If you’ve walked through a golf shop recently, you’ve probably noticed something interesting in the putter section. Some putters still have the traditional thin grips that golfers used for decades, while others have massive oversized grips that almost look like they belong on a bike handle.

So which one is actually better?

The answer is that both can work extremely well, but they tend to encourage different types of putting strokes. Understanding how each grip style affects your hands, wrists, and overall stroke can help you decide which one is right for you.

Traditional, thinner putter grips were the standard for most of golf’s history. They allow your fingers to wrap around the grip more completely, which gives many players a better sense of feel for the putter head during the stroke. Golfers who rely on touch and rhythm often prefer this style because it helps them judge distance and control speed on the greens.

Another advantage of a thinner grip is that it allows the putter face to release more naturally. Because your wrists and hands have more freedom to move, the putter can rotate through impact the way it naturally wants to. For players who already have a smooth, repeatable stroke, this added feel can be a big advantage.

The downside is that the same freedom in your hands can sometimes create problems. If your wrists get too active during the stroke, it can lead to pulls, pushes, or inconsistent contact. Players who struggle with excessive hand movement often find themselves fighting the putter face through impact.

That’s one of the reasons oversized putter grips have become so popular in the past decade, including on professional tours. Larger grips are designed to quiet the hands and encourage a more shoulder-driven stroke. Because the grip is thicker, it becomes harder to manipulate the putter with your wrists. Instead, the stroke tends to feel more like a pendulum motion powered by your shoulders.

Many golfers find that this added stability helps them keep the putter face square through impact. It can also be especially helpful for players who feel like their hands get twitchy under pressure. If you’ve ever struggled with the dreaded “yips” or inconsistent face control, a larger grip can sometimes make the stroke feel much more stable.

Of course, there is a tradeoff. Some players feel like they lose a bit of touch when they switch to a much thicker grip, especially on longer putts where distance control becomes critical. The putter can feel slightly more disconnected from your hands until you get used to the change.

So how do you decide which one is right for you?

In general, golfers who like a lot of feel and natural release in their stroke tend to prefer thinner grips. On the other hand, players who want to reduce wrist action and simplify the stroke often benefit from something larger.

If you’re not sure which category you fall into, the easiest way to find out is to test both. Try hitting a series of putts from the same distance with a traditional grip and then with an oversized grip. Pay attention to how stable the putter face feels and how easy it is to control distance.

Very often, one option will start to feel noticeably more comfortable after just a few minutes.

At the end of the day, the best putter grip is simply the one that helps you start the ball on your intended line and control your speed consistently. Thin grips tend to favor feel and touch, while thicker grips emphasize stability and reduced wrist action.

Neither style is universally better, but finding the one that matches your stroke can make putting feel a whole lot easier.