When considering the application of an arm lock grip to a putter, it is important to recognize that not all putters will accommodate this type of grip. The arm lock grip, which involves extending the putter grip up the lead forearm, requires a putter that has the proper specifications and design to effectively support this technique. While some putters may have the versatility to allow for the installation of an arm lock grip, others may be incompatible due to their shape, weight, and balance. Therefore, it is essential to conduct thorough research and seek guidance from professionals within the field of golf equipment to determine if a particular putter is suitable for an arm lock grip.
The arm lock putting grip has surged in popularity recently on the PGA Tour, with players like Matt Kuchar and Bryson DeChambeau using it with great success. This unique grip anchors the putter grip against the lead forearm for a more stable and consistent stroke. Many amateur golfers wonder if they can put an arm lock grip on any putter to try this method themselves. As with any equipment change, there are several factors to consider before installing an arm lock grip.
What is an Arm Lock Putter Grip?
An Arm Lock Putter Grip is a specialized grip designed for use with a putter, specifically for players who prefer a more stable and consistent putting stroke. This type of grip involves resting the grip against the inside of the lead forearm, which creates a locked and stable alignment between the arm and the putter shaft. This method is typically used by players who struggle with hand or wrist movement during their putting stroke, as the arm lock technique limits these unwanted motions, resulting in a smoother and more controlled stroke.
The Arm Lock Putter Grip is gaining popularity on the professional golf circuit, with notable players such as Bryson DeChambeau utilizing this technique to improve their putting performance. The grip itself is equipped with a longer and more upright shaft angle, along with a thicker grip to accommodate the arm positioning. Although the Arm Lock Putter Grip may not be suitable for every golfer, it offers a unique solution for those seeking a more stable and consistent putting technique. Its effectiveness is seen in its growing adoption by professional and amateur golfers seeking to improve their putting game.
Benefits of Using an Arm Lock Putting Grip
The Arm Lock putter grip offers numerous benefits for golfers looking to improve their game. The grip allows for a more stable and consistent stroke, reducing the risk of the putter face opening or closing during the swing. This results in improved accuracy and control, as well as reduced wrist movement and potential for error. The Arm Lock putter grip is also known for promoting a more comfortable and natural hand position, leading to a smoother and more fluid putting stroke.
Overall, the benefits of using an Arm Lock putter grip can significantly enhance a golfer’s performance on the green. There are several potential benefits associated with using an arm lock grip:
- Promotes a more pendulum-like stroke with less wrist break down
- Encourages better directional control and face angle awareness
- Reduces tension in the hands and promotes a smoother tempo
- Can benefit golfers who struggle with the yips on short putts
- Arm lock anchor point adds stability and consistency to putting stroke
If those benefits interest you, installing an arm lock grip on your putter may help improve several areas of your putting at once. Keep in mind that it requires some adjustments to stance, posture and the stroke itself. But many converts to arm lock putting soon prefer it.
Putters Well-Suited for Arm Lock Grips
Arm Lock putters are well-suited for arm lock grips, as the name suggests. The design of these putters allows for a more stable and consistent stroke, which is crucial for this type of grip. The counterbalancing effect achieved with this combination can enhance control and accuracy on the green, making it a popular choice among golfers.
You can install an arm lock grip on almost any putter. But certain putter attributes may lend themselves better to optimizing this style:
Head Weight and Balance
Since the grip goes against your lead forearm, the balance point changes compared to a standard putter. This factors into the overall feel and weight distribution. Most golfers prefer a face-balanced or near face-balanced putter for arm lock putting. This centers the weight between the axis running through the shaft. Putters with more toe hang can still work, but may feel less stable with the arm lock anchor point.
It also helps to have enough head weight to prevent the putter from feeling too light once you choke down on the longer grip. Arm lock styles typically run between 350-500g head weights to maintain solid feel. Going much lighter can impact pop and feedback.
Length and Lie Angle
Arm lock putter length runs on the longer side, usually 40-44 inches. This accommodates the extended grip and proper hand placement when anchoring against the lead forearm. Another element is lie angle, measuring from the shaft to the ground line at address. Stroke mechanics often benefit from a more upright lie angle around 80 degrees. This assists proper positioning given the upright arm lock posture.
Hosel Type
There are no steadfast rules on hosel type suitability. But it’s important to test what looks and feels best to your eye at the address. Armlock putting removes much of the wrist action, so choosing a straight or near-straight hosel can simplify alignment. For golfers who flare or hook the ball with a conventional putting stroke, offset and bent hosels may help straighten out the stroke path.
