImpactThe claw grip naturally limits the influence of the dominant hand (in Scottie’s case, the right hand). By reducing its role, the grip ensures that the stroke is driven more by the shoulders, providing a smoother and more stable motion. This was crucial for Scottie in converting those crucial 6–10 footers under pressure.
Consistent Contact and Face DirectionWith the claw grip, Scottie was able to set his putter face more consistently online. This grip style eliminates unnecessary movement, allowing for better contact and ensuring the ball starts on the intended line. In a sport where millimeters matter, this change was instrumental in his success.
Phil Kenyon’s Expertise: Fine-Tuning the Transition
Phil Kenyon’s reputation as one of the best putting coaches in the world is well-earned. Together, he and Scottie worked tirelessly to perfect the transition to the claw grip. This wasn’t a simple case of picking up a new grip and running with it; it required a deep understanding of biomechanics, practice drills to reinforce the change, and mental adjustments to build confidence in competition.
Under Phil’s guidance, Scottie refined his stroke to complement the claw grip’s advantages. By the time he arrived at the Hero World Challenge, his putting was dialed in, and the results were evident.
Results Speak Louder Than Words
At the 2024 Hero World Challenge, Scottie’s putting stats told the story. He led the field in strokes gained: putting, consistently sinking critical putts from the 6–12 foot range—distances that have historically been a challenge for him. The switch to the claw grip not only improved his short putting but also freed him mentally, allowing him to focus on his overall game strategy.
What Golfers Can Learn from Scottie’s Grip Change
For amateur golfers, Scottie Scheffler’s success serves as a valuable lesson: the grip you choose can make a significant difference in your putting performance. If you struggle with face alignment or consistency, experimenting with the claw grip could be worth considering. Here’s why:
Reduced Wrist Action: Ideal for players who tend to overuse their hands during the stroke.
Improved Face Stability: Helps keep the putter face square at impact.
Confidence on Short Putts: Encourages a smoother, more repeatable stroke.
Conclusion
Scottie Scheffler’s victory at the 2024 Hero World Challenge wasn’t just about long drives and stellar iron play—it was a testament to the power of precision putting. By embracing the claw grip with the help of Phil Kenyon, Scottie eliminated one of the weaker aspects of his game and turned it into a strength.
As golfers, we should never underestimate the impact of small changes. Whether it’s adjusting your grip, refining your setup, or seeking guidance from an expert, incremental improvements can lead to big results. Scottie’s example shows that even the world’s best players are always looking for ways to improve—and that same mindset can transform your game.
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