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Did Jack Nicklaus play with an open stance?

Author

Emily Sparks

Published Jan 19, 2026

Jack Nicklaus is perhaps the best example of the efficacy of the open stance with a neutral grip. Mr. Nicklaus played the ball forward in his stance, producing a very vertical plane and a ball flight that was called a fade, but would drift to the right – almost imperceptibly, as it fell to the ground.

Did Jack Nicklaus have an open stance?

Many famous golfers, such as Ben Hogan, Fred Couples and Jack Nicklaus, favored an open stance throughout their careers.

Is it OK to play golf with an open stance?

Putting with an open stance makes alignment much easier, and it allows you to have a better line to your target. Some golfers will not only set up with an open stance, but they will also look at the hole while they are putting. This method of putting has become quite popular through the years, and it is very effective.

What type of grip does Jack Nicklaus use?

JACK SAYS: I've always used an interlocking grip.

Who putts with an open stance?

There are a few notable golfers that used and popularized the open stance putting technique–Jack Niklaus is probably the most well-known. Niklaus used this stance as it not only helped him visualize the line of putt better, but it also allowed him to hit the ball with a bit more loft.

17 related questions found

Is Tiger Woods putting stance open?

Using an open putting stance is not particularly conventional in the modern game of golf. Today's best putters, such as Tiger Woods, tend to use a more standard stance where they set up parallel to the target with their feet.

Is there an illegal putting stance?

The USGA and the R&A took notice and, effective January 1, 1968, introduced Rule 35-1L (now Rule16-1e) that stated “The player shall not make a stroke on the putting green from a stance astride, or with either foot touching, the line of the putt or an extension of that line behind the ball.”

Can your golf grip be too strong?

One of the most obvious and immediate results of a bottom-hand grip that is too strong is a low, quick hook, also called a “quacker.” If you're not getting the ball in the air very much and it's diving low and to left, there's a good chance that your right hand has turned too far under the club.

Is the interlocking grip better?

You need to pick a grip that ensures that you can release the golf club and stay connected throughout your entire swing. Although it is recommended that people with larger hands use the overlap and those with smaller hands use the interlock, there is no way to say that one is better than the other.

Should you grip golf club tight?

You should be holding the golf club with the same pressure you would hold a small bird: tight enough so it doesn't fly away, but soft enough so you don't crush it. You don't want to choke your club to death.

What pro golfers use a closed stance?

Arnold Palmer and Sam Snead both set up with a closed stance, and a golfer electing to play this way would be in good company! They are two of the most winning golfers in PGA history! The point is, no one stance is the right stance in golf, and golfers should test them all to find the best one suited to their swing.

Is an open stance good for seniors?

Golfers of all ages should hit chip shots from an open stance because it makes the job of getting the ball up into the air much easier. When you chip with your feet open to the target, the club will swing through the ball on a slightly outside-in path – which is perfect.

Is a closed stance good in golf?

The closed stance can help golfers that struggle to release the ball actually turn it over as they come through impact. In addition, the closed stance can also lower the ball flight. If the ball flight is a bit lower, you will also sometimes get some extra spin.

Can you hit a draw with a neutral grip?

In general, we recommend having a neutral grip (not strong or weak) so that you can hit both types of shots. Plus, when you have a neutral grip, it makes it easier to shallow the golf club and attack the ball from the inside swing path. Your path plays a huge role in pulling off a draw shot.

Does Fred Couples have an open stance?

One of the distinguishing characteristics of Couples' swing is his open stance. As a right handed golfer, Freddy aims his feet and shoulders to the left of the target for most shots.

Do any pros use a 10 finger grip?

Scott Piercy is one of a handful of players on the PGA Tour with a 10-finger grip. In fact, since Bob Estes went to something else a few years back, Piercy is the only guy that I know of who still uses it. Most players either use an interlock grip or the overlap grip.

What is Tiger Woods golf grip?

Tiger Woods doesn't necessarily have small hands, but he also uses the interlocking grip. Nicklaus was Woods' idol when he was a kid, so that's why he started using the interlocking grip.

Why do golfers link fingers?

1. It locks the hands and wrists together – With the interlocking grip, both hands effectively act as one fluid unit. This gives you much better control without having to think much about what your wrists are doing.

What is the invisible knuckle rule?

A sure sign that you have this fault is a wear mark on your glove at the heel of your hand. To improve your grip, adjust your left hand until you can see two knuckles at address. If you see only one knuckle, your grip is too weak. If you see three or four, you've overcooked it.

What grip does Bubba Watson use?

Watson uses a Ping Gold grip, which is 1/32″ larger than a standard-sized grip. When he re-grips Watson's clubs, Udd cuts the old grips off carefully so he doesn't damage the tape underneath.

Is croquet style putting legal in golf?

Putting croquet style is illegal UNLESS you're off the putting surface. From the fringe, you are allowed to straddle the ball and put croquet style, like ol' Sam Snead did briefly before it was banned and trust me, croquet-style putting is scary-easy.

Can you putt between your legs?

In 1968, it was deemed illegal to putt between your legs. Golfer Tim Clark (in blue) uses an anchored putter during U.S. Open practice on Wednesday. The technique is to be banned starting 2016.

Can you change balls to putt?

You can also substitute a different ball any time you are taking relief, including both free and penalty relief. Unless the one-ball Local Rule is in effect, the substituted ball could be any brand. On the putting green however, when you mark and lift your ball, you must replace that same ball to finish out the hole.