By JOHN REDMAN
A GOLF MAGAZINE Top 100 Teacher with Gred Midland

SIMON ESTUTY/SI

As we saw at The [2001] Masters, both Mark Calcavecchia (pictured) and Chris DiMarco are putting very well this year using an unusual grip. Although they've each picked it up recently, I've known for some time how well it works. About 15 years ago, my putting was a mess. My confidence was so low, I didn't think I could make a three-footer. Then, when things were at their lowest, I stumbled upon "the claw."

One day I was casually practicing with the top of the putter wedged between my right thumb and forefinger. Swinging the putter back and forth, the almost-perfect pendulum motion was far better than what I could achieve with a conventional grip. So I moved my right hand down the grip, added my left, and gave it a try. I got plenty of funny looks, but the resulting success on the greens restored my confidence, and today it's the only way I putt. See if it helps you.

FRED VUICH

From Pinch to Piston

Take your normal left-hand grip, with the thumb extending down the top of the shaft (photo, above). Turn your right hand so the back of it faces away from your body, then bring it in from the side so the shaft pinches the skin between your thumb and forefinger. Rest the fore- and middle fingers on top of the shaft, with the ring finger and pinkie off the shaft to the side (photo, below).

During the stroke, the right hand is locked to the grip, eliminating the twisting that causes missed putts. The right arm has a lever action that works like a piston, back and forth, so it feels as if you're pushing the ball straight to the hole. .Compare that to what happens with a conventional grip: The right hand twists and rotates during the stroke, altering the position of the putterface.

You'll need some practice to get used to the claw, and some guts to try it in competition. But what's uglier? A funny-looking but successful grip, or a string of three-putts?

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