Putter grips seem to come in all shapes and sizes these days. Interestingly, they are the only grips allowed to have a non-round shape in the Rules of Golf. Even with all the options out there, the most popular “non-standard” option by far is the oversized grip. In this guide, we’ll look at the purpose of oversized grips and a few of the popular options out there to help you determine if an oversized putter grip is right for you.

The Purpose of Oversized Putter Grips

Tests show that the larger diameter of oversized grips brings more of the grip into contact with the hands, limiting movement within the wrists. Additionally, the larger grips have also been shown to require less pressure to maintain control of the putter. Taken together, limited wrist movement and less grip pressure should create a more fluid “soft hands” putting stroke. An oversized grip could be part of an effective solution for a player who suffers from wrist breakdown in the putting stroke or excessive grip pressure.

Popular Oversized Putter Grip Options

Here are five popular options you can choose from some of the most respected companies in the industry.

SuperStroke Traxion Tour

SuperStroke launched in 2009 and became one of the first oversized putter grips to see significant adoption on the pro tours. At the time, their unique, non-tapered design gained a lot of attention on the greens, and today the company claims over $500 million have been won with their grips in play during major championship and PGA tour events. The SuperStroke line has expanded into a variety of styles and non-putter grips as well. Their most popular current model is the Traxion Tour series.

From the Marketing Department:

“Our new Tour Series putter grips build on the success of our most successful grip models: the Ultra Slim 1.0, Mid-Slim 2.0, Slim 3.0, and Fatso 5.0. Now with Traxion Control and Spyne Technology, the Tour Series putter grips offer golfers even more reasons to choose the No. 1 Putter Grip In Golf.”

What It Means to You:

The Traxion Tour grip comes in five sizes, ranging from 1 inch to 1.52 inches. While that might not sound like a lot, it is a significant difference. “Traxion Control” is SuperStroke’s surface texture, which they claim improves feedback and tackiness to its polyurethane outer layer. “Spyne Technology” adds a ridge on the grips' underside to guide golfers to repeatable hand placement.

What the Reviews Say (compiled from online retailers):

Pros:

Positive reviews consistently say that the Traxion grip does what it claims to do, limit wrist action, and encourage a softer grip. Reviewers also note that their grips seemed to be of high quality and durability. A popular addition to the Traxion grip is the SuperStroke “Tech-Port” which allows a grip counterweight to be added.

Cons:

The most common negative review states the grip is “not for me.” For some reviewers, the grip's large size and general feeling were off-putting, one referring to the grip as a “marshmallow.” Last, one buyer took issue with the addition of the “Tech-Port” as it made it impossible to attach their ball picker to the end of the grip.

Here is a review from Today's Golfer to give some perspective:

Could It Be for You?

A key advantage to the Traxion and other SuperStroke grips is that they are available at many golf shops because of their popularity and longevity, making it possible to feel the grip for yourself before buying. Additionally, with the variety of sizes and styles available, there is likely one that will meet your personal preference.

P2 Grips

P2 Grips, based out of Ireland, first released its take on the oversized putter grip in 2016. While not as well known as SuperStroke, they have gained a strong following and have previously been in the bag of pros such as 3-time major winner Padraig Harrington and Michelle Wie. Their patented “off-center shaft” design remains a unique feature within the industry.

Here is a video explaining their grip design:

https://youtu.be/t9Rww_7ZHLM

From the Marketing Department:

“The Classic Tour is an oversize hybrid pistol grip with a gently rounded bottom and flat sides which sits squarely in the palms of your hands and features the patented off-center shaft design. The P2 Classic Tour grip, through its shape and soft, tacky texture, is designed to improve the efficiency of your hand and wrist positions throughout the stroke while giving you the ultimate in putter face control. Our grips are designed, independently tested, and proven to improve your accuracy by you striking putts from the sweet spot of the putter more often.”

What It Means to You:

While the variations on the “pistol” style grip have existed for over a hundred years and other grip makers utilize flat sides, the P2 differentiated itself with the off-centered grip core position on the shaft. The goal of this and the grip shape is to encourage a greater “ulnar deviation” angle in the wrists. With normal, full golf swings, our wrists tend to be in “radial deviation” or angled upward in a cocked position, which allows for greater hinging and unhinging. Ulnar deviation, wrists more or less tilted downward, limits this hinging ability, ideal for putting strokes when we want to keep the wrists as quiet as possible.

