Xander Schauffele is an American professional golfer who has won four times on the PGA Tour and has represented the United States in international competitions. One of the most distinctive features of his game is his putter grip. Schauffele uses a unique grip on his putter that has attracted attention from golf enthusiasts around the world.
Description of Xander Schauffele’s Putter Grip
The grip that Schauffele uses on his putter is known as a “claw grip.” This grip involves placing the left hand low on the grip and the right hand high on the grip, with the right hand’s fingers extended and the palm facing the target. The grip is named for the way it looks, as the right hand resembles a claw when gripping the putter.
Benefits of the Claw Grip
One of the primary benefits of the claw grip is that it can help golfers to square the putter face at impact. By using the right hand to guide the putter, golfers can prevent the putter face from opening or closing during the stroke. Additionally, the claw grip can help to reduce wrist action in the putting stroke, which can lead to a more consistent and repeatable stroke.
Criticism of the Claw Grip
Despite the benefits of the claw grip, some golfers and coaches have criticized it. One common critique is that the grip can feel unnatural or uncomfortable for some golfers, which can make it difficult to use effectively. Additionally, some golfers feel that the claw grip can limit their ability to feel the putter head during the stroke, which can make it more difficult to judge distance and control speed.
Additional Information on Xander Schauffele’s Putter Grip
Xander Schauffele is not the only professional golfer to use the claw grip. Other notable players who have used this grip include Chris DiMarco, who popularized the grip on the PGA Tour in the early 2000s, as well as Sergio Garcia and Justin Rose.
Schauffele himself has stated that he began using the claw grip as a way to improve his putting after struggling with the conventional grip. He has also noted that he makes some modifications to the grip, including using a thicker grip and positioning his hands slightly differently than other players who use the claw grip.
Some golfers who use the claw grip also use a “saw grip,” in which the left hand is also extended with the fingers pointing down the shaft of the putter. This grip is similar to the claw grip but provides even more stability and control for the putting stroke.
While the claw grip may not be suitable for all golfers, it is worth considering as an alternative to the conventional grip. Experimenting with different grips can help golfers to find the one that works best for their individual swing and putting style.
Impact of Xander Schauffele’s Putter Grip on the Golf Industry
Xander Schauffele’s use of the claw grip has generated significant interest in the golf industry, with many golfers and coaches experimenting with the grip as a way to improve their putting. Manufacturers have also taken notice, with some companies offering putter grips specifically designed for the claw grip.
Additionally, the popularity of the claw grip has led to increased discussion about the role of unconventional grips in golf. While the conventional grip has long been considered the standard, the success of players like Schauffele has raised questions about whether other grips might be just as effective, if not more so.
Some experts believe that the use of unconventional grips is part of a broader trend toward more individualized approaches to golf instruction. As golfers seek to maximize their performance on the course, they may be more willing to experiment with different techniques and strategies, including non-traditional grips.
Xander Schauffele’s Putters and Grips
| Putter Model | Grip Model | Length (inches) | Loft (degrees) | Lie Angle (degrees) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scotty Cameron Select Newport 2 | SuperStroke Traxion Pistol GT 1.0 | 35 | 3.5 | 70 |
| TaylorMade Spider Tour Black | Golf Pride Tour SNSR Contour | 34 | 2.5 | 70 |
| Odyssey White Hot Pro 2.0 #7 | SuperStroke Mid Slim 2.0 | 33 | 3 | 71 |
| Ping Vault 2.0 Ketsch | Golf Pride Tour Velvet Cord | 35 | 3 | 70 |
| Bettinardi Studio Stock 28 | SuperStroke Flatso 1.0 | 34 | 2 | 70 |
SuperStroke Traxion Pistol GT 1.0 Putter Grip
| Material | Weight (grams) | Core Size (inches) | Diameter (inches) | Length (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polyurethane | 82 | 0.580 | 1.00 | 10.50 |
Golf Pride Tour SNSR Contour Putter Grip
| Material | Weight (grams) | Core Size (inches) | Diameter (inches) | Length (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rubber | 77 | 0.580 | 1.10 | 10.50 |
SuperStroke Mid Slim 2.0 Putter Grip
| Material | Weight (grams) | Core Size (inches) | Diameter (inches) | Length (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polyurethane | 50 | 0.580 | 1.20 | 10.50 |
Ping Vault 2.0 Ketsch Putter
| Model | Head Weight (grams) | Loft (degrees) | Lie Angle (degrees) | Offset (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ketsch | 365 | 2.5 | 70 | Full Shaft |
Odyssey White Hot Pro 2.0 #7 Putter
| Model | Head Weight (grams) | Loft (degrees) | Lie Angle (degrees) | Offset (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White Hot Pro 2.0 #7 | 350 | 3 | 71 | Full Shaft |
Scotty Cameron Select Newport 2 Putter
| Model | Head Weight (grams) | Loft (degrees) | Lie Angle (degrees) | Offset (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Select Newport 2 | 340 | 3.5 | 70 | Full Shaft |
Bettinardi Studio Stock 28 Putter
| Model | Head Weight (grams) | Loft (degrees) | Lie Angle (degrees) | Offset (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Stock 28 | 358 | 2 | 70 | Full Shaft |
Golf Club Grip Weights
| Grip Model | Weight (grams) |
|---|---|
| SuperStroke Traxion Pistol GT 1.0 | 82 |
| TaylorMade Spider Tour Black | 58 |
| Odyssey White Hot Pro 2.0 #7 | 65 |
| Ping Vault 2.0 Ketsch | 57 |
| Bettinardi Studio Stock 28 | 75 |
Top 10 Golfers Using SuperStroke Traxion Pistol GT 1.0 Putter Grip
| Rank | Golfer | Putter Model |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Xander Schauffele | Scotty Cameron Select Newport 2 |
| 2 | Jordan Spieth | Scotty Cameron Circle T Prototype |
| 3 | Rory McIlroy | TaylorMade Spider X |
| 4 | Dustin Johnson | TaylorMade Spider X |
| 5 | Bryson DeChambeau | SIK Pro-C Armlock |
| 6 | Collin Morikawa | TaylorMade Spider X |
| 7 | Justin Thomas | Scotty Cameron Circle T Prototype |
| 8 | Jon Rahm | TaylorMade Spider X |
| 9 | Brooks Koepka | Scotty Cameron Circle T Prototype |
| 10 | Hideki Matsuyama | Scotty Cameron Select Newport 2 |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Xander Schauffele’s putter grip has had a significant impact on the golf industry, generating interest and discussion about the role of unconventional grips in golf. Whether or not the claw grip is right for every golfer, it is clear that experimenting with different grips can be a valuable way to improve one’s putting performance. By studying successful players like Schauffele and staying open to new ideas and techniques, golfers can continue to push the boundaries of what is possible on the golf course.
