5 Shocking Ways Scottie Scheffler’s Claw Grip Transformed His Putting (And His Game)
Scottie Scheffler's dominance in professional golf has long been defined by his generational ball-striking, yet a critical weakness—his putting—has consistently held him back from truly rewriting the record books. As of late December 2025, the golf world is buzzing not about another towering iron shot, but about a small, controversial adjustment that has fundamentally altered his game: the adoption of the 'claw grip' on the greens. This technical shift, implemented with the help of a world-class coach, represents a desperate gamble that has paid off in spectacular fashion, turning his biggest liability into a surprising new weapon.
The switch from his long-time conventional grip to the specialized claw technique was a direct response to a glaring statistical deficiency, especially on makeable short putts. The change, first prominently displayed at the Hero World Challenge, was not a minor tweak but a major overhaul designed to eliminate the one variable that plagued his stroke: excessive wrist action. The results are undeniable, providing a blueprint for any amateur or professional seeking to cure their own putting woes and finally unlock their full potential on the PGA Tour.
Scottie Scheffler: A Biographical Profile
Scott Alexander Scheffler’s journey to the pinnacle of world golf is a testament to consistent excellence, culminating in his ascent to the World Number One ranking. His profile provides context for the scale of the putting change he undertook.
- Full Name: Scott Alexander Scheffler
- Born: June 21, 1996
- Birthplace: Ridgewood, New Jersey, U.S.
- Raised In: Dallas, Texas
- High School: Highland Park High School (won individual state golf title)
- College: University of Texas at Austin
- Professional Turn: 2018
- Major Wins: The Masters (2022) and others.
- Current Status: World Number One Golfer (PGA Tour)
- Putting Coach: Phil Kenyon
- Key Weakness (Pre-Claw): Strokes Gained: Putting ranking (ranked 162nd in 2023)
The Anatomy of Scheffler’s Unique Claw Grip Technique
The claw grip is a popular alternative putting technique used by many professionals to stabilize the stroke. However, Scheffler's implementation, guided by renowned putting coach Phil Kenyon, has a unique twist that differentiates it from a standard claw. The core intention is simple: to remove the small, involuntary wrist movements (or 'flips') that can cause the putter face to open or close, leading to missed putts, particularly on short-to-mid range efforts.
The Right Hand: The Classic Claw Position
In a typical conventional grip, the right hand is dominant, often leading to a breakdown in the stroke under pressure. Scheffler's right hand adopts the classic 'claw' configuration. The putter grip rests between the thumb and forefinger, with the rest of the fingers lightly gripping the shaft or simply resting on the side. This setup dramatically minimizes the influence of the right wrist, effectively taking it out of the stroke. The right hand becomes a passive guide rather than an active lever.
The Left Hand: The Unconventional Anchor
While his right hand is in a traditional claw, reports indicate his left hand placement is somewhat unique, though the exact details are a closely guarded secret. What is known is that the grip promotes a setup where the shoulders and chest are the primary drivers of the putting stroke. By engaging the larger muscles of the upper body, the stroke becomes more pendulum-like, ensuring a consistent path and a square putter face at impact. This full-body engagement is the key to his newfound consistency.
The Dual-Grip Strategy
Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of Scheffler’s change is his willingness to use a dual-grip strategy. He does not use the claw grip for every putt. He employs the new technique primarily for shorter putts, specifically those inside the critical 15-foot range where stroke mechanics and face control are paramount. For longer lag putts, where feel and distance control are more important, he reverts to his conventional putting grip. This strategic flexibility allows him to maximize his strengths while mitigating his weaknesses.
The Dramatic Statistical Impact: How the Claw Cured the Yips
The decision to change a putting grip mid-career is usually a sign of desperation, but for Scheffler, it was a calculated move that immediately yielded tangible results. His putting statistics, once a source of frustration, show a dramatic turnaround following the adoption of the claw.
1. Eliminating the Wrist Flip
The primary benefit of the claw grip is the stabilization of the putter face. By neutralizing the right wrist, Scheffler eliminates the chance of the dreaded "wrist flip" or "yips" on short putts. This mechanical correction translates directly into a higher percentage of putts made from 3 to 10 feet, which are the putts that separate contenders from champions. The technique forces a pure, straight-back, straight-through motion driven by the shoulders.
2. The Strokes Gained: Putting Renaissance
Scheffler's Strokes Gained: Putting ranking on the PGA Tour was a significant barrier to more major victories. In 2023, he ranked a disappointing 162nd. Following the grip change, his putting metrics saw a dramatic improvement. While the full season statistics are still compiling, the immediate impact was clear: he was suddenly among the top performers in the field in specific putting categories, with some early season reports even placing him as high as 22nd in Strokes Gained: Putting, a monumental jump.
3. Confidence on Short Putts
The mental side of putting is often more critical than the physical. Scheffler himself noted that he is seeing a lot of the benefits in the "inside 15-foot range." By finding a technique he can trust, the world number one has replaced doubt with conviction. This boost in confidence on crucial par and birdie saves has allowed him to attack the course with his driver and irons even more aggressively, knowing his putter will not betray him.
4. Joining the Elite Claw Fraternity
Scheffler is not alone. By adopting the claw, he joins a growing fraternity of elite golfers who have successfully used the technique to cure their putting woes. Notable names like Justin Rose, Tommy Fleetwood, and Sergio Garcia have all employed variations of the claw or similar alternative grips. This institutional knowledge and proven track record likely gave Scheffler the psychological comfort to commit to the radical change.
5. The Phil Kenyon Factor
The change was not a solo effort. Scheffler began working with renowned putting coach Phil Kenyon, who is credited with helping implement the new technique at the optimal time—the offseason/early season. Kenyon’s expertise in alternative grips and stroke mechanics provided the structure and confidence needed for a player of Scheffler’s caliber to make such a profound change. The collaboration between the world's best ball-striker and a top putting guru has created a terrifying new combination for the rest of the PGA Tour.
What This Means for Scheffler’s Future and the PGA Tour
Scottie Scheffler's adoption of the claw grip is more than just a mechanical adjustment; it is a statement of intent. The world's best ball-striker has successfully addressed his only major weakness. If the improved putting statistics hold up over a full season, the potential for Scheffler to dominate the PGA Tour for years to come is immense. He has already proven he can win majors with a struggling putter; a reliable putter makes him nearly unbeatable.
The success of his change, especially the dual-grip approach, will undoubtedly inspire other professionals and high-level amateurs struggling with their stroke to experiment with the claw and other alternative grips. Scheffler’s willingness to make a radical, yet statistically driven, change underscores the modern professional golfer’s commitment to optimization. The era of Scheffler's complete game may have just begun, all thanks to a simple, unconventional grip that has clawed him back into putting contention.
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