What the Reviews Say (compiled from online sources):

Pros:

As P2 doesn’t have a large retail presence, post-purchase reviews are somewhat limited. The grip has been tested by several well-known golf sites, including Practical Golf, and across golf forums. The most common positive praise is that the P2 grip does exactly what it claims to do, limit wrist movement to help produce a more consistent stroke. Reviewers also noted the grip is comfortable, tacky, and the materials seem high quality.

Cons:

Outside of a few “not for me” comments, the primary negative for P2 grips seems to be their lack of broad availability. As they are not widely available in physical retail locations, it isn't easy to see and feel the grips before purchasing them. Additionally, while the grips are available in four different shapes (in rough order from smallest to largest Aware, React, Classic, and Reflex), there are no size options within those shapes.

Could It Be for You?

Quieting wrist movement while putting is a primary driver of both non-standard grips and different methods of gripping the putter, such as the wrist lock/arm lock technique growing in popularity. There is no question that the P2 design will help golfers better lock their wrists without requiring major mechanical changes to the stroke. While you might not be able to see it in person before you order it (unless you’re in Ireland), it might be worth it to order online if these are areas you struggle with.

Flat Cat Putter Grip

The “flat” in the Flat Cat name comes from the putter grip sides, which are perfectly flat and parallel to the opposite side. The Flat Cat design has been produced under license by different manufacturers, including Lamkin, but is currently available under its own branding. It has been in the bag of Major winner Justin Rose for several years.

From the Marketing Department:

The original Flat Cat putter grip is the grip that started it all and is the cornerstone of our putt-improving assortment. With sides that run parallel to each other in our exclusive FLAT1 grip shape, the original Flat Cat putter grip squares your putter face flawlessly in a range of sizes. If you prefer a rectangular feel but have found that an oversized putter grip isn’t quite right, our Slim and Svelte sizes are the choice for you. If a larger grip is more comfortable for you, check out the Fat and Big Boy sizes. Whichever size and style of grip you choose, you can look forward to a speedy improvement to your putting.

What It Means to You:

The flat, parallel grip surfaces of the Flat Cat have a simple purpose, to help you keep the face of the putter square through impact. Square putter faces equal putts starting on the intended line. Additionally, Flat Cat grips are rectangular, with one side longer than the other, so they can be mounted on the putter with the long side either pointed towards the target or in line to accommodate the golfer’s preferred grip style. Last, the Classic grip is available in five sizes, ranging from a 1.09” diameter and 44gram weight to a 1.68” diameter and 104gram weight option.

What the Reviews Say (compiled from online retailers):

Pros:

Positive reviews note that the Flat Cat grip is comfortable and promotes both a square putter face at address and impact. Some reviews also noted they felt that they could be more consistent with their hand placement on the grip than traditional, more rounded grips.

Cons:

Even fairly positive reviews noted that a transition period was required to get used to the grip, so immediate improvements shouldn’t be expected. Some reviews also noted a loss of “feel” with the grip compared to others and a muted impact response. Additionally, the grip must be installed perfectly straight to work properly. While that is true for pretty much all non-round grips, the Flat Cat's flat sides make it even more important.

Could It Be for You:

For golfers who struggle to keep a square putter face at impact, the Flat Cat grip might help. If installed correctly, the flat grip will align with a square face and send the putt off straight. Additionally, the variety of sizes gives golfers an option who want the non-traditional shape in a more standard size, and counter-weight grip options are available.

Rosemark Grips

Rosemark Grips first came onto the scene during the 2015-16 golf season when they appeared in the bags of several tour pros with a distinctive red, white, and blue argyle pattern. Since then, they have continued to enjoy modest popularity, claiming over 20 wins worldwide so far and representation across all the major golf tours. While not all of their putting grips are oversized, the 1.52 MFS model is a great option.

From the Marketing Department:

“All Rosemark grips feature the patented "Always Square" hexagonal profile, allowing the hands to cradle the grip naturally and assures the golfer will be able to control the putter properly, achieving the most fluid and consistent putting stroke possible. Rosemark Grips' proprietary Microfiber (MF) Silicone Bead (S) material wicks away moisture while the silicone beads provide tackiness and enhanced tactile feel. Carefully selected zones of the grip surface are left clear of the silicone beads to promote direct contact with the fingers and thumbs' super-receptors. This promotes totally unmuted feedback during ball-strike, eliminating miss-hits and improving distance control.”