Trying arm lock putting fundamentally changes your address, alignment and stroke. So taking time to test different hosel designs is key to optimizing consistency.
Installing an Arm Lock Grip Step-by-Step
Arm lock putter grips install much the same as standard putter grips. But it helps to follow a careful process to position the grip at the proper angle. Here is a general step-by-step guide:
Supplies Needed
- Arm lock putter grip kit
- Grip solvent and applicator brush
- Paper towels
- Utility knife
- Rubber mallet
- Tape measure
Process
- Remove the existing putter grip using a utility knife to cut down the shaft. Take care not to damage graphite shafts.
- Clean the shaft thoroughly using solvent and towels to remove all debris and old tape or epoxy.
- Slide the grip stopper sleeve over the bottom end of the shaft if included with the kit.
- Reference fitting instructions to determine the proper grip angle and length for your arm lock setup. Verify measurements twice.
- Pour solvent gel down the grip cavity and use an applicator brush to coat the interior.
- Slide grip onto the shaft, aligning angle indicators to marked measurements.
- Gently tap the end of the grip with a rubber mallet to secure it into position. Immediately wipe away excess solvent gel oozing from the bottom.
- Allow solvent gel to cure fully before using, typically 24 hours.
Following these steps will cleanly install your new arm lock grip aligned at the custom angle best suited to your stance and posture. Take practice strokes without hitting balls at first to acclimate to the new anchored positioning against your lead forearm.
Adjusting Setup, Alignment and Stroke Mechanics
Switching to an arm lock putting grip requires some adaptation beyond just the grip itself. Stance width, posture, ball position, and stroke mechanics may need refinement too. Be patient making adjustments during your initial practice sessions. It takes most golfers some time to get fully comfortable with arm lock style elements like:
- Anchoring the grip properly against the inside of the lead forearm
- Widened stance for balance
- Posture tilted away from the target
- Light grip pressure to avoid tension
- Rocking stroke action centered around shoulder movement
It can help to watch video tutorials of PGA Tour pros using the arm lock method to ingrain the proper look and feel. As with any major grip or stance changes, temporary regression is normal before things click. Stick with the adjustment phase for several range sessions before forming judgments. Once adapted and ingrained, the arm lock-putting method can prove a consistent alternative worth considering.
FAQs
Can any putter be converted to arm lock?
Most traditional-style putters can be converted to an arm lock model, but some work better than others. Ideal putter heads for arm lock grips include face-balanced designs over 350g with an upright lie angle of around 80 degrees. This centers the weight and angles the shaft for proper alignment with an anchored stroke. You also need a putter length of 40-44 inches to comfortably accommodate choke-down hand placement.
Can a wrist lock grip be used on any putter?
Wrist lock putter grips follow the same installation principles but position more underneath the heel pad of your palm rather than higher up on your forearm. This light connection helps hinge your wrist less, promoting a straighter back and stroke path. Not all putters accommodate a thicker, non-tapered grip installed at this rearward angle underneath your wrist hinge point however. Watch for interference with the setup at the address.
Can you put a regular grip on a putter?
Yes, you can certainly convert an arm or wrist lock grip back to a standard putter grip. This requires cutting the grip off with a utility knife and sanding down the underlying shaft to restore it to normal specs and length. Then follow typical regripping procedures, sealing the bare shaft and sliding on a standard-size putter grip. This returns your putter to its original non-anchored setup if preferred.
How do you put a lock on your arm putter?
Installing arm lock putter grips involves measuring and verifying the proper forward angle best suited to your arm extension and posture at the address. Cut the old grip off, clean and prep the shaft, then slide the replacement arm lock grip on according to spec. Apply solvent gel to the interior grip cavity for increased tackiness before tapping into the final angled position with a rubber mallet. Hold in place firmly as the solvent sets to create a locked seal.
Conclusion
While the arm lock grip continues gaining popularity, it does require some specific putter traits and a willingness to overhaul your fundamentals. The best putter and grip features for this style include face-balanced heads over 350g, upright lie angles, and longer shafts with extended, non-tapered grips installed at a custom forward angle. It also takes practice adjusting elements like stance, posture and stroke mechanics when anchoring the grip against your lead forearm. Give yourself ample time to adapt during the initial adjustment phase while deciding if arm lock putting suits your game.
