Scottie Scheffler’s Innovative Claw Putting Grip at the Hero World Challenge

Scottie Scheffler, the reigning world number one golfer, made headlines during the Hero World Challenge when he decided to experiment with a new putting grip. This shift from his conventional grip to a variation of the claw, or saw grip, surprised many fans and analysts alike, especially considering the remarkable improvement he had achieved in his putting game over the past year.

Since teaming up with renowned putting coach Phil Kenyon, Scheffler has transformed his putting performance, leading the PGA Tour with an impressive 1.68 putting average. This collaboration has not only enhanced his technique but also significantly increased his strokes gained percentage, rising from -0.301 to 0.095 within just one year. This substantial improvement has translated into seven tournament victories, including another Masters title, marking what many consider his most dominant season since joining the Tour in 2020.

Given his recent success on the greens, one might wonder why Scheffler felt the need to make this switch to a claw grip. In a post-round interview, he candidly explained that his decision was driven by a desire for continuous improvement. “I’m always looking for little ways to improve,” Scheffler stated. He revealed that the idea of trying a claw grip was initially suggested by Kenyon during their first year of working together. Over the past few months, they had been tinkering with the grip, and Scheffler felt that the Hero World Challenge presented an ideal opportunity to put it to the test.

Scheffler noted that he primarily uses the claw grip for shorter putts, particularly within the 15-foot range. “I think that’s where I’m seeing a lot of the benefits of it,” he remarked, highlighting his focus on optimizing his performance in key putting situations.

This innovative approach underscores Scheffler’s commitment to refining his game and exploring new techniques, even when he’s already experiencing significant success. As he continues to push the boundaries of his skillset, golf enthusiasts and aspiring players alike will be eager to see how this experimentation impacts his performance in future tournaments.

In a sport where precision and consistency are paramount, Scheffler’s willingness to adapt and evolve is a testament to his dedication and talent. As the golf season progresses, fans will undoubtedly keep a close eye on how this new grip influences his game and whether it will become a permanent fixture in his putting arsenal.