What It Means to You:

Like the other grips featured in this guide, the Rosemark grip’s size and shape promote a consistent putter stroke with a square face at impact. In addition to this, Rosemark makes a point to highlight that their particular shape and material promotes a “tension-free” feeling in the hands, allowing the golfer to feel the club is secure in their hands even with minimal pressure. Additionally, the beaded surface of the grip helps keep moisture from getting between your hands and the grip with zones left bead free to maintain strong feedback from the putter at impact.

What the Reviews Say (compiled from online retailers):

Pros:

Positive reviews of the grip lauded the Rosemark 1.52’s comfort and feeling. Several reviewers noted that the grip shape did seem to allow their hands to take a natural position and didn’t require a great deal of pressure to feel in control.

Cons:

A few negative reviews of the Rosemark grip noted durability concerns, with the beaded surface seemingly wearing out more quickly than they expected and losing its moisture-wicking ability. Additionally, Rosemark grips are not widely sold at retail locations, so online purchasing is the only option. Last, while a few size and style options are available, they are not as varied as other grips in the category.

Could It Be for You?

Of the grips discussed, Rosemark is perhaps the most “traditional” looking of the non-traditional grips but still packs several design and technology features to improve performance over a stock grip. Those who either prefer or want to encourage themselves to have light grip pressure with the putter and look for a great deal of “feel,” and response from the putter through impact may prefer the Rosemark offering to other oversized grips currently on the market.

Evnroll Gravity Grip

Evnroll Putters exploded on to the scene in 2016, quickly becoming the most in-demand specialty putter brand in the market. The company is the latest venture of famed putter designer Guerin Rife, and in 2019 they made their Gravity Grip available for separate purchase from their putters.

From the Marketing Department:

“The Gravity Grip has an ultra-light EVA foam body that only weighs 35 grams and is molded in a deep V shape. A 70 gram 10” steel rod is installed in the bottom of the V, running the entire length of the grip. By positioning the weight directly under and a half-inch away from the shaft, the hands can feel the position of the putter face. Tying the hands to the putter face promotes keeping the putter’s face angle square thru the entire hitting area. This virtually eliminates face rotation at impact. The foam body, the steel rod, and the outer wrap give the Gravity Grip a total weight of 125 grams. This heavier-than-usual grip weight allows for more weight in the putter head. The result is a greater overall weight for increased stability and accuracy while maintaining an ideal swing weight for optimum feel and distance control.”

What It Means to You:

The majority of the Gravity Grip’s hefty 125-gram weight is taken up, but a metal rod is placed in the back of the grip away from the shaft. According to Evnroll, this helps the golfer “feel” the putter face better based on the rod's weight in the hands. Ideally, this will allow the golfer to reduce or eliminate face rotation at impact, sending the ball off straight on its intended line. Additionally, while not marketed as a “counterweight” grip, the high total weight brings the Gravity Grip close to that territory, which could help with smoother tempo and a consistent stroke.

What the Reviews Say (compiled from online retailers):

Pros:

The Gravity Grip reaction has been almost unanimously positive, with both online reviewers and purchasers praising the grip for its weight and feel. Anecdotally, their comments seem to back up Evnroll’s claim that the putter helps keep the putter face square through impact and create a smoother putting stroke. Additionally, with Evnroll’s wide distribution network, the grips are at least carried at various physical locations to check out, although some have noted difficulty finding them in stock.

Cons:

The primary criticism against the Gravity Grip is that there is only one size & weight option (available in two color schemes). Unlike all the other grips on this list, which offer anywhere from a handful to dozens of options and combinations, anyone who wants the Gravity Grip will have just the single style to try. Because the Gravity Grip is bigger than a standard grip but still smaller than many popular oversized grips, some reviewers who already use oversized noted that the grip seemed too small for their preferred putting method. Last, because the steel rod is installed directly within the grip, there is no easy option to adjust the weight to one’s preferred feel.

Do you have an oversize putter grip that you love? Add it to the comments below, or start a conversation in our community here.