Phil Mickelson alters putting grip for 2014 U.S. Open

Phil Mickelson altered his putting grip in last week’s St. Jude Classic and the perennial second-place finisher at the U.S. Open is hoping the change will result in his first win in the U.S. Open.

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Mickelson went back to the claw grip for the final round of the St. Jude Classic after he said would have won the event by eight strokes had he putted “decent” and went on to elaborate why he is keeping the claw grip for the major and the type of effect it will have for him.

“The greens here are quick and so I’m actually going to go back to the claw grip this week in an effort to have a little bit lighter grip pressure and create a softer roll so that I get some of the hit out of it,” said Mickelson. “I was running them way by last week and by taking my bottom hand off the putter, it eliminates some that hit. Allowing me to kind of roll the ball softly into the hole.”

“I should have won that last week by eight shots if I putted worth — decent,” he giggled. “I saw Stockton this morning and really the reason why I went to the claw is that I just have been a little bit too poppy, if you will, I’ve been popping at it. And not making a long kind of smooth, brush stroke. When I take the bottom hand off it allows me to do that.”

Mickelson has never been one to be cautious or play it safe, which is one primary reason why he has been a beloved figure on the PGA Tour over the past two decades, and he’s willing to take the risk if it means having a shot at completing the career Grand Slam.

“This is giving me a chance to put the best roll on the golf ball. If that’s what — if that’s what it takes, I’m willing to take any risk and be accountable either way.”

Mickelson has finished second or tied for second at the U.S. Open in 1999, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2009 and 2013.

If he wins at Pinehurst this weekend, the change back to the claw grip could be a permanent one.

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