Scottie Scheffler completely changes putting grip at crucial event

Scottie Scheffler, the world number one golfer from the United States, made headlines during the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas following a three-month hiatus from competitive golf. The last time he played was at the Tour Championship at East Lake, where he secured victory. This downtime came after a highly successful season in which he won prestigious titles including the Masters, Arnold Palmer Invitational, and The Players Championship. Seeking to improve his game further, Scheffler introduced a fresh putting technique, specifically a saw/claw grip, which he tested during the tournament. Despite his past struggles with putting, evidenced by his lower ranking in putting strokes gained, Scheffler consistently ranked highly in overall performance metrics, particularly in strokes gained from tee to green and approach. On the first round of the Hero World Challenge, his experimentation yielded promising results, and he finished with an impressive 5-under score, landing just three shots off the lead. In preparation for this technical evolution, Scheffler collaborated with Phil Kenyon, a well-regarded putting coach. They discussed implementing this grip change during their initial meetings and determined that the Hero World Challenge would be ideal for testing new strategies. Scheffler expressed satisfaction with the new grip and noted noticeable improvements in his putting stroke. His commitment to refining his game was evident as he strategically alternated between his traditional grip for longer putts and the new saw/claw grip for shorter distances, demonstrating adaptability under competitive pressure. Additionally, Scheffler continued to utilize a mallet putter, a decision influenced by fellow golfer Rory McIlroy. After McIlroy's suggestion to switch to a mallet putter prior to Scheffler's success at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, he has embraced this change. The move to a mallet putter has not only boosted his performance but also allowed him a greater margin for error during play. Scheffler's ongoing improvements in his technique and equipment choices reflect his dedication to enhancing his performance on the green, highlighting his strategic approach to competitions and setting a standard for other golfers in the field.