Cross Handed
Cross handed is a grip in which the normally top hand sits below the other hand — almost exclusively used when putting.
With the cross-handed grip, the left hand leads the stroke for right-handers — it sits below the right hand on the grip, thus further down the shaft. In English the technique is therefore also called "Left Hand Low". The purpose: the shoulder axis stays level and quiet, and the wrist of the lead hand breaks down less. Exactly these two movement faults cause most pulled putts. Many players switch to cross handed when short putts no longer feel trustworthy to them.
In practice it is best to try the grip on the practice green. Set up to a putt from two metres, take the left hand down low and move the putter only with your shoulders. The ball should start without any noticeable breaking down of the wrists. Example: you regularly lose short putts to the right because the right hand over-rotates at impact. Cross handed takes that dominance away from it. After ten to twenty balls you will feel whether the putting line becomes steadier.
Typical misconception: cross handed is said to be unorthodox or even impermissible. Neither is true; the rulebook contains no provision on grip position. In the normal swing the grip is theoretically possible too, but practically unusual, because there the hand position provides torque and speed. Anyone who has long played with the classic Vardon grip should approach the change step by step — first with the short putt, then at longer distances.
FAQ
Is the cross-handed grip allowed under the rules of golf?
Yes, the rulebook does not prescribe any grip position. Cross handed is therefore fully within the rules, just like any other grip. Many tour pros also putt with this technique because it keeps the wrist of the lead hand quiet.
When is it worth switching to cross handed?
Above all when your short putts become unreliable because the lower hand over-rotates at impact. Cross handed takes that dominance away from it and lets you move the putter only with your shoulders. Try the grip first on the practice green and switch step by step — first with short putts, then at longer distances.
Can I also play cross handed with the full swing?
Theoretically yes, practically it is unusual there. In the full swing the classic hand position provides torque and clubhead speed, and the swapped hands slow both down. The grip is almost exclusively a putting technique, while in the long game you are better off staying with the proven Vardon grip.