If you spend any time on a golf practice green, you’ll notice that golfers now have a huge choice of putter grips.
You are no longer limited to the grip supplied by the putter manufacturer, and changing your grip can be a relatively inexpensive way of changing the feel and performance of your putter.
I decided to try a Flat Cat putter grip on my Scotty Cameron Phantom X after changing to a claw putting grip. I had been experimenting with different putters and grips for years, so I wanted to see whether the Flat Cat could actually make a difference.
This is my personal experience after using it on the course.
Why Did I Try a Flat Cat Putter Grip?
I changed my putting grip to the claw method because I was struggling to consistently get the putter face square at impact.
I wanted something that would give me a more stable grip and reduce the amount of wrist movement in my putting stroke.
The Flat Cat appealed to me because of its unusual shape and larger profile.
Rather than the traditional rounded pistol-style grip, the Flat Cat has flatter sides that give you a very different feeling in your hands.
Which Flat Cat Grip Did I Use?
I used the Flat Cat Svelte, which is a mid-size grip.
I had it fitted to my Scotty Cameron Phantom X and installed it in the orientation that suited my claw putting grip.
The grip is noticeably larger than the standard pistol grip that I had previously been using.
What Does the Flat Cat Grip Look Like?
The first thing you notice is the shape.
The grip has a distinctive, almost rectangular profile, with flatter sides rather than the rounded feel of a conventional putter grip.
I also liked the appearance of the grip. The bright colour makes it stand out and gives the putter a different look.
The material feels soft and slightly spongy, while still providing plenty of grip.
For me, it scored highly on both appearance and comfort.
How Does the Flat Cat Putter Grip Perform?
This is where things became interesting.
Because I was using the claw method, I wanted a grip that would help me control the putter without relying so heavily on my wrists.
The larger profile helped me feel as though I could control the putter more easily.
The flat sides also gave me a more consistent hand position.
For my putting stroke, this resulted in a little more control through impact and made the grip feel comfortable.
I’m not saying it magically made me hole every putt — unfortunately, the person holding the putter is still the biggest problem!
But I did like the way it changed the feel of the stroke.
Can a Flat Cat Grip Help With the Yips?
I haven’t personally suffered from the putting yips, so I can’t claim that the Flat Cat cured them.
However, I can understand why a larger, more stable grip could appeal to someone who struggles with excessive wrist movement.
The flatter shape and larger profile can encourage you to use less wrist action and make the stroke feel more controlled.
If you’re struggling with your putting stroke, it could therefore be worth experimenting with a larger putter grip.
What Is the Flat Cat Grip Made From?
One of the things I liked about the grip was the material.
It has a tacky feel, which I found particularly useful when playing without a golf glove.
That extra grip can also be useful in warm, humid or wet conditions when your hands might otherwise become slippery.
What Didn’t I Like About the Flat Cat?
There is one important consideration.
If you like experimenting with different putting grips and hand positions, the Flat Cat may not be ideal.
The way the grip is installed means that its shape naturally encourages a particular hand position.
For my claw putting style, that was exactly what I wanted.
But if you regularly switch between a conventional grip, claw grip or other putting styles, you may prefer something more neutral.
I also haven’t used the Flat Cat extensively in a conventional putting grip, so I wouldn’t pretend to have tested something I haven’t.
For a conventional putting grip, I personally prefer the feel of some of the SuperStroke options.
What Do Other Golfers Think?
As with any golf equipment, putting grips are very personal.
Some golfers love the increased stability and comfort of larger grips, while others prefer the feel and feedback of a traditional pistol-style grip.
That’s why I would always recommend considering how you actually hold your putter before choosing a replacement grip.
A grip that works brilliantly for one golfer might feel completely wrong to another.
Is a Flat Cat Putter Grip Worth It?
For me, yes — particularly if you use a claw putting grip or want to reduce wrist movement during your stroke.
I liked the shape, the feel and the additional control it gave me.
It also costs considerably less than buying a new putter, so changing the grip can be an interesting and relatively inexpensive experiment.
Would I say it will automatically make you hole more putts?
No.
My honest experience was that I didn’t suddenly start making everything.
But I did feel that I had better control of the putter, and that’s enough for me to consider the Flat Cat a worthwhile piece of equipment.
My Verdict
For claw putting: Highly recommended.
For golfers wanting a larger, more stable grip: Worth trying.
For golfers who frequently change their putting grip: Think carefully before fitting one.
The Flat Cat isn’t going to fix your putting on its own, but if you’re looking for a different feel or trying to take some of the wrist action out of your stroke, it is certainly worth considering.
And if your putting isn’t improving afterwards, you can always blame the golfer rather than the grip!